Nubia Z60S Pro Evaluation: A Hidden Gem or Merely Another Device?

GadgetLad’s Score

Our Conclusion

If you’re looking for a smartphone boasting an exceptional camera at a very reasonable price, the Nubia Z60S Pro has plenty to offer, particularly if you’re okay with some minor software issues. It’s a versatile device for its price point, though a few lingering bugs prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Let’s take a closer look at how this phone performs in various aspects.

Design & Construction

• Robust and substantial
• No water or dust protection – a bit risky
• Adjustable slider for app shortcuts

First thing you’ll encounter – this device feels heftier than your gran’s old Nokia. Weighing in at 220 grams thanks to that massive camera on its back, it features smooth metal edges and a textured plastic rear, reminiscent of a balloon’s surface – not exactly grippy. If you’re prone to drops, consider getting a bubble wrap case.

All the buttons are located on the right side – a satisfying copper power button, the typical volume controls, and a customizable copper switch that I kept accidentally toggling.

That switch? Thought it was for something major… Turns out, it’s just a shortcut for the camera. However, you can assign it to any app of your choice – quick access to music, emails, whatever tickles your fancy.

It boasts a USB-C charging port at the bottom, a SIM slot on the left, and a speaker grill to the right – no stereo sound, so don’t expect a cinematic experience. The included clear plastic case doesn’t really provide comprehensive protection, so don’t rely on it during a night out.

Display & Audio

• Stunning AMOLED display
• 120Hz refresh rate – incredibly smooth
• Average speakers

The 6.78-inch, 1260 x 2800 AMOLED display is stunning. It’s fully edge-to-edge, offering colors so vibrant they could make a sunrise look dull. The 120Hz refresh rate is fantastic for scrolling through apps or losing time on TikTok – buttery smooth.

With a brightness of 1200 nits, you’ll still be able to view it under direct sunlight – no trouble watching your shows while trying to avoid the family BBQ.

However, regarding the speakers… let’s say if you’re seeking powerful bass, you’ll be disappointed. They can go loud enough, but they lack depth, leaning heavily towards treble, so don’t plan on using it to kick off your next party.

Specifications & Performance

• Last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• Still zippy – no complaints
• 12GB RAM, plenty for most users

Under the hood, it houses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which, while released last year, remains impressive. Everything I threw at it was processed in a flash. Apps open faster than I can crack open a can of Fosters, and the 12GB RAM handles multitasking seamlessly. There is a 16GB option available, but unless you’re running NASA-level operations on your device, it’s probably overkill.

It manages contemporary graphics-heavy games like *Genshin Impact* without overheating, although it won’t rival high-end gaming rigs. Moreover, it records and edits videos smoothly as if it’s a walk in the park.

Performance-wise, it’s commendable. No issues here, aside from wishing for the Gen 3 chip purely for the sake of novelty. However, we all know keeping it budget-friendly is essential.

Cameras

• Primary 50MP sensor – extremely sharp
• Zoom is adequate, but don’t push the limits
• Image processing may slow down

Now, let’s discuss the main reason you’d pick this phone – the camera. The 50MP primary lens is formidable, capturing images so clear you might want to frame them. However, don’t expect flawless transitions between the lenses; shifting zoom levels can be clunky – akin to a friend fumbling the aux cord at a gathering.

Switching between sensors has a slight delay – faster than some, but far from being as fluid as an iPhone. Additionally, post-processing can lag occasionally, especially in low-light situations or with fast-moving subjects.

Nevertheless, if you nail the timing, the photographs are breathtaking. Colors pop, detail is crisp, and nighttime photos come out surprisingly well (although perhaps not to Google Pixel standards). Just be cautious not to zoom in too much, or your image might resemble blurry surveillance footage from the 80s.

Battery Life & Charging

• 80W charger – blink, and it’s charged
• 5000mAh battery – an endurance champion
• Standby drain can be a nuisance

Batteries – either they’re spectacular, or they can be your worst nightmare. Fortunately, the 5000mAh battery in this phone falls into the positive category, easily lasting a day of heavy usage as I tackle a Sunday roast. And the best part? The 80W charger included is impressively fast. A mere 30 minutes plugged in gets you through the entire day, eliminating the need for lifestyle tethering to an outlet like in the past.

One minor annoyance? Standby drain. Toss it on the nightstand, thinking it’ll be fine, only to wake up and find 5% mysteriously vanished like a phantom in the night. Not a dealbreaker, but certainly something to consider.

Software & Apps

• Operates on MyOS 14 – surprisingly good
• Some unwanted apps, but not unbearable
• Three years of software updates… meh

Nubia’s MyOS 14, layered over Android 14, is a combination of useful features and unnecessary bloat. It handles the essentials well – Google apps, Chrome, among others, but also includes superfluous apps like a pre-installed travel app. Because, clearly, I wasn’t already bombarded with apps I don’t need.

MyOS isn’t extremely problematic, but three years of updates is all you’ll get. That’s not a lot when Samsung is boasting five. Still, for everyday use, it’s user-friendly and straightforward enough.

Cost & Availability

In the UK, you can snag this beauty for £499 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, which is a reasonable cost in comparison to brands like *Poco* and *OnePlus*. There’s also a premium variant with 1TB storage and 16GB RAM for £699, but really, do you require that much space? Are you a mobile hard drive or something?

No availability in the US (no surprises there), but you can find it on Amazon UK and Nubia’s official store… if you’re up for a bit of a splurge.

Is the Nubia Z60S Pro Worth Buying?

To put it simply: If you’re after a balanced smartphone that captures fantastic photos and can tackle whatever you throw its way, the Z60S is a solid choice. The camera is genuinely remarkable for its pricing, and the performance is equally commendable.

However, if software refinement and long-term support are important to you, or if you have a tendency to drop your phone in water, you might want to consider other options. Still, as a mid-range phone, the Z60S Pro certainly stands out.

Specifications

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• 12/16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 storage
• 6.78-inch, 1260 x 2800 AMOLED display, 120Hz
• 50Mp main camera with OIS
• 8Mp telephoto camera
• 50Mp ultrawide camera
• 16Mp selfie camera
• 5100mAh battery with 80W wired charging
• 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Nubia MyOS 14 over Android 14
• 163.6 x 76 x 8.7mm, 220g

Nubia Z60S Pro Benchmarks

Final Thoughts

Title Tag: “Nubia Z60S Pro – A Hidden Gem or Just Ordinary?”

In summary, the Z60S Pro resembles that big guy at the gym – delivers on looks and performance, yet upon further inspection, reveals a few imperfections. A fantastic camera and strong battery performance stand out, but certain software glitches and the absence of waterproofing might prevent it from being a total hit. Consider it if you’re in search of a powerful device that doesn’t break the bank.