Nubia Z60S Pro Review: The New Camera-Centric Powerhouse

The Nubia Z60S Pro is here, and it brings exciting updates, especially for camera enthusiasts. While it looks very similar to last year’s Z50S Pro, this model carries subtle but significant improvements. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Nubia Z60S Pro tick, examining its specs, performance, and standout features.

Key Specifications of the Nubia Z60S Pro

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
• RAM: 12GB or 16GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
• Battery: 5100mAh, 80W fast charging
• Rear Cameras: 50MP (Main), 50MP (Ultrawide), 8MP (Telephoto)
• Front Camera: 16MP
• Operating System: Android 14 with Nubia’s MyOS 14 skin
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
• Weight: 220g
• Price Range: $499 to $770 depending on configuration

Design and Build: Big and Sturdy

The Z60S Pro doesn’t stray far from its predecessor in terms of design. It’s a large, robust device weighing 220g, which might feel bulky compared to lighter flagships. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display is big, bright, and vivid, reaching a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. That makes it perfect for outdoor use, even under direct sunlight.

Key design highlights:

• Color options: Black, Aqua, and White
• Weight: At 220g, it’s heavier than most competitors.
• Notch design: Large circular camera module on the back.

It’s not the sleekest phone out there, but it gives a sense of durability and reliability, particularly with the included case.

Display: Smooth and Bright

The Z60S Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (1260 x 2800 pixels) and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. Whether you’re gaming or simply scrolling, the smoothness of this display is hard to miss. It’s bright, colorful, and detailed, making content consumption an absolute joy.

Performance under bright light:
Even under the sunny skies of Lake Huron, the screen performed admirably with no visibility issues.

Key display features:

• Refresh rate: Variable up to 120Hz
• Brightness: Up to 1,200 nits peak brightness
• Resolution: 1260 x 2800 pixels, offering sharp visuals.

Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

The Nubia Z60S Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a flagship-grade processor. While this isn’t the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 found in the previous Z50S Pro, the difference is negligible for everyday users.

GeekBench results for the Z60S Pro show minor improvements over the Z50S Pro, largely thanks to the software optimizations in Android 14. However, in AnTuTu tests, the older Z50S Pro slightly edges out the Z60S Pro due to its higher-clocked GPU.

Key performance highlights:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
• GeekBench scores: Slightly better than the Z50S Pro.
• Gaming performance: The Adreno 740 GPU handles games like PUBG and Genshin Impact smoothly, though the phone can heat up during extended sessions.

Despite the slight disadvantage in benchmark scores compared to last year’s model, real-world performance remains smooth, with no noticeable lag during multitasking or gaming.

Camera System: Flagship-Level Photography

The camera setup is where the Z60S Pro truly shines. It boasts a 50MP main sensor with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size for excellent low-light performance. Additionally, there’s a 50MP ultrawide camera and an 8MP telephoto lens for zoom shots. The camera’s versatility makes it ideal for everything from landscapes to macro photography.

Camera specs:

• Main camera: 50MP, f/1.59 aperture, OIS
• Ultrawide camera: 50MP, f/2.0
• Telephoto camera: 8MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom
• Front camera: 16MP, f/2.45 under-display camera

Key camera features:

• AI modes: New AI features like Magic Eraser, a Milky Way Night mode, and an Ultra-Wide Cinema mode for creating stunning 65:24 aspect ratio shots.
• 8K video recording: For ultra-high-definition video capture.
• Portrait mode: Excellent edge detection with natural background blur.

Overall, the camera performs exceptionally well, especially in low-light conditions. The macro mode is particularly impressive, capturing intricate details that many smartphones miss.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting with 80W Fast Charging

The Nubia Z60S Pro comes with a 5100mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance. Even with heavy use, including gaming and photo editing, the phone lasts a full day without needing a charge.

When it does need a top-up, the 80W fast charging ensures that you’re back to 100% in under an hour. However, the lack of wireless charging might disappoint some users.

Battery performance:

• Battery size: 5100mAh
• Charging: 80W fast charging, no wireless charging
• Endurance: Easily lasts a full day of use.

Software: Smooth, Customizable, but Bloatware Exists

Running on Android 14 with Nubia’s MyOS 14 skin, the software experience is fluid, though not as close to stock Android as some users might like. The interface is clean, and the always-on display is a nice touch for quickly checking notifications.

However, like many Android skins, it comes with a bit of bloatware, though most of it can be removed or disabled.

Key software features:

• Customizable quick-action switch: A physical switch on the side allows you to quickly launch the camera or other apps.
• Always-on display: Provides key information like time and notifications.

Connectivity and Extras: Packed with Features

The Nubia Z60S Pro doesn’t skimp on connectivity. It includes 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. There’s a dual-SIM slot for those who need it, and the phone supports a wide range of satellite location services like GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou.

Connectivity features:

• 5G support for fast mobile data.
• USB-C 3.1 for faster file transfers.
• Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless internet performance.

The only downside in terms of connectivity is that the phone doesn’t include wireless charging, a feature that’s becoming more common in its price range.

Pricing and Availability

The Nubia Z60S Pro is available directly through Nubia’s website and select online retailers like Amazon. Prices start at $499 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model and go up to $770 for the 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variant.

Pricing breakdown:

• 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: $499
• 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: $599
• 16GB RAM + 1TB storage: $770

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Nubia Z60S Pro is a powerful and feature-packed phone that punches above its weight, particularly in terms of photography. For those who prioritize camera performance and display quality, it’s hard to find a better option in this price range. While it may not beat the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 in benchmarks, the real-world performance is excellent.

Pros:

• Excellent camera system for the price
• Gorgeous AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
• Long-lasting battery with 80W fast charging

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• Slightly bulkier than most competitors
• Can get hot during gaming

If you’re looking for a midrange phone with flagship-level camera capabilities and a smooth performance, the Nubia Z60S Pro is a solid choice. Its value for money makes it one of the most competitive smartphones on the market today.