Welcome to my in-depth review of the Nubia Z70S Ultra, one of the most talked-about Chinese smartphones of 2025. This device brings a compelling mix of flagship specs, innovative under-display camera technology, and gaming-centric features that make it stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a gamer chasing high frame rates, a photographer wanting versatile camera setups, or a power user craving smooth multitasking, the Z70S Ultra promises to deliver.
In this review, I’ll break down everything from design and display to performance and battery life. Plus, I’ll compare it against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A55 and OnePlus 12R to help you decide if it’s the right buy. Let’s dive in!
Design & Build Quality Nubia Z70S Ultra
Right out of the box, the Nubia Z70S Ultra impresses with its premium feel. The phone features a sturdy aluminum frame paired with Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back, giving it a solid yet refined look. The matte finish on the back reduces fingerprints, which is a nice touch.
The button layout is intuitive: volume rocker and power button sit comfortably on the right edge, within easy reach for one-handed use. The dual stereo speakers are positioned at the top and bottom, providing balanced sound. The camera bump is minimal, so the phone doesn’t wobble much when laid flat.
At around 210 grams, the Z70S Ultra feels substantial but not bulky. The curved edges and slightly textured back improve grip, reducing the chance of accidental slips during intense gaming sessions or daily use.
Display & Multimedia Nubia Z70S Ultra
The Nubia Z70S Ultra sports a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 3200 x 1440 resolution. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate and peaks at 1300 nits brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. Colors are vibrant and deep, with true blacks thanks to the AMOLED tech.
For multimedia, the dual stereo speakers support Dolby Atmos and HDR10+ content, making video watching and gaming immersive. I found video streaming crisp and enjoyable, with no visible motion blur even during fast-paced scenes. The high refresh rate also ensures buttery smooth animations and gameplay, elevating the overall experience.
Reading text on the screen is comfortable due to the high pixel density and adaptive brightness, which adjusts well in different lighting conditions.
Full Specifications Nubia Z70S Ultra
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8″ AMOLED, 3200 x 1440, 120Hz |
| Processor (SoC) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM / Storage | 12/16GB RAM, 256/512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Cameras | 64MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 16MP Under-Display Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 80W fast charging |
| Connectivity | 5G (multi-band), Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.3, NFC, GPS, IR blaster |
| OS | Nubia UI 9 (based on Android 14), 3 years update policy |
| Special Features | Under-display selfie camera, advanced gaming modes, haptic feedback |
Performance & Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and paired with up to 16GB RAM, the Nubia Z70S Ultra handles multitasking effortlessly. The UI animations are fluid, and app switching is nearly instantaneous. Nubia’s custom UI is clean, with useful gaming modes that optimize CPU/GPU performance and reduce distractions.
Gaming tests were impressive: Genshin Impact ran at max settings with stable 60+ FPS, while PUBG Mobile maintained smooth frame rates even in intense firefights. The phone manages heat well, with only mild warming after extended sessions. I noticed minimal frame drops and no intrusive bloatware, which is refreshing.
Nubia UI includes features like split-screen multitasking and customizable game tools, enhancing usability for power users.
Camera Review
The triple rear camera setup delivers excellent results in daylight with sharp details and accurate colors. The ultrawide lens captures expansive scenes without distortion, and the telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom with good clarity.
Low-light shots are surprisingly good thanks to the large sensor and AI noise reduction, though some fine details soften. Portrait mode produces natural bokeh with reliable edge detection.
Video recording supports up to 8K at 30fps with effective stabilization, making handheld shooting smooth. Audio pickup during video is clear, capturing ambient sounds well.
The under-display selfie camera is a highlight — it hides beneath the display for a notch-free screen. While it performs well in bright conditions with decent detail, it struggles a bit in low light, producing softer images compared to traditional front cameras.
