Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version in review - A hot deal beyond the price
Let it burn!
Even though the Nubia Z60 Ultra is still relatively new, an improved version is already being reissued. Due to Nubia's primary focus on improving the device with a speedier SoC and a new camera sensor, the two models are very identical in terms of design. Check out the review to see if these changes have improved the already excellent budget flagship.Daniel Schmidt, 👁 Daniel Schmidt (translated by Carmen Pol) Published 🇩🇪 🇷🇺 ...
Possible competitors compared
Bewertung | Datum | Modell | Gewicht | Laufwerk | Groesse | Aufloesung | Preis ab | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81.6 % | v8 | 10 / 2024 | Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version SD 8 Gen 3, Adreno 750 | 246 g | 256 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 6.80" | 2480x1116 | |
| 90.6 % v7 (old) | v7 (old) | 05 / 2024 | Honor Magic6 Pro SD 8 Gen 3, Adreno 750 | 229 g | 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 6.80" | 2800x1280 | |
| 91.1 % v7 (old) | v7 (old) | 05 / 2024 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra SD 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, Adreno 750 | 232 g | 256 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 6.80" | 3120x1440 | |
| 88.1 % | v8 | 06 / 2024 | OnePlus 12 SD 8 Gen 3, Adreno 750 | 220 g | 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 6.82" | 3168x1440 |
Note: We have recently updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7. More information is available here.
Case and features - Leading Version uses Longxi glass
The Nubia Z60 Ultra's flagship model has a sharp, angular design, featuring a striking camera setup on the back. Nonetheless, it’s easy to tell apart from its predecessor thanks to a redesigned rear panel. Weighing in at 246 grams, it's on the heavier side, but still feels well-balanced in hand, avoiding any top-heavy discomfort. With a matte aluminum frame and a bold marble finish on the back, fingerprints are hardly noticeable.
We really like the build quality of the Z60 Ultra. There is no creaking or wobbling, and everything feels tight and secure. The gaps are exact and constant, and the front is covered by Longxi Durable glass. It's also IP68-rated, which means it's dustproof and waterproof.
The Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version comes in silver or black, and is available globally in the following configurations:
| RAM and storage | Price (RRP) |
|---|---|
| 8/256 GB | $US609 |
| 12/256 GB | $US659 |
| 16/512 GB | $US739 |
| 16/1,024 GB | $US839 |
The rest of the features are identical to those found in the Nubia Z60 Ultra.
Communication and Software - Z60 Ultra provides only three years of updates
The Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version includes Google Android 14 and the MyOS 14 user interface. The security fixes were quite current at the time of testing, as of August 1, 2024. However, Nubia only provides this smartphone with one major OS upgrade and three years of security updates.
It supports 5G and Wi-Fi 7, covering a wide range of frequency bands and delivering stable, fast Wi-Fi speeds. The smartphone supports two nano-SIMs but not eSIM. Features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are covered, and the voice quality is solid when the device is held to the ear, though loud environments can reduce clarity.
For biometric security, the Z60 Ultra includes an optical fingerprint sensor embedded in the display, which works reliably and quickly. Additionally, facial recognition via the front camera is available as an alternative. The linear vibration motor offers crisp feedback while staying pleasantly quiet. The return of the customizable slide switch is another welcome feature.
| Networking | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Honor Magic6 Pro | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| OnePlus 12 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
Sustainability - Limited improvements
The Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version does not come with extended support for updates, and its outer packaging is entirely wrapped in plastic foil upon delivery. Inside the box, plastic is also used.
Nubia has not shared any information regarding the use of recycled materials or the recyclability of the product. Additionally, there is no sustainability report or CO2 footprint disclosure for the smartphone.
Since Nubia does not supply repair instructions or interchangeable parts for sale, the Z60 Ultra is not intended for user repairs.
Cameras - Z60 Ultra Leading Version uses a Sony IMX906
The camera setup on the Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version is nearly identical to its predecessor, with the key difference being the inclusion of a new sensor for the main camera. Nubia has kept the 35mm focal length, which is uncommon for a smartphone, but we don’t consider it a drawback. The new IMX906 sensor, however, provides a noticeable improvement, allowing the Z60 Ultra to capture high-quality images.
With the option to choose between 18mm and 24mm, the ultra-wide angle lens now offers greater versatility without sacrificing image quality. Videos can be recorded in 8K (30 FPS) or Ultra HD (120 FPS), making the device capable of capturing impressive footage. While the front camera is cleverly hidden beneath the display, offering a sleek look, there is still room for improvement in terms of image quality.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
HauptkameraHauptkameraUltraweitwinkel5-facher ZoomLow-Light
Display - Uninterrupted OLED with up to 1,200 cd/m²
The display of the Leading Version is identical to that of the standard Nubia Z60 Ultra, according to the specs. The peak brightness reaches 1,202 cd/m² (APL18) or 1,212 cd/m² (HDR video), which is decent, but it falls short compared to other high-end smartphones, which can achieve at least twice the brightness. The minimum brightness could also be slightly lower.
