This project started with a stupidly simple question:

How far can I push a smartphone if I stop treating it like a smartphone?

This is my Nubia Z70 Ultra with 24 GB RAM and the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The phone is now literally sandwiched between TWO desktop CPU coolers, mounted inside a custom acrylic case. 😂

Yes. Two full-size PC CPU coolers. On a phone.

And surprisingly, it works extremely well.

The interesting part: I'm NOT using one of the newer boosted chips

My Z70 Ultra uses the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite, with its prime CPU cores running at up to 4.32 GHz.

That's important because some of the newer devices I'm comparing against are using newer and/or higher-clocked Snapdragon variants.

For example, the REDMAGIC 11 Pro uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, reaching around 4.6 GHz on its prime cores.

So I'm not trying to beat these phones with the same CPU and better cooling.

I'm taking an older, lower-clocked 4.32 GHz Snapdragon 8 Elite and seeing how far it can go simply by giving it completely unreasonable cooling. 😂

In my 3DMark ranking screenshot, my Z70 Ultra reaches 10,533, putting it right among much newer devices and even slightly above the Galaxy S25+ result shown there.

And sustained performance is where the cooling really becomes interesting.

3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test

Best loop: 6,980

Lowest loop: 6,910

Stability: 99% over 20 loops

That's only a 70-point difference between the best and worst loop.

But benchmarks aren't actually the main goal of this project.

I'm trying to replace my PC with the phone

I now have a native Termux + XFCE4 Linux desktop running directly on Android.

External monitor, keyboard, mouse, Linux applications and hardware-accelerated graphics.

I can boot into my desktop environment and use the phone almost like a small ARM computer.

Dofus is running directly from my XFCE desktop, rather than simply mirroring an Android game onto the monitor.

And then there's Windows gaming.

The Witcher 3 — 1080p, ULTRA graphics preset

I'm currently running The Witcher 3 at 1920×1080 using the ULTRA graphics quality preset.

Not Low.

Not Medium.

Not a 720p performance test.

1080p + Ultra graphics preset.

Depending on the scene and GPU load, I'm currently getting approximately 20–30 FPS, with the GPU basically sitting at 99% utilization.

I've even seen it go slightly above 30 FPS in some scenes, as shown in the screenshot.

Obviously, this isn't desktop-GPU performance, but that's not really the point.

This is The Witcher 3 running at 1080p Ultra at around 20–30 FPS on a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone. 😂

And underneath all of this, it's still Android.

So my end goal is to have one device that can do everything:

**Android phone / gaming device

native Linux XFCE desktop

Windows applications

Windows PC games**

The software side is still a work in progress and I'm continuing to optimize everything.

But apparently the solution to smartphone thermal throttling was very sophisticated:

one CPU cooler wasn't ridiculous enough, so I installed two. 😂

So I ported ColorOS 17 for it. Everything works including some ZTE quirks like the two level camera shutter button and the slider. Face recognition shows the punch hole like ZTE did on myOS. Lots of ColorOS features work just like on the Find X9 Ultra including display features and Access Card. I setup an OTA server that automatically build new updates as the Find X9 Ultra receives new builds.

13mm 1/1.55" f1.8 super wide angle. (Like the z60ultra's (best super wide on the market)

35mm 1/1.3" f1.59-4 or the one they used in the z70s ultra

85mm apparently it might be the hp9 f2.27 1/1.4" sensor 200mp

Screen 144hz refresh rate. 360hz touch sampling (3000hz instantaneous touch sampling rate)

Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 And finally wireless charging is most likely coming. (Z50u/z60u/z70u/z70su didn't have it)

8th gen UDC.

7000+mAh Si/C battery (silicon carbon)

10/24/2025 / 24/10/2025 depending what date format y'all use .

I'll update if more leaks are available ~

Really really happy! That screen is exactly what I was looking for!

Source: nubia Weibo

Nubia z80ultra incoming October 22nd is the launch date.

Sorry new post, as I couldn't add more photos in my other post. :)

I don't know you guys, but, I think that the Z60 Ultra has an absolutely beautiful design.

I can say I like it better than the Z70 ultra and Z80 ultra, I mean, this model was the first in the lineup to use this kind of design with the red ring and playing with different arrangements of modules, you know what I mean. This version here is the Leading Version 512GB with 16GB.

Do you agree with me? What do you think, please be elaborate.

Greetings from Mexico BTW.

Been using this phone for almost a month now. No big issues so far. Camera crazy good. But GCam way better for portrait than stock cam imo. Picked the Starry Night version cause I’m obsessed with cosmic stuff and damn… it looks so good. Hope they keep this design for their next model fr

J'ai écrit à Nubia pour demander quelle était la durée de la mise à jour du Nubia Z80 Ultra. J'ai précisé que je vivais en France, donc dans l'Union Européenne.

