Nubia Z80 Ultra
Pros
+ Immersive notch-free AMOLED display
+ Class-leading Snapdragon performance
+ Huge 7200 mAh battery
+ Great value flagship pricing
+ Unique 35mm camera optics
+ Strong gaming-oriented features
+ Decent rear camera quality
+ Wireless fast charging support
Cons
- Poor under-display selfie camera
- Camera processing behind rivals
- Nubia UI feels unfinished
- Device heats up under load
- Design needs further refinement
- Limited regional availability
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is a distinctive Android flagship that pairs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a 6.85‑inch 144 Hz AMOLED panel, large 7200 mAh battery and generous storage options up to 1 TB. Reviewers consistently praise its raw performance, long battery life, and unobstructed display, making it especially appealing to mobile gamers and power users seeking maximum value below traditional flagship prices. Its triple rear camera system, centered around a 35mm main lens and supported by telephoto and ultrawide modules, delivers solid stills and noticeably improved video, though image processing and low-light performance lag behind top-tier rivals. The under-display selfie camera is widely criticized as weak, and Nubia’s custom UI draws complaints for being clunky, stripped-back, or in need of refinement compared with mainstream Android skins. Thermals can become an issue, with the phone getting hot and throttling under sustained heavy load, and the design, while eye-catching, is considered an incremental step over the Z70 Ultra. Overall, the Z80 Ultra earns ratings around 78–82% and is recommended as a powerful, good-value alternative flagship, but not a must-upgrade for Z70 owners or users who prioritize polished software and selfie quality.
Specifications
Nubia Z80 Ultra
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 8 x 3.6 - 4.6 GHz
Graphics adapter
Display
6.85 inch 20:9, 2688 x 1216 pixel 431 PPI, Capacitive, AMOLED, glossy: yes, 144 Hz
Storage
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Connections
USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 Infrared, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz be = Wi-Fi 7), Bluetooth 6.0, GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, 5G, Dual SIM, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.6 x 164.5 x 77.2 ( = 0.34 x 6.48 x 3.04 in)
Battery
7200 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Android 16
Camera
Primary Camera: 50 MPix (f/1.7, 35mm) + 64MP (2.7x optical zoom, f/2.5, 70mm) + 50MP (f/1.8, 18mm)
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix (f/2.0, 24mm)
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix (f/2.0, 24mm)
Additional features
Keyboard: OnScreen
Weight
227 g ( = 8.01 oz / 0.5 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price comparison
Average Score:
Average of 5 scores (from 8 reviews)
Average of 5 scores (from 8 reviews)
price: 80%, performance: 81%, features: - %, display: 80% mobility: 100%, workmanship: 70%, ergonomy: 70%, emissions: - %
Reviews for the Nubia Z80 Ultra
nubia Z80 Ultra review
Source: GSM Arena
We're never really sure what to make of the nubia Ultras. They make bold claims for camera greatness, but deliver only partially, and we wouldn't say we've been seeing a whole lot of groundbreaking improvements in that area. That said, this time we're getting nicer-than-usual video and the tri-set of rear cameras has no major flaws (well, other than the regular nubia camera UI oddities), now that the ultrawide is back on the right track. We know not to expect a lot from the underdisplay selfie camera, sure, but that doesn't negate the fact that the Z80 Ultra is no good for selfies - do keep that in mind. The Z80 Ultra does bring some tangible non-camera-related improvements, like the brighter (if not quite HDR-friendly) display, excellent battery life, and the expected performance bump.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2025
Rating: Total score: 82%
Source: GSM Arena
We're never really sure what to make of the nubia Ultras. They make bold claims for camera greatness, but deliver only partially, and we wouldn't say we've been seeing a whole lot of groundbreaking improvements in that area. That said, this time we're getting nicer-than-usual video and the tri-set of rear cameras has no major flaws (well, other than the regular nubia camera UI oddities), now that the ultrawide is back on the right track. We know not to expect a lot from the underdisplay selfie camera, sure, but that doesn't negate the fact that the Z80 Ultra is no good for selfies - do keep that in mind. The Z80 Ultra does bring some tangible non-camera-related improvements, like the brighter (if not quite HDR-friendly) display, excellent battery life, and the expected performance bump.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2025
Rating: Total score: 82%
Nubia Z80 Ultra review: incredible value
Source: Digital Camera World
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is astonishingly good value. It's amazing that just $649 / £579 can get you the latest Snapdragon chip, a huge battery, speedy wired and wireless charging, and such good camera specifications. However, it's important to consider the downsides, too. The software is a bit rough around the edges, and the support terms are unimpressive. Images from the selfie camera look awful, and the image processing as a whole is very hit and miss. That said, if you're equal parts gamer and photographer, no one is coming close to offering you this much. Especially considering the price. For the right person, this phone is a great buy.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/10/2025
Source: Digital Camera World
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is astonishingly good value. It's amazing that just $649 / £579 can get you the latest Snapdragon chip, a huge battery, speedy wired and wireless charging, and such good camera specifications. However, it's important to consider the downsides, too. The software is a bit rough around the edges, and the support terms are unimpressive. Images from the selfie camera look awful, and the image processing as a whole is very hit and miss. That said, if you're equal parts gamer and photographer, no one is coming close to offering you this much. Especially considering the price. For the right person, this phone is a great buy.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/10/2025
