Nubia Z80 Ultra Review: True Full-Screen, Snapdragon 8 Extreme, 7200mAh Battery

The development of smartphones has reached a major turning point with the full-screen design, so much so that most mainstream models now feature punch-hole full screens. However, Nubia phones are an exception. In this article, we introduce the latest Nubia Z80 Ultra flagship, which continues the design of a true full-screen without a punch hole. The 6.85-inch large display has equal-width bezels on all sides, seamlessly integrated, and visually stunning. In terms of performance, the device is equipped with the 5th-generation Snapdragon 8 Extreme processor, built-in Nebula AIOS, AnTuTu scores exceeding 3 million, combined with a triple-camera setup and a 7200mAh battery, providing a highly immersive and smooth experience for gaming and photography.

In appearance, the Z80 Ultra is one of the most distinctive domestic smartphones. It does not follow ID design trends. No matter what designs are popular in the industry, the Z-series flagship phones of Nubia have always maintained their unique style—replicating camera elements to create a recognizable photography-focused identity. Regarding design, the Z80 Ultra continues to use a metal unibody. This generation features a rounded mid-frame, while the body edges and screen corners remain small and sharp, maintaining a strong business style. Combined with silver, red, and black color options in glossy or matte finishes, the design is complex yet elegant. The Z80 Ultra is 8.6mm thick, weighs 227g, and feels very solid.

On the front, the Z80 Ultra’s screen is a core highlight. It breaks the norm with a true full-screen without a punch hole, unlike the mainstream punch-hole screens. In standby mode, the screen appears pure black, and the flat protective glass fits perfectly with the mid-frame. When powered on, the display is extreme—without a centered punch-hole camera, it becomes a full screen with equal-width bezels on all sides, creating an immersive visual experience. The centered camera is actually placed under the display; it works when needed but is otherwise invisible.

Comparing the details, the contrast between the Z80 Ultra’s screen and the under-display camera is virtually undetectable. During normal use, the screen resolution is standard 1.5K, displaying clear and sharp images. Observing the area where the punch-hole camera would normally be, it is invisible even with light-colored wallpapers. The only way to see it is by shining strong light directly on the camera area, which reveals the shadow of the component. In practical use—gaming or video playback—the punch-hole is perfectly invisible, and when using the front camera, the viewfinder displays normally, a nearly perfect solution.

Turning the Z80 Ultra over to the mid-frame and rear cover, the design has also been updated. The mid-frame transitions from sharp edges to a rounded arc, made of frosted metal, with all necessary openings and buttons intact. The rear cover has been upgraded to a fiberglass material for a more refined feel, while the lens module remains the core highlight. The large lens module has a glass base divided into two rows, with glossy metal main lenses and secondary lenses on the glass base. The signature red-ring lens includes a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, providing stable imaging quality for near and far scenes, close-ups, and optical zoom.

Upon powering on, the Z80 Ultra’s hardware is impressive. It is powered by the 5th-generation Snapdragon 8 Extreme processor, with Nebula AIOS integrating major AI service providers for system-level AI calls. The UI retains MYOS’s simple aesthetic, with understated wallpapers. Operations are smooth, with fast response times, fluid animations, efficient multitasking, and standby energy consumption. Equipped with a 7200mAh battery and 90W fast charging, the device lasts around 6 hours under heavy screen-on use, showing excellent endurance.

In comparison, the Z80 Ultra’s camera is a standout feature. AI integration simplifies photography for general users, providing rich guidance on the interface. While shooting, AI overlays assist in framing, angle adjustments, zooming, and capturing moments. When recording video, AI detects motion, enabling OIS and EIS, and provides tips for moving shots, framing, and camera positioning. With repeated use, the AI guidance can help users become imaging experts.

Gaming is another strength of the Z80 Ultra, thanks to its powerful hardware supporting all types of games. High-end AAA titles such as Genshin Impact, Honkai, and Naraka: Bladepoint run smoothly with maximum settings for graphics, effects, and frame rates. Even in team battles, there is almost no lag, frame rates remain stable, controls are responsive, and heat is well-managed.