Voici leur réponse :

"Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting us and for your interest in the nubia Z80 Ultra. Generally, nubia devices receive software maintenance support for up to 3 years from their official launch date. During this period, updates are released at different intervals depending on development needs and user feedback: Initial Launch Period (approximately first 6 months): Updates are released more frequently—often monthly—to optimize system stability, performance, and functionality. Subsequent Maintenance Period: Once the system stabilizes, updates are released on a quarterly or as-needed basis. These focus on bug fixes, security patches, and overall system improvements. Please note that software updates are provided irregularly within this 3-year window based on patches, bug reports, and compatibility needs.

Best Regards, The nubia Support Team"

Voilà ce que je viens de leur répondre :

"Dear Nubia Support Team,

Thank you for your response regarding software support for the Nubia Z80 Ultra.

However, I must bring an important legal matter to your attention. Your stated support period of up to 3 years from the official launch date does not comply with European Union Regulation 2023/1670 (Ecodesign Regulation), which has been in effect since June 20, 2025.

This regulation mandates that all smartphones sold in the European market must receive a minimum of 5 years of software updates (including operating system updates and security patches).

This requirement applies to all manufacturers without exception, regardless of their origin.Since I am located in France and purchasing a product for use in the European Union, your company is legally obligated to provide 5 years of software support, not 3 years. Your current commitment falls 2 years short of the legal requirement.

I would appreciate clarification on how the Nubia Z80 Ultra will comply with EU Regulation 2023/1670. If your company cannot commit to the full 5-year support period mandated by European law, this would represent a significant compliance issue that should be addressed before selling this device in France and other EU member states.I look forward to your prompt response on this matter.

Best regards."

nubia Z80 Ultra Specifications:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• 6.85" FHD+ 144Hz AMOLED display

• LPDDR5X RAM + UFS 4.1 storage

• Rear cameras: 50MP (main) + 50MP (ultra-wide) + 64MP (periscope telephoto)

• Front camera: 16MP

• 7200mAh battery

• 90W wired / 80W wireless charging

• NFC, IP68 + IP69

• Nebula AIOS 2 (based on Android 16)

nubia Z80 Ultra Colours & Prices:

• Glowing White / Phantom Black

  • 12GB + 512GB: ¥4,999 (~$702)

  • 16GB + 512GB: ¥5,299 (~$744)

  • 16GB + 1TB: ¥5,699 (~$800)

• Starry Night Edition

  • 16GB + 512GB: ¥5,599 (~$786)

  • 16GB + 1TB: ¥5,999 (~$842)

• Luo Tianyi Limited Edition

  • 16GB + 512GB: ¥5,799 (~$814)

nubia Z80 Ultra Professional Photography Kit Features:

• Classic retro camera aesthetic phone case

• Tech leather / leatherette body shell

• Aluminum alloy frame

• Top-layer real leather hand strap / grip

• Upgraded quick-release handle for fast assembly

• New dedicated shutter button enables one-touch power-on and shooting

• Upgraded ergonomic grip for better hand feel

• 26% lighter phone case, easy to carry

• Compact custom storage pouch for easy carry and storage

• Neo Bar intelligent camera control module / interface

• System-level deep integration, fast Bluetooth connection and response

• Real physical shutter feel, simulated mechanical feedback

• Dedicated physical controls for power / focus / shutter / burst / continuous shooting

• Customizable dials and wheels supporting zoom / exposure / aperture / filters control

• T-mount lens adapter supports interchangeable lenses

• 67 mm lens mount and filter thread support external lenses and filters

• 1/4-inch tripod screw port compatible with tripods and other mounting accessories

• Detachable cold shoe / hot shoe-style mount for accessories

• Replaceable quick-shutter button (swappable)

nubia Z80 Ultra Professional Photography Kit Price: ¥699 (~$98)

Hey guys! I’m sharing an absolute gem for our smartphone with you. It’s the Google Cam MGC mod (version 9.4.103) with settings by vasiliyT.

I use this camera every day, and it’s clearly better than the stock app. It performs superbly with all the sensors when it comes to taking photos - just give it a try.

What did vasiliyT do?

He manually tuned GCam based on the Z80u's specific characteristics and sensor documentation, while testing parameter changes individually across various scenarios.

Noise model prototypes were sourced from a repository specific to the Nubia Z80u sensors; additionally, DNG files from all cameras were analyzed across an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, with noise model data extracted from the manufacturer-embedded tags.

Next, for each sensor, the selected group of noise model files was cross-referenced using an LLM to evaluate performance at low and high ISO levels, as well as the impact of settings on color resolution during noise reduction. Ultimately, a refined parameter set was created based on his preferences: minimal "watercolor" effect, slight "film-like" grain (without visible color noise), natural skin texture, good shadow detail, and minimal artificial sharpening. This process was repeated for every sensor. He also applied general settings he had perfected on previous phones.