Nubia Z80 Ultra review: I’m a big fan of this left-field flagship’s unusual camera setup
Source: Stuff TV
It does things a little differently to the tech trendsetters, but the Nubia Z80 Ultra keeps pace on the hardware side, and puts pretty much every recent rival to shame on value. The firm may not have a huge presence in the West, but that just makes it more of a hidden gem. The unobstructed display and top-tier chipset make it a fantastic choice for mobile gamers wanting maximum bang per buck, and the colossal battery provides epic endurance. Camera image processing is a step behind bigger names, particularly in low light, but the unique 35mm focal length and physical shutter button make it a street photography star. Ultrawide improvements, a generational performance jump and the bigger battery probably won’t see Z70 Ultra owners rushing to upgrade. Anyone used to a full ecosystem of apps will also find the software a bit too stripped-back, and selfies are still a weak point. But those are trade-offs bargain hunters should be happy to make.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV
It does things a little differently to the tech trendsetters, but the Nubia Z80 Ultra keeps pace on the hardware side, and puts pretty much every recent rival to shame on value. The firm may not have a huge presence in the West, but that just makes it more of a hidden gem. The unobstructed display and top-tier chipset make it a fantastic choice for mobile gamers wanting maximum bang per buck, and the colossal battery provides epic endurance. Camera image processing is a step behind bigger names, particularly in low light, but the unique 35mm focal length and physical shutter button make it a street photography star. Ultrawide improvements, a generational performance jump and the bigger battery probably won’t see Z70 Ultra owners rushing to upgrade. Anyone used to a full ecosystem of apps will also find the software a bit too stripped-back, and selfies are still a weak point. But those are trade-offs bargain hunters should be happy to make.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Nubia Z80 Ultra review: Incredible performance, but at what cost?
Source: Tech Advisor
Nubia has cranked up everything that made the Z70 Ultra so impressive, with class-leading performance and an ostensibly flagship-level spec list at an even cheaper mid-range price. For anyone looking for the best performance possible in the sub-£600 category, there isn’t a phone to touch it at the time of writing. An enormous battery and impressive charging – now also in wireless form – help the Z80 Ultra to punch well above its weight. Don’t think that you’re actually getting a true ‘Ultra’ experience, however. The design needs further refinement, while the camera system isn’t quite as pro-level as it initially seems to be, with variable quality and a clunky UI. The selfie camera is downright terrible, too. Meanwhile, Nubia’s custom UI continues to require attention – or better yet, scrapping – in favour of a purer brand of Android. But if you have your sights set on raw power at a bargain price, this could be your next phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tech Advisor
Nubia has cranked up everything that made the Z70 Ultra so impressive, with class-leading performance and an ostensibly flagship-level spec list at an even cheaper mid-range price. For anyone looking for the best performance possible in the sub-£600 category, there isn’t a phone to touch it at the time of writing. An enormous battery and impressive charging – now also in wireless form – help the Z80 Ultra to punch well above its weight. Don’t think that you’re actually getting a true ‘Ultra’ experience, however. The design needs further refinement, while the camera system isn’t quite as pro-level as it initially seems to be, with variable quality and a clunky UI. The selfie camera is downright terrible, too. Meanwhile, Nubia’s custom UI continues to require attention – or better yet, scrapping – in favour of a purer brand of Android. But if you have your sights set on raw power at a bargain price, this could be your next phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 70%
Nubia Z80 Ultra Review
Source: Trusted Reviews
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is a powerhouse device in every sense of the word. Solid construction, a gorgeous display, blazing fast speeds, and a camera that hits all the right notes make it a phone well worth the price. It’s just a shame it continues to be difficult to make the most of its gorgeous display. But will recent adopters of the Z70 Ultra be compelled to upgrade? With mobile performance being perfectly fine for years now, and the camera system being strikingly similar to last year’s model, there isn’t a huge reason to make the switch. It’s marginally powerful, but it hardly matters. Sticking to the £709 price for the mid-range SKU while boosting performance, battery life, and recharge potential is how the Nubia Z80 Ultra secures itself as a must-have, just maybe not for those who bought in last year. For anyone else looking for a big screen device that’s packing peak performance and a stellar camera, it’s a steal.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Trusted Reviews
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is a powerhouse device in every sense of the word. Solid construction, a gorgeous display, blazing fast speeds, and a camera that hits all the right notes make it a phone well worth the price. It’s just a shame it continues to be difficult to make the most of its gorgeous display. But will recent adopters of the Z70 Ultra be compelled to upgrade? With mobile performance being perfectly fine for years now, and the camera system being strikingly similar to last year’s model, there isn’t a huge reason to make the switch. It’s marginally powerful, but it hardly matters. Sticking to the £709 price for the mid-range SKU while boosting performance, battery life, and recharge potential is how the Nubia Z80 Ultra secures itself as a must-have, just maybe not for those who bought in last year. For anyone else looking for a big screen device that’s packing peak performance and a stellar camera, it’s a steal.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Nubia Z80 Ultra review: Getting better, still not quite there
