What if your next smartphone didn’t just have a good camera, but was a camera—by design, philosophy, and soul? That’s the promise of the Nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition. It’s not your average flagship chasing benchmark scores. It’s a love letter to Leica fans, photography nerds, and anyone who’s ever reached for a manual focus ring in a touchscreen world.
I’ve spent years reviewing glass-and-silicon miracles, but this one? This one feels…different.
It’s not just specs. It’s intent.
Let’s dive in.
Specs & Features
• Display: 6.8” AMOLED, 1.5K resolution (2480×1116), 144Hz refresh rate, ultra-thin bezels, under-display selfie camera
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version (SM8750-AC)
• GPU: Adreno 750
• RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: Up to 1TB UFS 4.0
Rear Camera:
• 50MP main camera, 35mm lens, variable aperture f/1.6–f/4.0, OIS
• 50MP ultra-wide + macro
• 64MP periscope telephoto, 3.2x optical zoom, OIS
• Front Camera: Under-display, UDC Ultra 5.0 technology
• Battery: 6150mAh, 80W wired charging, 50W wireless
• Audio: Stereo speakers with Snapdragon Sound, Hi-Res certification
• Design: Photographer-style leatherette finish, physical shutter button, Leica-inspired red ring
• Protection: IP68/IP69K water & dust resistance
• OS: MyOS (based on Android 14)
The Photographer’s Dream in a Smartphone
This isn’t just another flagship with a beefy sensor slapped on the back. The Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition revolves around the camera—both physically and ideologically.
The 35mm-equivalent main lens evokes nostalgia for street photographers. It’s not a crop, not a gimmick. It’s a real 35mm field of view, complete with a variable aperture. That means real bokeh control, real exposure manipulation—just like on a real camera.
And then there’s that shutter button. A clickable, mechanical, perfectly weighted button embedded in the body. It’s not some random volume rocker shortcut. It’s intentional. And it makes you want to shoot.
Zoom? The 64MP periscope lens brings crisp 3.2x optical and digital reach with zero jitter thanks to OIS. And the ultra-wide lens doubles as a macro camera, which is a joy for nature photographers.
This isn’t “good for a phone.” This is simply good.
Design Details: Retro in All the Right Ways
Let’s call this section “A Leica in Your Pocket”.
The Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition has that matte black leatherette back that feels oh-so-classic in the hand. It repels smudges, grips naturally, and makes you feel like you’re holding something crafted—not stamped.
The camera module is oversized, deliberate, and surrounded by a bold red ring that subtly nods to Leica. Even the embossed “Neovision” branding beneath the glass adds to the visual language of old-school camera gear.
The under-display front camera (UDC Ultra 5.0) hides flawlessly beneath a perfectly laminated screen. No punch-holes here. Just glass, edge to edge.
Every button click is tactile perfection. And yes, the dedicated shutter key is textured and positioned for instant muscle memory.
How It Performs in Real Life
Snap a portrait? It looks cinematic. Low light in a jazz bar? Clean, detailed, no blown highlights. Wildlife at distance? That periscope lens gets it. I took this phone out on a weekend street shoot and left my mirrorless at home—on purpose. And not once did I regret it.
The battery? A beast. With moderate to heavy use, I got a full day and a half. And when I needed juice, the 80W fast charging got me from 0 to 100% in under 40 minutes.
Gaming? Smooth. Editing 4K video on LumaFusion? Seamless. Watching HDR content? Glorious on the 1.5K AMOLED.
Honestly, the performance is there, but it’s the experience that wins.
Price & Availability
The Photographer Edition launches in China on April 28, 2025. International release hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Nubia has previously brought flagship models to global markets.
• Expected China price: starting from ¥4,999 (~$699)
~$699
• Global pricing (unconfirmed): ~$799–$999 depending on storage
~$799–$999
Check availability:
How It Stacks Up
Z70S Ultra vs Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Samsung has more computational tricks and better ecosystem integration
• Nubia wins in tactile shooting experience, variable aperture, and aesthetics
Z70S Ultra vs Vivo X100 Pro
• Vivo’s Zeiss lenses and gimbal camera are technically superior in some scenarios
• Nubia is more fun to use, more satisfying to hold, and easier to love
Verdict: If you live for photography, Nubia delivers an emotionally richer experience. If you want a safe flagship, pick the others.
What Others Say
“This phone isn’t trying to replace your DSLR—it’s trying to be one in spirit. And it gets surprisingly close.” — Android Police
“It’s rare to see a phone so focused on a single user persona. For once, it’s not about pleasing everyone—it’s about delighting photographers.” — GizmoChina
FAQ
• Does it support RAW capture?
Yes. You get full manual controls and DNG support in Pro mode.
• Is the under-display camera good?
Serviceable for video calls. But this phone is for rear-camera shooters anyway.
• Does the shutter button work in third-party apps?
Currently limited to the stock camera app, but Nubia promises wider support via updates.
• Can I use it with a gimbal or tripod?
Yes. It has a flat back and software-level horizon lock that works great for handheld rigs.
Cons
• Not yet available globally
• Heavy at over 230g
• MyOS interface may feel cluttered to stock Android fans
• Still lacks certain pro video features like 10-bit Log recording
Final Verdict
The Nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition is what happens when a smartphone stops pretending to be a jack-of-all-trades—and leans fully into one obsession: photography. Every detail—from the 35mm lens to the shutter click—makes you want to go outside and shoot.
If you’re tired of phones being boring slabs of glass, this is your antidote.
Score: 4.7 / 5
A niche device? Yes. But in a world full of sameness, that’s its greatest strength.
4.7 / 5
