nubia Z60 Ultra review

“Exploring the Unique Triple Camera Setup of the nubia Z60 Ultra”

Introduction:
Diving into the camera prowess of the nubia Z60 Ultra unveils a distinctive triple-camera arrangement, setting it apart from the crowd. Let’s delve into its standout features and what makes it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts.

The focal point of the Z60 Ultra’s camera system lies in its primary camera sporting a 35mm equivalent lens—a rarity in smartphone photography. While most smartphones opt for a 24mm focal length, ZTE’s bold move to adhere to the revered 35mm focal length brings a fresh perspective to mobile photography. This primary camera, unchanged from its predecessor, the Z50S Pro, boasts a 54MP Sony sensor with a unique aspect ratio of 1.43:1, delivering stunning clarity and detail.

Moreover, the 35mm equivalent lens, comprising 7 elements including one crafted from glass, ensures optical stabilization, enhancing image quality and reducing motion blur.

Complementing the primary camera is the ultrawide lens, albeit not as expansive as competitors, at an 18mm equivalent. This deliberate choice harmonizes with the longer focal length of the main camera, preventing any coverage gaps. Unlike previous models like the Z50S Ultra, which struggled with significant coverage differences, the Z60 Ultra strikes a balance, ensuring seamless transitions between lenses.

In a market saturated with smartphone cameras, the nubia Z60 Ultra distinguishes itself with its unconventional yet meticulously crafted triple-camera setup. From the classic allure of the 35mm equivalent lens to the strategic pairing with the ultrawide lens, each component contributes to a versatile and immersive photography experience. Explore new perspectives and capture moments like never before with the nubia Z60 Ultra’s unparalleled camera system.

Embark on a journey into the world of groundbreaking smartphone photography with the nubia Z60 Ultra. Boasting an innovative triple-camera setup, including a 35mm main lens, this device pushes the boundaries of mobile imaging technology. Let’s explore the intricacies of its advanced camera system and its implications on capturing stunning visuals.

Within the confines of the nubia Z60 Ultra resides a remarkable ultrawide camera, equipped with a generously sized sensor—the largest found in a phone featuring a 35mm primary lens. Sporting a 1/1.55″ sensor coupled with a bright f/1.8 aperture, this ultrawide lens delivers exceptional clarity and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the inclusion of optical image stabilization ensures steady shots, further enhancing image quality and reducing motion blur.

Transitioning to the telephoto lens, borrowed from the esteemed nubia Z50 Ultra, we witness a notable enhancement in performance. While similarities with its predecessor, the Z50S Pro, are evident, the telephoto lens maintains consistency with its counterpart on the Axon 40 Ultra. Featuring optical image stabilization, it excels in capturing distant subjects with precision. However, it lacks close-focusing capabilities, a minor drawback in an otherwise impressive array of features.

Examining the specifications of each lens—ranging from the main 35mm lens to the ultrawide and telephoto options—reveals a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering unparalleled performance. From multi-directional phase detection autofocus to advanced optical stabilization, each component contributes to a seamless and immersive photography experience.

In terms of daylight photo quality, the nubia Z60 Ultra’s main camera excels in capturing vivid and detailed images. With minimal noise and superb texture rendition, photos exhibit a mature approach to color saturation and white balance. However, a slight haziness in transitions between in-focus and out-of-focus areas may be observed, particularly with nearby subjects. Nonetheless, this minor imperfection does not detract significantly from the overall image quality, as distant backgrounds are beautifully blurred to create a captivating visual aesthetic.

In summary, the nubia Z60 Ultra stands as a testament to ZTE’s unwavering commitment to innovation in smartphone photography. With its revolutionary triple-camera setup and advanced imaging capabilities, it sets a new standard for mobile photography. Whether capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate portraits, the nubia Z60 Ultra empowers users to unleash their creativity and capture life’s moments with unparalleled clarity and detail. Experience the future of photography with the nubia Z60 Ultra—a true visionary in the world of smartphone imaging.

Daylight photo quality

Main camera (35mm)

Photos from the Z60 Ultra’s main camera look great. They have minimal noise and excellent detail and random textures are rendered in a reasonably likable fashion. The auto-white balance is dependable, and we’re getting a mature approach to saturation.

One thing struck us as less than ideal, and it’s the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas that has a hazy quality to it, and you’ll be seeing that a lot with nearby subjects. It’s not really a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re shooting around the minimum focus distance. More distant backgrounds do melt away nicely, though.

Daylight samples, main camera (35mm)

There’s another image profile called Gorgeous (as opposed to the default Natural), which will get you a moderate kick in contrast and saturation. The photos are certainly more expressive that way, though it’s perhaps a little too much.

Daylight samples, main camera (35mm), Gorgeous

Ultrawide camera (18mm)

The ultrawide camera’s photos are excellent. The conservative focal length has no doubt helped make a lens that can resolve better than more extreme designs and we’re getting tons of fine detail. Of course, the flipside is that you won’t be able to exaggerate perspectives quite as much as with a 13 or 14mm lens, but it’s not necessarily a net-negative trade-off.

Dynamic range is excellent here, and so too is the color presentation.

Daylight samples, ultrawide camera (18mm)

Once again, don’t expect extra detail from the 50MP mode.

Daylight samples, ultrawide camera (18mm), 50MP

Video recording

The nubia Z60 Ultra can record video up to 4K120 with its three rear cameras – not just the main one as is the case on most other current offerings. 4K60 and 4K30 are, of course, also available, but there’s no 24fps option. The main camera on the back can also do 8K30.

Electronic stabilization is available (and can be switched off) on all three cameras up to 4K60, but you’re on your own in 4K120 and 8K30.

The default codec is still h.264 for all modes, including 4K120 and 8K30. Video bit rates vary and we saw values up to 63Mbps for 4K30 and 105Mbps for 4K60 while 4K120 and 8K30 were a little over 120Mbps. Audio is recorded in stereo at 96kbps.

Video quality out of the Z60 Ultra is generally good. All cameras capture good detail in 4K30, and maintain about the same quality in 4K120, which is great. Somewhat annoyingly, the main camera’s footage is a bit sharper in 4K60, while the other two units are about the same in all three frame rates. The main camera’s colors run a little cooler than those on the other two cameras (though that does improve in 4K60), but they all look nice in isolation. Dynamic range is also alright – not the widest, but not bad either.

Stabilization is excellent on the nubia. All three rear cameras stay planted if you just point the phone in one direction, and pans are typically smooth (with ever so slightly abrupt transitions on the main camera). The main and the ultrawide camera also proficiently iron out the walking shake.

Low-light video performance is quite alright. The main camera and the ultrawide have a somewhat harsh rendition of highlights, though we’d still say they expose correctly for the conditions and have reasonable dynamic range. Detail is good on both, with the ultrawide in particular being nicer than the bulk of ultrawides (though, again, this one isn’t as wide as most). The telephoto is more in the so-so category, which is where we find most telephotos.