Source: Phone Arena
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is one of your cheapest routes to owning a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phone. But it's not just that. The design is pretty unique and will turn heads, for sure, the battery life is amazing, and the camera system is pretty decent, too. On the downside, the phone gets quite hot under load and the performance drops significantly, and even though the camera system is decent, it's still far from other camera phones on the market. So, should you spend $729 on this interesting flagship? If you want something fresh and you're fed up with what Apple, Samsung, and Google are dishing out, the Nubia Z80 Ultra can be a great alternative. If you prefer to play it safe, you should look elsewhere.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 82% display: 80% mobility: 100% workmanship: 70%
Source: Phone Arena
The Nubia Z80 Ultra is one of your cheapest routes to owning a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phone. But it's not just that. The design is pretty unique and will turn heads, for sure, the battery life is amazing, and the camera system is pretty decent, too. On the downside, the phone gets quite hot under load and the performance drops significantly, and even though the camera system is decent, it's still far from other camera phones on the market. So, should you spend $729 on this interesting flagship? If you want something fresh and you're fed up with what Apple, Samsung, and Google are dishing out, the Nubia Z80 Ultra can be a great alternative. If you prefer to play it safe, you should look elsewhere.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 82% display: 80% mobility: 100% workmanship: 70%
Nubia Z80 Ultra Review: Style, Stamina, and a 35mm Camera Edge
Source: Yanko Design
The nubia Z80 Ultra delivers on its promise of blending style, stamina, and photographic substance in a package that stands apart from mainstream flagships. The combination of a truly immersive notch-free display, professional 35mm camera optics, and exceptional battery life creates a phone that excels at the things that matter most for daily use: consuming content, capturing memories, and staying powered throughout extended days without constant charging anxiety. For design-conscious users who value innovation over brand familiarity, nubia the Z80 Ultra offers a refreshing alternative with its bold aesthetic choices, tactile controls, and technical features that prioritize user experience over spec-sheet bragging rights. While limited regional availability may restrict its audience, those in supported markets will find a flagship that confidently competes with the best while carving its own distinctive identity through thoughtful design and engineering choices.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: price: 80% performance: 80% ergonomy: 70%
Source: Yanko Design
The nubia Z80 Ultra delivers on its promise of blending style, stamina, and photographic substance in a package that stands apart from mainstream flagships. The combination of a truly immersive notch-free display, professional 35mm camera optics, and exceptional battery life creates a phone that excels at the things that matter most for daily use: consuming content, capturing memories, and staying powered throughout extended days without constant charging anxiety. For design-conscious users who value innovation over brand familiarity, nubia the Z80 Ultra offers a refreshing alternative with its bold aesthetic choices, tactile controls, and technical features that prioritize user experience over spec-sheet bragging rights. While limited regional availability may restrict its audience, those in supported markets will find a flagship that confidently competes with the best while carving its own distinctive identity through thoughtful design and engineering choices.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/06/2025
Rating: price: 80% performance: 80% ergonomy: 70%
Nubia Z80 Ultra Review: A Pro Camera and a Gaming Phone in One?
Source: Tech X Reviews
To sum up, it has an artistic exterior design, an industry-exclusive full-screen under-display camera, a 35mm golden focal length for master-level imaging, and full-powered performance with an esports experience. The Nubia Z80 Ultra is just such an all-around, top-tier flagship with no weaknesses. It is both an outstanding street photography king and a passionate esports artifact. So if you are a person who loves to play, loves to take pictures, then believe me, it will definitely not disappoint you.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/27/2025
Source: Tech X Reviews
To sum up, it has an artistic exterior design, an industry-exclusive full-screen under-display camera, a 35mm golden focal length for master-level imaging, and full-powered performance with an esports experience. The Nubia Z80 Ultra is just such an all-around, top-tier flagship with no weaknesses. It is both an outstanding street photography king and a passionate esports artifact. So if you are a person who loves to play, loves to take pictures, then believe me, it will definitely not disappoint you.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/27/2025
Comment
Qualcomm Adreno 840: Integrated graphics unit in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC for smartphones with three slices at 1.2 GHz each. According to Qualcomm, 23% faster than the previous generation (Adreno 830).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 8 Elite Gen 5: High-end SoC (System on a Chip) for smartphones which was introduced at the end of 2025. It integrates two fast Oryon Gen 3 Prime Cores with up to 4.6 GHz and 6 smaller Oryon Gen 3 Performance Cores with up to 3.62 GHz.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
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