Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs ZTE Axon 40 SE
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm 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 leads — 89/100 vs 46/100 (a 43-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 4500); the ZTE Axon 40 SE is noticeably lighter (182g vs 226g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
ZTE Axon 40 SE
What makes Xiaomi 17 Ultra better?
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 4500 mAh
- Faster charging: 90W vs 5W
- Better camera (93/100 vs 30/100)
- Longer battery life (80/100 vs 33/100)
- Better display (89/100 vs 81/100)
What makes ZTE Axon 40 SE better?
- Lighter: 182g vs 226g
- Better portability (74/100 vs 40/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs the ZTE Axon 40 SE, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra scores 43 points higher (89/100 vs 46/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra leads (93/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra leads (80/100 vs 33/100). In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a bit better (89/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (93/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (80/100 vs 33/100). In the "portability" category, the ZTE Axon 40 SE significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (74/100 vs 40/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Xiaomi 17 Ultra | ZTE Axon 40 SE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Unisoc UMS512T T618 | |
| AnTuTu | 3667711 | — | |
| Geekbench Single | 3639 | — | |
| Geekbench Multi | 11047 | — | |
| Display | 6.8" LTPO AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 3200x1440 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | — | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 4500 mAh | |
| Charging | 90W | 5W | |
| Wireless charging | 50W | 0W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 166 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP | 0 MP | |
| Telephoto | 200 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 8 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 4GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 12, MyOS 12 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3500 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | — | |
| Dimensions | 162.9×77.6×8.3 mm | 163.5×75.8×7.6 mm | |
| Weight | 226 g | 182 g | |
| Launch price | $999 | — |
Camera comparison
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
- Main: 50MP f/1.63
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 200MP
- Front: 32MP
ZTE Axon 40 SE
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Front: 8MP
Display comparison
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
- 6.8" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 3200x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
ZTE Axon 40 SE
- 6.7" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: —
Battery and charging
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
- 6000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 16:09 hrs, total 33:23 hrs
- Wired: 90W
- Wireless: 50W
ZTE Axon 40 SE
- 4500 mAh
- Wired: 5W
- No wireless charging
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
ZTE Axon 40 SE
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
display
In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a bit better (89/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (93/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE (80/100 vs 33/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the ZTE Axon 40 SE significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (74/100 vs 40/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra or the ZTE Axon 40 SE?
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 SE by 43 points (89/100 vs 46/100).
What is the rating of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the ZTE Axon 40 SE?
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 89/100, the ZTE Axon 40 SE — 46/100.
Which has the better camera: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra or the ZTE Axon 40 SE?
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra leads on camera score (93/100 vs 30/100).
Should you choose the Xiaomi 17 Ultra over the ZTE Axon 40 SE?
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.