Nokia 7 Plus vs Asus ZenFone 5Z: Full Comparison
The Nokia 7 Plus and Asus ZenFone 5Z are two 2018 mid-range smartphones that still get compared by budget buyers today. The ZenFone 5Z wins on raw performance with its Snapdragon 845, while the Nokia 7 Plus offers a cleaner Android One experience and better battery life. This article breaks down the key differences to help you decide which used phone fits your needs.
Background and Positioning
Both phones launched in 2018, targeting the upper mid-range segment but with different philosophies. The Nokia 7 Plus was HMD Global’s attempt to blend Nokia’s build quality with Google’s Android One program, promising two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. The Asus ZenFone 5Z was the flagship variant of the ZenFone 5 series, packing a top-tier processor into a more affordable chassis. The 5Z was often seen as a “flagship killerâ€� because it used the same Snapdragon 845 chip found in much more expensive devices like the OnePlus 6 and Samsung Galaxy S9.
Hardware and Performance
The most significant difference is the processor. The Nokia 7 Plus uses a Snapdragon 660, a solid mid-range chip from 2018, while the ZenFone 5Z uses the Snapdragon 845, Qualcomm’s flagship chip from that year. In real-world usage, the 5Z handles heavy gaming, video editing, and multitasking far better. The 660 is fine for everyday apps, social media, and light gaming, but it will struggle with demanding titles or heavy app switching.
- Nokia 7 Plus: Snapdragon 660, Adreno 512 GPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage.
- Asus ZenFone 5Z: Snapdragon 845, Adreno 630 GPU, 6GB or 8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB/256GB storage.
Both have microSD expansion, but the 5Z’s faster storage and RAM options make it a better choice for power users. The 5Z also has a headphone jack and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, as does the Nokia 7 Plus.
Display and Design
The Nokia 7 Plus features a 6-inch IPS LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution. The ZenFone 5Z has a 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a taller 19:9 aspect ratio and a notch, also at 1080p. The 5Z’s display is a bit more modern-looking with thinner bezels, but the Nokia’s screen is still sharp and color-accurate. In terms of build, the Nokia 7 Plus has an aluminum body with a ceramic-like coating, giving it a premium feel. The ZenFone 5Z uses a glass back with a reflective finish that looks striking but is more prone to fingerprints and cracks. Neither phone has an official IP rating for water resistance.
Camera Comparison
Both phones have dual rear cameras, but they differ in approach. The Nokia 7 Plus uses a 12MP main sensor (f/1.75) and a 13MP telephoto lens (f/2.6) for 2x optical zoom. The ZenFone 5Z uses a 12MP main sensor (f/1.8) and an 8MP wide-angle lens (f/2.2) with a 120-degree field of view. The Nokia’s telephoto is better for portraits and distant subjects, while the Asus wide-angle is more versatile for landscapes and group shots. In low light, the Nokia 7 Plus tends to produce slightly cleaner images due to its larger pixel size, but the 5Z’s camera app offers more manual controls and AI scene detection. The front cameras are similar: 16MP on the Nokia and 8MP on the Asus, with the Nokia generally producing sharper selfies.
Software and Updates
This is where the Nokia 7 Plus has a clear edge. It runs Android One, which is stock Android with a promise of fast updates. The Nokia 7 Plus received Android 9 and Android 10 updates, and its security patches were regular for a few years. The ZenFone 5Z runs Asus’s ZenUI, which is heavily customized with extra features like game mode and gesture controls. However, Asus was slower with updates, and the 5Z only got Android 9 and a single Android 10 beta that was never fully released. If you care about software longevity and a clean interface, the Nokia 7 Plus is the better choice. If you prefer customization and don’t mind bloatware, the 5Z’s ZenUI is feature-rich.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nokia 7 Plus has a 3,800mAh battery, while the ZenFone 5Z has a 3,300mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the 5Z’s battery life is decent, but the Nokia’s larger battery combined with the more efficient Snapdragon 660 gives it noticeably better endurance. In typical usage, the Nokia can easily last a full day and into the next, while the 5Z might need a top-up by evening if you’re a heavy user. Both support fast charging via USB-C, but the Nokia’s 18W charger is slightly faster than the Asus’s 18W (though the 5Z also supports Quick Charge 4.0).
Common Problems and Issues
Both phones have known quirks from their era. The Nokia 7 Plus is prone to a loose charging port over time, and some units had a microphone issue during calls. The ZenFone 5Z has a fragile glass back that cracks easily without a case, and its wide-angle camera produces soft images at the edges. The 5Z’s notch can also be intrusive in some apps, though you can hide it in settings. Neither phone has a particularly loud speaker, and the vibration motor is weak on both.
How to Choose
Your choice depends on your priorities:
- If you need the fastest performance for gaming or heavy apps, get the ZenFone 5Z.
- If you want a cleaner software experience and longer battery life, get the Nokia 7 Plus.
- If you prefer telephoto zoom over wide-angle, pick the Nokia.
- If you want more RAM and storage options, the 5Z wins.
- If you plan to keep the phone for a few years, the Nokia’s software updates are more valuable.
Both phones are now budget-friendly on the used market. Check for battery health and screen condition before buying, as these are the most common failure points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better battery life?
The Nokia 7 Plus, thanks to its larger 3,800mAh battery and more efficient Snapdragon 660 processor. Expect about 20-30% longer screen-on time compared to the ZenFone 5Z.
Can the ZenFone 5Z run Android 10?
Officially, Asus released an Android 10 beta for the 5Z, but a stable version was never widely rolled out. Most units remain on Android 9. The Nokia 7 Plus received a stable Android 10 update.
Which camera is better for portraits?
The Nokia 7 Plus has a dedicated telephoto lens, which gives better depth-of-field effects and sharper zoomed portraits. The ZenFone 5Z’s wide-angle lens is more useful for group shots but not for portraits.
Is the ZenFone 5Z worth buying in 2024?
Only if you need the performance and can find a well-kept unit at a low price. Its lack of software updates and fragile glass back are downsides. The Nokia 7 Plus is a safer bet for daily use due to its better battery and cleaner software.
Do both phones have NFC?
Yes, both the Nokia 7 Plus and ZenFone 5Z have NFC, so they support Google Pay and contactless payments.
Which phone has better build quality?
The Nokia 7 Plus feels more durable with its aluminum unibody. The ZenFone 5Z’s glass back is more prone to cracking, so a case is highly recommended.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.