As expected, ZTE has unveiled the Space Edition of the Axon 40 Ultra — this version has more memory than you might know what to do with. It has a more premium design than the already high-end original.
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition lets you choose between two memory capacities: one with 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage, and the top model with 18GB of RAM and 1TB storage. This is a follow-up to a similar release from last year that was based on the Axon 30 Ultra instead.
Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition: up to 18GB RAM and 1TB Storage • 80W faster charging
As you can see, the design is a little different from the regular Ultra. The back panel has been replaced with a ceramic one. ZTE has also reworked the camera bump — instead of a separate island, it now blends seamlessly into the back. The ceramics are cast in a special mold to create a special texture on the surface.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition has a ceramic back
As a reminder, here’s what the original Axon 40 Ultra looked like:
Original Axon 40 Ultra design
Like the regular Ultra, the Space Edition has a custom security chip developed by ZTE. The company claims to have passed the national commercial encryption test and has obtained three international security and privacy certifications.
The phone is mostly the same as the regular Ultra phone. That means a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a 16MP camera below the screen. Inside is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery, however, charging has been boosted from 65W to 80W. The camera system on the back uses three 64MP sensors: one for the wide camera (35mm lens), one for the ultrawide camera (16mm) and one for the periscope (91mm).
Axon 40 Ultra camera details: Three 64MP modules on the back and an under display camera on the front
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition is already up for pre-order in China and will start shipping on December 6. The 12GB/512GB model will go for CNY5,900 ($825/€795/INR 67,000), and the 18GB/1TB units will cost CNY7,700 ($1,075/€1,035/INR 88,000). The special edition phone also comes in a custom box with a protective case (that matches the new shape of the camera bump).
