Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) vs ZTE Axon 40 SE

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) (2025) runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the ZTE Axon 40 SE (2022) runs on the Unisoc UMS512T T618. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) leads — 87/100 vs 46/100 (a 41-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) has the bigger battery (6800 mAh vs 4500); the ZTE Axon 40 SE is noticeably lighter (182g vs 224g).

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE by 41 points (87/100 vs 46/100).

Profile comparison

Category scores

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)

Performance 98
Display 81
Camera 87
Battery 83
Portability 42
Value for money 88

ZTE Axon 40 SE

Performance —
Display 81
Camera 30
Battery 33
Portability 74
Value for money —

What makes Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) better?

  • Bigger battery: 6800 vs 4500 mAh
  • Faster charging: 90W vs 5W

  • Better camera (87/100 vs 30/100)
  • Longer battery life (83/100 vs 33/100)

What makes ZTE Axon 40 SE better?

  • Lighter: 182g vs 224g

  • Better portability (74/100 vs 42/100)

Comparison verdict

Comparing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) vs the ZTE Axon 40 SE, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) scores 41 points higher (87/100 vs 46/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) leads (87/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) leads (83/100 vs 33/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 81/100. In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (87/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (83/100 vs 33/100). In the "portability" category, the ZTE Axon 40 SE significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) (74/100 vs 42/100).

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China): The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.

Specs comparison

Specification Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) ZTE Axon 40 SE
Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Unisoc UMS512T T618
AnTuTu 3950082 —
Geekbench Single 3639 —
Geekbench Multi 11047 —
Display 6.9" LTPO AMOLED 6.7" AMOLED
Resolution 1200x2608 1080x2400
Refresh rate 120 Hz —
Battery 6800 mAh 4500 mAh
Charging 90W 5W
Wireless charging 50W 0W
Main camera 50 MP 50 MP
Ultrawide 50 MP 0 MP
Telephoto 200 MP 0 MP
Front camera 50 MP 8 MP
RAM 12GB / 16GB 4GB
Storage 512GB / 1TB 128GB
OS Android 16 Android 12, MyOS 12
NFC yes yes
Protection IP68/IP69 —
Dimensions 162.9×77.6×8.3 mm 163.5×75.8×7.6 mm
Weight 224 g 182 g
Launch price $892 —

Camera comparison

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)

  • Main: 50MP f/1.7
  • Ultrawide: 50MP
  • Telephoto: 200MP
  • Front: 50MP
87
camera

ZTE Axon 40 SE

  • Main: 50MP f/1.8
  • Front: 8MP
30
camera

Display comparison

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)

  • 6.9" LTPO AMOLED
  • Resolution: 1200x2608
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
81
display

ZTE Axon 40 SE

  • 6.7" AMOLED
  • Resolution: 1080x2400
  • Refresh rate: —
81
display

Battery and charging

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)

  • 6800 mAh
  • Wired: 90W
  • Wireless: 50W
83
battery

ZTE Axon 40 SE

  • 4500 mAh
  • Wired: 5W
  • No wireless charging
33
battery

Benchmarks

Launch prices and where to check today's

Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China)

$892

ZTE Axon 40 SE

Price unknown

Detailed category analysis

display

In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 81/100.

camera

In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (87/100 vs 30/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (83/100 vs 33/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the ZTE Axon 40 SE significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) (74/100 vs 42/100).

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) or the ZTE Axon 40 SE?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE by 41 points (87/100 vs 46/100).

What is the rating of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) and the ZTE Axon 40 SE?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) has a MobileRank rating of 87/100, the ZTE Axon 40 SE — 46/100.

Which has the better camera: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) or the ZTE Axon 40 SE?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) leads on camera score (87/100 vs 30/100).

Should you choose the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) over the ZTE Axon 40 SE?

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (China) is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.