Nubia Z70S Ultra Review: Camera-Inspired Powerhouse

Retro Design That Stands Out

The Nubia Z70S Ultra immediately grabs attention with its unconventional camera-inspired aesthetic. Unlike glossy flagship clones, this device features genuine leather-textured back paneling in a sophisticated Antique Brown colorway. Our examination confirms the chassis feels premium with its aluminum frame and distinctive physical shutter button. Crucially, it doesn't sacrifice durability for style: IP68/IP69 ratings provide serious water/dust resistance. The slider switch activates either camera or gaming modes, offering tactile control missing from most modern smartphones. For photography enthusiasts tired of generic designs, this approach delivers both visual distinction and functional ergonomics.

Build Quality and Unboxing

Opening the camera-style black box reveals thoughtful presentation: the device, clear hard case, documentation, and vibrant red USB-C cable with black 80W charger. The textured rear panel resists fingerprints while providing secure grip. At 6.85 inches, the phone feels substantial but balanced. The prominent circular camera module directly references Fujifilm's retro compacts, creating instant recognition among photography enthusiasts.

Display and Camera Performance

Nubia's 6.85-inch AMOLED display pushes boundaries with 144Hz refresh rate and dual color calibration modes. Professional users will appreciate the Natural mode (98% sRGB, 94% DCI-P3) for editing accuracy, while the Vivid mode delivers 100% coverage for media consumption. The true innovation lies in the under-display front camera (UDC), creating a flawless full-screen experience. After testing, we confirm video calls function adequately, but selfie quality can't match punch-hole cameras. For rear cameras, the triple 50MP+50MP+64MP system delivers exceptional versatility.

Photography Capabilities Tested

Main camera testing revealed excellent dynamic range and color science. The 50MP primary sensor captures rich details even in challenging lighting. The 64MP telephoto provides impressive 15x hybrid zoom with usable results up to 8x. Unique among competitors, the periscope lens creates natural bokeh without artificial edge detection. Videography tests showed:

Smooth 4K/60fps stabilization on main lens
1080p/30fps with effective OIS on all lenses
Noticeable quality drop when switching to 8K resolution
Limited ultrawide functionality at higher frame rates

Performance and Real-World Usage

AnTuTu: 2,877,173
Geekbench 6: 2703 (Single), 7946 (Multi)
GFXBench: 113fps (Vulkan High Tier)

Gaming tests revealed both strengths and limitations. Genshin Impact averaged 59fps at max settings with 41°C peak temperature after 10 minutes. PUBG Mobile maintained 85-90fps with minimal drops. However, extended 30-minute stress tests showed approximately 45% performance throttling due to thermal constraints. This aligns with our experience: burst performance is elite, but sustained loads trigger noticeable warmth.

Battery and Software Experience

The 6000mAh battery delivered impressive endurance in our testing:

30min 1080p video: 3% drain
1hr social media: 4% drain
30min gaming: 12% drain
Nubia's Nebula OS (Android 14-based) offers clean UI with useful photography-focused tools. The 80W charging provides 0-100% in 38 minutes, though wireless charging is notably absent. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Who Should Consider This Phone?

After extensive testing, we recommend the Nubia Z70S Ultra specifically for:

Photography enthusiasts wanting DSLR-like controls
Users prioritizing unique design over mainstream aesthetics
Mobile gamers who value display quality over sustained peak performance

Key tradeoffs to consider:

Under-display selfie camera limitations
No wireless charging
Aggressive thermal throttling during extended gaming
Uncertain long-term software support

Final Verdict

The Nubia Z70S Ultra succeeds brilliantly as a statement device for photography purists. Its camera-inspired design isn't just cosmetic: the physical shutter button, lens slider, and exceptional rear camera system deliver tangible benefits for creative users. While thermal management and software update policies may concern power users, the combination of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power, innovative UDC display, and outstanding battery life creates a compelling package. At approximately 12,000,000 IDR, it represents a premium alternative to mainstream flagships. If camera performance and distinctive design top your priority list, this device deserves serious consideration. For those prioritizing consistent gaming performance or long-term OS support, mainstream alternatives may prove safer.

Which feature matters most to you: the retro design or camera capabilities? Share your priorities below!