nubia z70s ultra review 2025: power beast with some flaws

nubia Z70S Ultra packs a punch with top-tier specs and a bold design, but is it perfect? Read our 2025 review to know the real pros and cons.

nubia Z70S Ultra: The Flagship That Breaks Rules

If you’ve been waiting for a phone that’s as bold as it is bizarre, the nubia Z70S Ultra might just be your next obsession. With a design inspired by vintage rangefinder cameras, a rare 35mm lens on a massive 1/1.3” sensor, and a flat 144Hz AMOLED panel without any notches or punch-holes — this device is not just about performance, it’s about personality.

In this review, we dive deep into every major feature of the nubia Z70S Ultra — from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and under-display selfie camera to the massive 6600mAh battery and signature retro design. If you're a gamer, content creator, or just someone craving uniqueness in a sea of lookalike phones, this flagship might be worth your attention.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the nubia Z70S Ultra a powerful contender in 2025's flagship race.

🔍 Key Specifications of nubia Z70S Ultra

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a snapshot of the nubia Z70S Ultra on paper:

• Display: 6.85" flat AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite (4nm)

• Rear Cameras: 50MP Main (35mm, 1/1.3"), 64MP Telephoto (2.7x), 50MP Ultrawide

• Front Camera: 16MP under-display selfie camera

• RAM & Storage: Up to 24GB RAM, 1TB UFS 4.0 storage

• Battery: 6600mAh, 80W wired fast charging

• Operating System: Android 15, Nebula AIOS 1.5

• Design: Flat metal edges, faux leather texture, camera slider, IP68/IP69 rating

• Price (Approx): ₹64,999 (Global version pricing varies)

✅ Pro Highlights Table

⚡ Performance Power: Snapdragon 8 Elite + UFS 4.0

Under the hood, the nubia Z70S Ultra packs the newly refined Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s most powerful processor yet. Built on a 3nm process, this chipset delivers ultra-fast speeds with better thermal control compared to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The phone handles everything you throw at it — from Genshin Impact at max settings to 4K video rendering — with ease. Combined with UFS 4.0 storage, app launches and file transfers feel instantaneous.

Benchmark lovers, take note:

• AnTuTu: Over 1.9 million score

• Geekbench 6: 2200+ single-core / 7000+ multi-core

• Thermals: Sustains performance above 60 FPS during extended gaming sessions thanks to graphene & VC cooling

This is a true gaming and productivity powerhouse, and if you're upgrading from the Z70 Ultra or even a OnePlus 12, you’ll feel the leap.

🎮 Display Excellence or Just a Gimmick?

The nubia Z70S Ultra features a gorgeous 6.85-inch flat AMOLED panel with a buttery smooth 144Hz refresh rate. It supports HDR10 content, and while it misses out on Dolby Vision or HDR10+, the visual output is nothing short of premium.

What’s more interesting is the under-display selfie camera. Unlike other phones that opt for a punch-hole, this device maintains a clean, uninterrupted screen — perfect for binge-watchers and gamers.

Some standout display features:

• Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080), pixel-dense and sharp

• Brightness: Peaks at 1400 nits in auto-brightness mode

• Touch Sampling: 960Hz, ultra-responsive for gamers

• Color Profile: DCI-P3, vivid and accurate

• Flat Design: Ideal for typing, gaming, and content creation

Whether you're watching YouTube in landscape or scrolling Instagram vertically, the nubia Z70S Ultra's display offers an immersive, distraction-free experience.

🌟 Verdict So Far…

From what we’ve seen, the nubia Z70S Ultra is more than just a specs monster. It’s a smartphone that aims to break norms — especially in the way it looks, feels, and shoots.

In the next section, we’ll dive into its camera performance, battery efficiency, and unique design elements — including the much-talked-about retro camera grip and shutter button.

But is all that style backed by substance?

📸 Retro-Modern Camera Setup: DSLR Vibes in Your Pocket

One of the biggest talking points of the nubia Z70S Ultra is its 35mm 50MP primary camera — a rarity in smartphones. Inspired by traditional rangefinder lenses, this main shooter uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is massive by mobile standards. The result? Exceptional depth, clarity, and cinematic bokeh.

Main Camera – 50MP (35mm, f/1.6, OIS)

• Sensor Size: 1/1.3" – allows more light, improving low-light shots.

• 35mm Equivalent: Gives natural depth and storytelling perspective.

• OIS + EIS: Excellent for handheld video, vlogging, or quick snapshots.

Telephoto Lens – 64MP, 2.7x Optical Zoom

• Surprisingly sharp even in night mode.

• Capable of up to 30x digital zoom with AI enhancement.

Ultra-Wide Lens – 50MP, 120° Field of View

• Crisp edge-to-edge details.

• Great for architecture, landscapes, and creative photography.

Under-Display Selfie – 16MP

• Nubia's 5th-gen UDC tech.

