The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a premium smartphone that captivates with its mix of retro aesthetics and cutting-edge camera capabilities. Inspired by classic camera designs, the black model paired with its optional camera kit evokes the spirit of legendary German cameras. Despite its high-end appeal, the faux leather back might not visually impress but feels good to touch. A multi-functional slider for quick camera access and a two-stage camera button highlight the phone’s strong focus on photography. Adding to its robust design, the phone boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.
In terms of connectivity, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is future-ready with Wi-Fi 7, 5G support, and dual nano SIM slots, though it lacks eSIM capability. Call quality is generally reliable; however, noise cancellation can struggle amidst loud environments. Security features include a swift under-display fingerprint sensor, but facial recognition via the under-display front camera isn’t as dependable in low-light situations. The phone’s vibration motor provides precise tactile feedback.
Running on an Android-based interface, the Nubia Z70S Ultra promises three years of updates, though it’s uncertain whether this covers major Android versions. Unfortunately, the brand misses the mark on sustainable packaging, opting for predominantly plastic materials.
The camera is where the Z70S Ultra truly shines, featuring a powerful triple-camera setup. The nearly invisible under-display front camera is less impressive, often producing over-sharpened and washed-out images. Yet, the rear cameras excel, thanks to the new OmniVision main sensor and improved optical image stabilization, delivering excellent photos in various lighting conditions. Video recording is impressive, supporting 8K at 30fps or 4K up to 120fps, with steady image stabilization available up to 4K60.
The smartphone boasts a vibrant 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a peak HDR brightness of 1,869 nits and a 144Hz refresh rate. Although it isn’t an LTPO panel, the display maintains high quality with minimal flicker due to its PWM dimming frequency of up to 2160 Hz.
Under the hood, a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM ensures strong performance, though benchmark results indicate slight thermal management issues, with surface temperatures reaching up to 54°C during stress tests. On the plus side, the phone features a robust 6,600mAh battery, offering satisfactory battery life, even if not quite meeting expectations. The audio quality is decent but can sound hollow at higher volumes.
Overall, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is tailored for camera enthusiasts with a penchant for distinct design and advanced connectivity. While it has some thermal performance drawbacks and lacks environmental initiatives, it remains a compelling choice for those focused on photography.