Under the oscilloscope, the OLED panel flickers at a steady 60 Hz, showing an extremely uniform amplitude curve. Nubia claims the display uses PWM dimming with up to 2,160 Hz, and our manual measurements largely confirm this. At minimum brightness, we detect a 2,000 Hz flicker rate.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 1003 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.4 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 2.4 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
99.6% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.22
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version AMOLED, 2480x1116, 6.8" | Honor Magic6 Pro OLED, 2800x1280, 6.8" | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120x1440, 6.8" | OnePlus 12 AMOLED, 3168x1440, 6.8" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | 132% | 117% | -389% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 0.99 ? | 1.51 ? -53% | 3.8 ? -284% | 1.01 ? -2% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 0.85 ? | 1.28 ? -51% | 1.41 ? -66% | 11.6 ? -1265% |
| PWM Frequency | 60 | 360 500% | 480 700% | 120 100% |
| Screen | 9% | -26% | 1% | |
| Brightness middle | 1003 | 1575 57% | 1317 31% | 1026 2% |
| Brightness | 997 | 1508 51% | 1365 37% | 991 -1% |
| Brightness Distribution | 97 | 89 -8% | 94 -3% | 91 -6% |
| Black Level * | ||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.4 | 1.7 -21% | 3.4 -143% | 1.19 15% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.1 | 3.9 -26% | 5 -61% | 3.3 -6% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.4 | 2.4 -0% | 2.8 -17% | 2.4 -0% |
| Gamma | 2.22 99% | 2.22 99% | 2 110% | 2.24 98% |
| CCT | 6119 106% | 6398 102% | 6458 101% | 6920 94% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 99.5 | |||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 71% /
50% | 46% /
22% | -194% /
-129% |
* ... smaller is better
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0.85 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.4295 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.424 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 1 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 0.99 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.4855 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.4995 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 2 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz Amplitude: 16.9 % Secondary Frequency: 2000 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Measurement series at a fixed zoom level and various brightness settings (Although the amplitude at minimum brightness looks flat, this is due to the scaling. You can see the enlarged version of the amplitude at minimum brightness in the info box.)
Performance, emissions and battery life - Really hot
The Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in a "leading" version, which stands out thanks to its enhanced performance. The prime core clocks in at 3.4 GHz, offering a 100 MHz boost compared to the standard model, likely mirroring the performance seen in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. The Adreno 750 GPU also benefits from a slightly higher core clock.
However, benchmarks reveal that the Nubia smartphone struggles with heat management more than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and in some cases, it performs slower than its predecessor. The most noticeable issue is the significant heat buildup during stress tests, where we recorded temperatures as high as 145.76 °C—far too hot, especially since condensation even formed inside the camera module, though it eventually disappeared. Software throttling is required to manage the heat, but during everyday use, we didn’t observe any major performance issues or lasting damage from this excessive heat.
The 6,000 mAh battery of the Leading Version allows for enormously long battery runtimes.
| Geekbench AI | |
| Single Precision TensorFlow NNAPI | |
| Average of class Smartphone (191 - 4619, n=35, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus 12 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (243 - 489, n=7) | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | |
| Half Precision TensorFlow NNAPI | |
| Average of class Smartphone (192 - 32432, n=35, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus 12 | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (227 - 498, n=7) | |
| Quantized TensorFlow NNAPI | |
| Average of class Smartphone (118 - 44657, n=35, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus 12 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (508 - 1128, n=7) | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | Honor Magic6 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | OnePlus 12 | Average 256 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -1% | -33% | -8% | -21% | -52% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB | 3995.95 | 3923.31 -2% | 3610.25 -10% | 3297.57 -17% | 3608 ? -10% | 1859 ? -53% |
| Sequential Write 256KB | 3065.04 | 3678.35 20% | 1893.63 -38% | 3246.21 6% | 2530 ? -17% | 1445 ? -53% |
| Random Read 4KB | 483.2 | 415.68 -14% | 437.12 -10% | 438.5 -9% | 406 ? -16% | 278 ? -42% |
| Random Write 4KB | 729.58 | 678.39 -7% | 181.55 -75% | 652.8 -11% | 421 ? -42% | 310 ? -58% |
Temperature
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 63.2 °C / 146 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.7 °C for the class Smartphone.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 55.6 °C / 132 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Stress test
Speakers
Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (91.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 18.9% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 10% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 15% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 77% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 36% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 56% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
OnePlus 12 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 17.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.5% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (2.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (12.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 0% of all tested devices in this class were better, 0% similar, 99% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 9% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 88% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Runtimes
| Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing | |
| Honor Magic6 Pro | |
| Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version | |
| OnePlus 12 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
| Average of class Smartphone (476 - 3244, n=204, last 2 years) | |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - The Leading Version doesn't always have it better
The most notable innovation in the Leading Version of the Z60 Ultra is the new sensor for the main camera, which elevates it to a whole new level and is also featured in the Z60S Pro. During testing, the battery life is remarkable and the display remained stable.
With its upgraded camera and competitive price, the Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version presents itself as an attractive alternative, but it does have a significant drawback — it can get extremely hot.
While the new SoC is advertised as faster, the Nubia smartphone doesn't fully take advantage of this. In some cases, it's even slower than the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Nubia still hasn't managed to fully address the additional heat, and software throttling will likely need to kick in sooner in some scenarios. The update support is also notably limited.
For those seeking a similar camera experience but with fewer compromises, the Z60S Pro offers the same main camera, though with a less flexible setup. Alternatively, the Galaxy S24 serves as a more compact option.
Price and availability
Note: We have recently updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7. More information is available here.
Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version
- 10/09/2024 v8
Daniel Schmidt
Total Sustainability Score: 
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
This is how Notebookcheck is testing
Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
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