Nubia’s camera app offers AI scene detection, manual controls, and a variety of filters, giving photographers plenty of creative freedom.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day of mixed use, including gaming, video streaming, and browsing. I consistently got around 7-8 hours of screen-on time, which is solid for a flagship.
The 80W fast charger refills the battery from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes and reaches full charge in about 40 minutes. Standby power consumption is low, and the phone includes power-saving modes to extend battery life when needed.
During long gaming or streaming sessions, the battery drain is noticeable but manageable, thanks to efficient power management.
Technology & Connectivity
Connectivity options are comprehensive:
- 5G support covers multiple global bands for fast, reliable mobile internet.
- Wi-Fi 7 ensures blazing-fast wireless speeds.
- Bluetooth 5.3 supports low-latency connections for gaming accessories.
- NFC, GPS, and an IR blaster add versatility.
Biometrics include an in-display fingerprint scanner that’s quick and accurate, plus face unlock that works well in various lighting.
Smart integrations allow seamless control of home devices and gaming peripherals, enhancing the ecosystem experience.
User Experience & Real Quotes
As one user on smartchina.io wrote, “The UI’s fluidity on the Z70S Ultra makes split-screen multitasking a breeze.” This resonates with my experience — switching between apps felt smooth and responsive.
According to mavidi.online, “The Nubia Z70S Ultra held up perfectly during a two-week trip across Asia with dual SIM in constant use.” For travelers, this dual SIM support and global 5G compatibility are definite pluses.
A reviewer from maviart-adesign.com praised “how smoothly the device controlled smart lights and cameras directly from the home screen.” The smart home integration is indeed intuitive and convenient.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Nubia Z70S Ultra | Samsung Galaxy A55 | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8″ AMOLED, 3200×1440, 120Hz | 6.4″ Super AMOLED, 2400×1080, 90Hz | 6.7″ AMOLED, 3216×1440, 120Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Exynos 1280 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM/Storage | 12/16GB RAM, 256/512GB UFS 4.0 | 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB | 8/12GB RAM, 128/256GB |
| Camera | 64MP + 50MP + 8MP rear, 16MP UDC | 64MP + 5MP rear, 13MP front | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front |
| Charging Speed | 80W wired fast charging | 25W wired charging | 100W wired fast charging |
| OS | Android 14, Nubia UI 9 | Android 13, One UI Core | Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Special Features | Under-display camera, gaming modes | AMOLED display, good battery life | High refresh rate, fast charging |
| Price (approx.) | $700 – $800 | $350 – $400 | $600 – $700 |
Final Verdict
The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a standout Chinese smartphone in 2025, offering flagship-level performance, a gorgeous AMOLED display, and innovative under-display camera tech. Its gaming features and robust multitasking abilities make it ideal for gamers and power users. The camera system, while excellent overall, has a few trade-offs with the under-display selfie shooter in low light.
Pros:
- Stunning 6.8” AMOLED 120Hz display with HDR support
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with smooth performance
- Versatile triple rear cameras and 8K video recording
- 80W fast charging and solid 5000mAh battery life
- Innovative under-display selfie camera for a clean screen
- Strong connectivity and smart home integration
Cons:
- Under-display selfie camera struggles in low light
- Heavier than some competitors
- Pricier than mid-range alternatives
If you’re looking to buy a Chinese phone online that excels in gaming, multimedia, and smart features, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is a compelling choice. Streamers, travelers, and tech enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of power and innovation here.
FAQ
Does the under-display camera work well for selfies and video calls?
Yes, in bright and well-lit environments it produces sharp selfies and clear video calls. However, it’s not as strong as traditional front cameras in low-light conditions.
Is it compatible with Google services in Europe/US?
Absolutely. The Nubia Z70S Ultra supports Google Mobile Services fully, making it a practical choice for users outside China.
How does it compare to Xiaomi or OnePlus in the same price range?
It competes strongly with Xiaomi and OnePlus flagships, especially in gaming and display quality. Its under-display camera is a unique selling point not commonly found in those brands yet.
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