• Softened selfies with AI post-processing.

• Not as sharp as punch-hole rivals, but the clean display aesthetic wins major style points.

Camera Features That Matter

• RAW shooting support

• 4K@120fps and 8K@30fps video recording

• Cinematic LUT filters built-in

• Dedicated vlogging mode + retro grip support (sold separately)

In short, this is a photographer’s dream packed into a smartphone — especially if you love the vintage Leica feel but need everyday portability.

🔋 Battery Beast: 6600mAh & Smart Charging

The nubia Z70S Ultra houses a massive 6600mAh battery — far more than most flagships. On average usage, this gives:

• 2 full days of battery life

• 10+ hours of screen-on time

• Standby time: Easily stretches beyond 72 hours

Coupled with 80W wired fast charging, you’re never out of juice for long. It fills:

• 0% to 50% in 18 minutes

• 0% to 100% in just 42 minutes

While it lacks wireless charging (a rare omission), the sheer endurance makes up for it.

🛠️ Build Quality & Design: Pure Art Meets Engineering

If there’s one thing the nubia Z70S Ultra excels at — it's design boldness.

• Faux leather rear panel — adds grip and retro charm.

• Camera Slider/Grip (optional) — magnetic snap-on accessory with a shutter button, giving it a DSLR feel.

• Flat aluminum frame — reminiscent of iPhone 14 Pro or Xperia series.

• IP68/IP69 rating — rare in non-mainstream brands, offers full water and dust resistance.

This phone doesn't look or feel like any other Android flagship. In fact, it gets mistaken for a camera more often than a phone!

📱 Software & AI Features: Nebula AIOS 1.5

Running on Android 15, Nubia’s own Nebula AIOS 1.5 UI is surprisingly clean, with minimal bloat. It's fluid, stable, and integrates smart features like:

• AI-driven app prediction

• Smart cooling mode for gaming

• AI camera framing & focus

• Advanced privacy tools

• Floating windows & smart sidebar

While it's not as polished as OxygenOS or Samsung One UI, it’s miles ahead of older ZTE/Nubia skins.

🧠 Who Should Buy the nubia Z70S Ultra?

❌ Pros and Cons of nubia Z70S Ultra

👍 Pros

• Unique 35mm 50MP main lens

• Immersive 6.85” AMOLED 144Hz flat screen

• Under-display selfie = uninterrupted display

• Massive 6600mAh battery

• Great for mobile videography

• Retro design with grip support

👎 Cons

• No wireless charging

• Availability outside China may be limited

• Under-display selfie still not flagship-grade

• No periscope lens for super zoom

• Software updates uncertain compared to mainstream brands

🔚 Final Thoughts: Nubia Dares to Be Different

The nubia Z70S Ultra is not a phone for everyone — and that’s precisely why it’s so exciting.

In a market dominated by cookie-cutter flagships, Nubia delivers a refreshing blend of innovation, artistry, and power. Whether you’re drawn in by the 35mm lens, the clean screen, or the DSLR-style grip, this phone makes a bold statement — and backs it up with performance.

If you're someone who wants more than just a spec sheet — who wants character in their daily tech companion — the Z70S Ultra is well worth the hype.

✅ Most Asked FAQs on nubia Z70S Ultra

Q1: Is the nubia Z70S Ultra waterproof?
Yes, it has IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.

Q2: Can I shoot in RAW with its camera?
Absolutely. The Z70S Ultra supports full RAW capture and manual controls.

Q3: Does it support Google Play services?
Yes, the global ROM comes with full GMS support pre-installed.

Q4: Is the camera grip included in the box?
No, it’s sold separately as an optional accessory.

Q5: How does the under-display camera perform?
Decent for video calls, but not as sharp as punch-hole cameras.

Q6: Does it have wireless charging?
No, it supports only wired charging at 80W.

Q7: Is the phone suitable for gaming?
Yes, with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 144Hz display, and VC cooling, it’s a gaming beast.

Q8: Which Android version does it run on?
Android 15 with Nubia's Nebula AIOS 1.5 skin.

Q9: Does it support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports multiple global 5G bands.

Q10: Where can I buy it?
You can check availability on Nubia’s official site or through resellers like Giztop, AliExpress, and Amazon Global.

🧠 Message to Our Readers

If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly a tech lover who appreciates innovation, style, and performance — not just another glass slab with upgraded specs.

The nubia Z70S Ultra is a rare beast — and we hope this in-depth review helped you decide if it’s right for you. Want us to compare it to other flagships like the OnePlus 12 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? Just let us know!

Ready to own the most unique flagship of 2025?
Don't settle for ordinary. The nubia Z70S Ultra delivers DSLR-like photography, blazing performance, and a design that turns heads.
Visit your favorite tech store or trusted online retailer now — and experience flagship freedom redefined.