Mainstream flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra get all the attention but often disappoint users because their iterative upgrades can’t meet the hype. I was excited to try Nubia’s Z70 Ultra because it isn’t afraid of being different and adds quirky features that stand out in a sea of bland smartphone competition.

The Z70 Ultra packs enough power and features to play with the big boys, like the aforementioned Samsung Galaxy S25 range and the OnePlus 13. However, it significantly undercuts their prices, making it one of the best phones for the money and a fascinating alternative for people wanting something unique. I spent a week with Nubia’s latest flagship to see what it’s all about and was surprised at its incredible performance and value.

Price, availability, and specs

A unique design with incredible power

The Nubia Z70 Ultra is available in black, ivory-like yellow, and Starry Night blue, which is the pick of the bunch for its eye-catching looks. Its sturdy aluminum body measures 6.47 x 3.04 x 0.34-inches and weighs 8.04oz, putting it firmly in flagship territory size-wise. Construction is top-notch, and you get a programmable slider shortcut button that can be used to activate the flashlight, turn on safe mode, and perform other functions. A two-stage camera control button is placed precisely where your finger would rest to take shots. You won’t worry about damage because the IP68 and IP69 ratings protect it from dust and moisture. The unique camera array is the standout design feature, with a massive 35mm lens dominating the phone’s rear.

Speaking of the camera, the Nubia Z70’s rear array includes the first-ever 35mm variable aperture lens on a smartphone to provide extra depth to photos. The array comprises a 50-megapixel, 35mm f/1.59-f/4.0 main lens, a 50-megapixel f/2.0 122-degree ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel f/2.48 telephoto lens. Hidden behind the screen is a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

Everything is displayed on an 8.85-inch 1.5K (2688 x 1216 pixel resolution) AMOLED display, which provides up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and a speedy 144Hz refresh rate. The slim bezels and lack of a camera lens or notch add to its expansive feel, making it excellent for watching movies and videos.

This phone is all about performance, with the top-of-the-range Snapdragon 8 Elite chip providing immense processing power to take on demanding games and multitasking. My test sample came with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is comparable to the entry-level Samsung S25 Ultra — while costing almost half the price. If you want more performance, get the Z70 Ultra with 16GB or 24GB of RAM and upgrade the storage to 512GB or 1TB.

This phone is all about performance, with the top-of-the-range Snapdragon 8 Elite chip providing immense processing power to take on demanding games and multitasking. The Z70 Ultra’s massive 6150mAh battery easily lasts around two days of moderate use. There’s no wireless charging, but the included 80W charging brick and USB-C cable topped it up in no time when it needed recharging.

Nubia’s proprietary Nebula AIOS offers a stripped-down Android-15 experience. It isn’t as feature-packed as Samsung’s One UI, but it doesn’t have the bloat either. I had no trouble using it because it includes all the standard Google apps and features like a Quick Settings panel. Performance was never an issue, and I experienced zero lag while running demanding games like Genshin Impact with multiple open apps. I also like that it has the perfect balance of AI features to perform simple tasks like image editing and translating without going overboard.

The base-configuration Nubia Z70 Ultra starts at $750 and ships with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip​​, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Next up is the mid-range option at $850, which includes the same chip but adds 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The highest-spec model includes 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage for $950.

What I like about the Nubia Z70 Ultra

Uncompromised performance for an unbeatable price

I immediately liked that Nubia included a protective case and 80W charging brick in the box. Besides adding value, these accessories make it easy to get going without worrying about the phone getting scratched or finding a compatible brick to support its fast charging speeds.

I have to give props to Nubia for creating a distinct design that won’t be mistaken for last year’s model. The adjustable 35mm Sony lens brings something new to the party, and other features like the hidden selfie camera, dedicated shutter button, and programmable slider shortcut key give the Z70 Plus a quirky style that’s different from everything else out there.

It’s impossible to discuss the Z70 Plus without mentioning its raw power. At its highest specification, it blows away competition like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra by including the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 1TB of storage, and 24GB of RAM instead of 16. The entry-level model performs admirably with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and tops it off with a 144Hz refresh rate and 80W fast-charging capability.

I’m no pro photographer, but I appreciated the Z70 Plus’s breathtaking photos with vivid colors. The rear camera was a big step up from my Samsung S24, and I enjoyed using a physical button instead of a touchscreen.

The best thing about the Z70 Plus is its competitive pricing. It offers uncompromised performance and other premium features for under $1000, undercutting most rivals by hundreds of dollars.

What I don’t like about the Nubia Z70 Ultra

More updates would be nice

No phone is perfect, and the lack of wireless charging and eSIM support could be an issue for some buyers. Nubia commits to at least three years of software updates, including an Android 16 upgrade, but it falls short of brands like Google and Samsung, which now offer seven years on their phones.

Beyond this, though, I don’t have many issues with the Nuba Z70 Ultra. The smartphone is an all-around solid device with very few shortcomings, especially when its price is considered.

Should you buy the Nubia Z70 Ultra?

You won’t find better value

The Z70 Ultra is perfect for buyers wanting premium features without spending a fortune. Its incredible price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat because it provides superb power, a massive 144Hz display, 80W fast charging, and a unique design for hundreds of dollars less than its nearest competitors.

Yes, it could be better with wireless charging, a more polished OS, and additional updates, but its shortcomings are easily forgivable, considering its overall value.