Nubia Z80 Ultra Review: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Performance & Camera Test

In the second half of 2025, most flagship smartphones from major brands are equipped with the fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition. However, due to differences in brand focus and optimization strategies, performance still varies among different models. Many users planning to upgrade their phones are likely very interested in the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5). When it comes to performance testing, AnTuTu is widely regarded as an authoritative benchmark. My Nubia Z80 Ultra is the 12GB + 512GB version, achieving a total AnTuTu score of 3,793,262, outperforming 94% of users in the database. The CPU and GPU scores are 1,084,307 and 1,341,348 respectively, placing both within the top 10%.

AI performance is another major highlight of the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5), so I also ran AnTuTu’s AI large-model benchmark. The total AI score reached 872,794, with objective questions, text summarization, and data loading scoring 424,720, 394,474, and 53,600 respectively. The Master Lu benchmark score came in at 1,613,293, which is exceptionally high and even ranks within the top 1%. CPU and GPU scores were 570,486 and 468,202 respectively, while memory and storage scores were also impressive. GeekBench 6 focuses primarily on CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance, simulating real-world workloads such as text processing, AI object detection, ray tracing scenarios, and photo semantic tagging. On the Nubia Z80 Ultra, the CPU single-core score reached 3435, while the multi-core score hit 10,593, showing a clear generational advantage over older models. GPU testing includes both OpenCL and Vulkan modes, scoring 24,800 and 27,740 respectively, further demonstrating the substantial performance leap delivered by the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5).

A quick reminder: some games suffer from compatibility issues that lock frame rates at 60fps. This is particularly common with Delta Force across multiple devices. The fix is simple—set the system frame rate to the highest level, then enable “lock refresh rate” in developer options. After locking the maximum frame rate, Delta Force on the Nubia Z80 Ultra runs steadily at 144fps under high graphics settings. Even when the system lists 90fps as the maximum under ultra settings, the actual frame rate can still reach 144fps, delivering smooth visuals. In PUBG Mobile, selecting ultra-high graphics and the highest frame-rate option results in a stable 144Hz experience with minimal fluctuations. Call of Duty allows only the “Extreme” frame-rate option in settings, but real-time monitoring shows it also maintains 144fps, similar to PUBG Mobile. For frequent gamers, Nubia’s built-in Game Space offers numerous practical plugins such as voice control, win-rate prediction, and enhanced visual modes. Not only does the device achieve exceptionally high benchmark scores, but real-world gaming tests also consistently hit 144fps. Temperature monitoring shows CPU temperatures staying below 40°C during gameplay, indicating well-balanced power efficiency and thermal control on the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5).

Nubia smartphones are relatively niche and take a bold design approach. In photography, they emphasize a documentary-style, humanistic aesthetic, paired with a true full-screen design that appeals to users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills look. As expected, selfies are not its strong point, so users with high selfie demands may want to look elsewhere. However, for landscape photography, street photography, or taking portraits of others, this phone is definitely worth considering.

The imaging system consists of three high-resolution large-sensor cameras covering an 18mm–85mm full focal range, with the native 35mm focal length serving as the main camera at 50MP output. It features a 1/1.3" Light & Shadow Master 990 sensor with an equivalent 35mm f/1.7 aperture. A dual-stage physical shutter button emphasizes street photography, and an optional professional photography kit is available. Personally, I don’t have strong demands for professional photography accessories, but users who do can consider it. The native 35mm output delivers natural colors in daylight, free from artificial AI processing. Compared to cropping a 23mm lens to 35mm at 22MP, it offers roughly double the detail and significantly less edge distortion. The ultra-wide camera uses a 50MP 1/1.55" OV50E sensor with an equivalent 18mm f/1.8 aperture and a 7P lens structure, offering a 100° field of view and 5.5cm wide-angle macro capability, with a minimum focusing distance of 4cm. While it lacks OIS, it delivers strong spatial tension and low distortion, though a tripod may be needed in special scenarios.

The periscope telephoto camera is a 64MP OV64B sensor (1/2"), equivalent to 85mm f/2.48, with OIS support. Daytime resolution at 85mm is excellent, and it supports up to 50× digital zoom. In practice, users can quickly switch between 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 85mm, and 140mm focal lengths, or manually adjust zoom levels. Six times optical zoom corresponds to an equivalent 210mm focal length. Personally, I prefer the 85mm focal length for its clarity and efficient composition, especially for architectural shots in crowded locations. If 85mm isn’t sufficient, 140mm is also a great option, allowing tighter framing without significant quality loss.

As for night photography, I took several casual shots and was pleasantly surprised by the results. The original images are quite sharp; although the collage images are compressed, the overall texture remains intact. Video recording supports 8K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps, with multi-focal-length switching during recording. Even for content creators, handheld shooting is more than sufficient. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5), the Nubia Z80 Ultra delivers outstanding imaging performance, enabling not only high-quality photo output but also on-device editing and video cutting without excessive heat or lag.

The Nubia Z80 Ultra’s true full-screen design appeals strongly to users who don’t prioritize front cameras but love uninterrupted displays, making it ideal for both gaming and photography enthusiasts. This advantage is largely due to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5). According to Qualcomm’s official information, the platform is built on TSMC’s N3P 3nm process, with significant CPU and GPU architectural upgrades that achieve an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency. Its new-generation Adreno GPU, combined with dedicated cache and advanced graphics technologies, delivers console-level ray tracing and visual fidelity in mobile games. With the latest 5G and Wi-Fi 7 support, it offers ultra-fast connectivity and low latency. For imaging, three AI image processors enable powerful photo and video capabilities, from high-resolution photography to 8K HDR video, enhanced by intelligent optimization features.

Display output supports high-end visual performance both on-device and externally, offering up to 4K+120Hz or QHD+240Hz on the phone, and up to 8K+30Hz via external display. It supports 10-bit color, Rec.2020, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision standards, delivering stunning visuals for gaming and media consumption. AI performance is another key highlight, with the Hexagon NPU delivering a 37% speed improvement, enabling more efficient task processing, adaptive learning, and enhanced privacy protection. The Nubia Z80 Ultra leverages these AI advantages to better analyze usage habits and optimize the overall experience. Its built-in Nebula AI+ provides features such as an AI sidebar, AI screen recognition, AI calls, and AI-assisted writing, effectively functioning as a smart assistant.

From the specifications alone, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5) is clearly top-tier, pushing speed, gaming, efficiency, AI, imaging, and connectivity to new heights. It maintains sustained performance without throttling, delivers instant app launches, seamless multitasking, high-frame-rate gaming, and immediate content creation—truly realizing an experience that combines on-device large models, console-grade ray tracing, and professional video pipelines. As for battery life, devices using this platform typically feature significantly larger batteries, around 7000mAh, compared to the previous 4000–5000mAh range. Combined with improved power efficiency, this results in noticeably longer endurance. With the Nubia Z80 Ultra, a full charge easily lasts into the next day. Overall, whether your needs focus on gaming, photography, or productivity, if performance is a priority, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition (Gen 5) is undoubtedly one of the best choices available today.