Retro Charm vs. Modern Power: Comparing the nubia Z70S Ultra and nubia Z70 Ultra

In the fast-moving world of smartphones, few brands combine aesthetics, performance, and innovation quite like nubia. With the launch of the Z70S Ultra and Z70 Ultra, nubia gives users a difficult—but exciting—choice: go for a vintage aesthetic with the camera-inspired nubia Z70S Ultra or embrace bleeding-edge technology with the futuristic nubia Z70 Ultra. Let’s break down how these two powerhouses compare across design, display, camera, performance, and overall user experience.

Design & Build: Vintage Charm or Cosmic Minimalism?

The most immediate difference between these two phones lies in their visual identity. The nubia Z70S Ultra leans into nostalgia with a retro-inspired design, leather elements, and classic camera vibes. It’s ideal for users who want their phone to stand out with personality and timeless elegance.

The nubia Z70 Ultra, on the other hand, opts for a sleek, modern aesthetic. It features a metal frame with a shimmering Starry Soft Light Sand texture and comes in bold colorways like Black, Yellow, and a stunning Starry Night ( Blue ) edition inspired by Van Gogh’s painting.

If you value unique, tactile craftsmanship, the nubia Z70S Ultra is a showstopper. But if you tend to prefer a minimalist look with a tech-forward feel, then maybe the nubia Z70 Ultra is for you.

Display: Smooth, Immersive Visuals

The nubia Z70 Ultra came first, and it features a massive 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 2688x1216 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 2000 nits. It also integrates nubia’s 7th-generation Under Display Camera (UDC) for a full-screen experience with no notches. The nubia Z70S Ultra’s display is a similar powerhouse of features, so if you’re looking at the visuals for a way to choose between the two, you might be in a bit of a bind. 

Camera System: Photographer’s Playground

Both phones offer advanced photography tools, but their philosophy and the mindset behind each is where they differ.

The nubia Z70S Ultra is all about the classic camera experience, featuring a 35mm lens system, Light & Shadow Master 990 sensor, and a shooting style reminiscent of old-school rangefinders. This one’s built for purists who love the feel and precision of manual photography.

The nubia Z70 Ultra pushes versatility with a triple-camera array:

• 50MP main sensor with adjustable physical aperture (f/1.59 to f/4.0)

• 50MP ultra-wide macro lens with 122° FOV

• 64MP periscope telephoto lens for clear long-distance shots

• Plus, AI-enhanced features like AI Ultra Clear, AI Lightning Capture, and a Super Panorama Mode

If you’re a street photographer or want a unique shooting vibe, the nubia Z70S Ultra may be your tool of choice. But if you want flexibility for all scenarios (think macro to zoom to AI-enhanced motion) then the nubia Z70 Ultra appears to be your winner.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Both phones run on the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform. The nubia Z70 Ultra supports up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, uses LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0, and integrates an AI Gaming Enhancement Chip for smoother gameplay and better battery efficiency. The nubia Z70S Ultra comes with a 6600mAh battery supporting 80W fast charging, slightly bigger than the nubia Z70 Ultra’s 6150mAh battery. Both are powerful, so no need to worry about either keeping up with your busy schedule. 

Software: AI-Powered Intelligence

Both phones run Nebula AIOS, nubia’s custom Android-based operating system, which brings:

• AI Translate for multilingual communication

• AI-enhanced system performance

• Smart photography optimizations

Expect fast, fluid operation and smart background processing on either model.

Special Features and A Little Extra

The nubia Z70S Ultra ships with unique camera-style accessories and retro-themed add-ons that elevate its throwback appeal. The nubia Z70 Ultra keeps the focus on modern functionality: AI image processing, under-display camera, and multi-day battery life with fast charging.

Price & Availability

Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?

Choose the nubia Z70S Ultra if you’re a photography enthusiast who values design, nostalgia, and a premium tactile experience. It’s a conversation starter and a creative tool in one.

Go with the nubia Z70 Ultra if you want the best of modern smartphone tech: display, performance, camera versatility, and all-day power.

Whichever you pick, nubia has made sure you won’t have to compromise on innovation or style. Take a closer look on the nubia website and then make your choice!