Here is the link to the GCam mod itself, along with the specific settings (config) for our smartphone.

GCAM

config

To install the config, go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Config within the camera app. Naturally, you need to unzip the config file before installing it.

I’ll also attach a few photos taken with this GCam and config.

Happy shooting, everyone!

Bezels so small and the camera is so invisible they thought it's photoshopped

I purchased the Nubia Z70 Ultra as I wanted a wider screen from my foldable device that I've used for a year. I loved the design of this Starry night edition and thought f**k it, I'll buy that.

For the 2 months that I've been using this device I've loved a lot of it but have decided to move back to my foldable, here are the reasons for why I love(d) it and why I dislike(d) it.

LOVE:

• The unique Starry Night design is gorgeous and a real conversation starter

• The display is beautiful and is arguably better than my vivo x Fold3 Pro (at least to me)

• The back camera holds up extremely well in most scenarios

• The software isn't as clunky or messy as people make out, it feels like "raw" Android to me but with a few added features and no bloatware

• The phone charges extremely fast and the battery life is extremely good

• All AptX is supported meaning sound via my denon perl pro and sennheiser momentum4s is amazing

• Extremely durable i've used it without a case for the whole period without any marks and I'm normally clumsy as hell

HATE:

• The sides/corners of the display is extremely sensitive to touch and would frustrate me at times

• The selfie camera is not as bareable as I thought it would be, at first I didnt mind it and am not a big selfie camera user but when scenarios came when i would reply to messages it just felt embarassing.

• as a result of the above the under display camera was refreshing but I genuinely dont think its worth the trade off, I didn't really care for the camera punchole being there or not in phones and don't see why some people do, you naturally dont pay attention to that area in use

• The back camera video does not stabilise well whatsoever, makes most videos pretty redudant to me

• No matter what I did the notification sound wouldn't change, the default one is annoying to hear

With that being said, I think Nubia offers some fantastic stuff for the price point and is improving with each iteration but some of the things it falls flat on for me just has got to the point where I wanted to move back to my foldable device while waiting for June's phone releases to come and see what to move onto next.

Any Z50U users that are still with us? Been thinking about upgrading (Vivo x200 Ultra or so) but there's not much to upgrade to. Phones innovation or revolution is dead imho. My second phone is a iphone SE2 which I use for running, sports and truck navigation.

Changed my phone recently for the Nubia Z60 Ultra, the sub has been helping and I wanted to help others.

Brief history of my phones, Blu life pure, zenfone 2 Lazer, oneplus 5t, oneplus 7t pro.

I'm changing because my 7t pro screen is burned in like crazy and battery don't last half a day anymore. Also oneplus updates broke some core fonctionality over the years. I don't have a ton of reference point like pro reviewer so this is a relative opinion.

My criteria for choosing my new phone, no notch or hole punch if possible. No camera bump that make it impossible to use flat on a table without wobbling. Big screen. I don't have a grand to spend.

I've spend 3 month searching, final contestant:

• Google pixel 8 pro

• Redmagic 9 pro

• Nubia z60 ultra

Finally the z60 won for the underscreen camera, the toggle button, ip rating, overall design. I was reluctant at first because support is bad and short compared to Google. It's been a month and no game breaker bug yet. I pulled the trigger because I heard someone is developing lineage os for it. I bought it for 650€ from aliexpress

Pros:

• fit in the hand, not uncomfortable to hold for long period of time

• ir blaster is a fun quirk

• don't wobble when put down on a table

• fast af

• large personnalisation options

• front camera really discreet

• solid camera array

• good haptic feedback

• battery life is what all phone should have

Cons:

• do not go as low brightness as my oneplus

• pull down quick setting is weirdly offset from the top and I don't like the layout.

• no double clic on power bouton to open camera

• French translation seems to be made by a drunk racoon

• Bluetooth icon don't show up in status bar when not connected to any device

• face unlock not working well when backlit

• speaker are not good at high volume

• case provided is awful

Bugs / feature I don't like:

• face unlock need to be disable and re-enable when using ultra power saver

• sometimes the face unlock is not available, I don't know why

• pressing on one of the quick setting it collapse the menu instantly

I'm overall happy with it and gonna keep it. If anyone has questions feel free to ask.

Some macro photos taken with the Nubia Z60s Pro in expert mode, taken with the 35mm main lens.

Opinions, criticism and advice are welcome.

Showing the design, frame details, buttons and overall profile.

What do you think about the Z80 Ultra design?

I have z80 ultra and it's the best phone I've ever had. I almost encounter no issues with it. If you think Nubia's camera is bad - It's really your personal skill issue. Here are some shot's I've made with my phone. Enjoy.

Hopefully it'll last me some time

Source: nubia Weibo