nubia V80 Max Review: A Reliable Budget Phone for Everyday Use

nubia has expanded its smartphone lineup in the Philippines with the new nubia V80 Max. It’s a large-screen budget phone that leans on battery life and screen size, with a few AI tools meant to help with everyday tasks.

This hands-on review takes a closer look at how the nubia V80 Max performs in regular use, from long screen time and battery life to overall stability. More importantly, it looks at how the phone feels after regular use, and whether it’s actually worth its price.

nubia V80 Max Key Specs

OS: Android 16 with MyOS 16

Display: 6.9-inch HD+ IPS LCD (720 × 1640), 120Hz refresh rate, up to 780 nits HBM, notch
Processor: UNISOC T7250 (12nm) Octa-core @ 1.8GHz + 6× Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz)
GPU: Mali-G57 MP1
RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD
Rear Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8, autofocus) + 2MP depth + AI lens, LED flash, up to 1080p video
Front Camera: 16MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C, USB OTG
Mobile Data: 2G / 3G / 4G LTE, Dual SIM (Nano-SIM)
Audio: Loudspeaker with up to 200% volume, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM Radio
Build and Protection: Glass front, plastic back, IP64 dust and splash resistance

Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face recognition
Battery: 6000mAh, 22.5W fast charging
Colors: Stardust Purple, Stellar Silver, Aurellia Gold, Sky Cyan, Space Black

Design and Build Quality

The nubia V80 Max keeps things simple with a clean, squared-off design, pairing a flat display with gently rounded corners. It’s a large phone with its 6.9-inch screen, but it doesn’t feel awkward to hold.

The slim plastic body and reinforced curved edges help balance out the size, making it more comfortable during longer scrolling or video sessions. The flat sides give it a clean, straightforward look that won’t feel out of place, while the slight curves along the edges stop it from feeling sharp or tiring in the hand over time.

The back panel has a matte finish that does a good job of resisting fingerprints, so it stays looking clean even after hours of handling. Our review unit came in Stardust Purple, and the color has a subtle shading that looks classy without being loud. Other color options include Stellar Silver, Aurellia Gold, Sky Cyan, and Space Black.

Button placement feels natural. The power button, which also works as the fingerprint reader, and the volume rocker are both on the right side, making them easy to reach. At the bottom, you’ll find the usual setup: a USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, and speaker, with another speaker at the top for better sound output.

Around the back, the camera module slightly pops out and uses a simple vertical camera layout, similar to what you see on latest Samsung's camera layout. Given its size, the nubia V80 Max is comfortable to hold for most users, but those with smaller hands may find it wide and harder to use with one hand. The plastic build also means it does not feel as premium as glass-backed phones, though it helps keep the phone lighter and more practical for daily use.

Durability

The nubia V80 Max clearly puts some focus on durability, which fits its everyday focus. It uses durable glass on the front to help reduce scratches and handle small drops that can happen during daily use. While it’s not meant to be abuse-proof, it feels more reassuring than most phones in this price range.

The phone also comes with a reinforced internal structure, including added protection on the corners and curved edges. This helps absorb impact from minor falls, like slipping from a pocket or desk. nubia rates it for up to 1.8m drop resistance, though results will still depend on how and where the phone lands.

There’s also IP64 dust and splash resistance, which makes it less stressful to use day to day—especially outdoors or during sudden light rain. It’s not something you’d want to fully expose to water, but it handles everyday dust and splashes without worry.

Overall, the durability of the nubia V80 Max feels practical and well considered. It’s built to survive normal daily use, making it a dependable choice for users who want a phone that doesn’t feel fragile.

Display and Sound

The nubia V80 Max uses a large 6.9-inch HD+ IPS LCD display that feels well-suited for everyday viewing. The size alone makes a big difference when watching videos, browsing social media, or reading for long periods. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling smooth, and this is something you notice right away during daily use.

Brightness goes up to 780 nits, making the screen readable even under direct sunlight. In real-world use, checking messages, maps, or notifications outdoors is easy and hassle-free. Colors aren’t overly punchy, which actually helps during long reading or scrolling sessions, while text remains clear across the screen. The front is protected by durable glass, which adds extra confidence against light scratches.

The speakers can reach up to 200% volume, which is useful for calls, videos, and media playback in noisy environments. At normal volume, audio is clear enough for videos, calls, and casual media use. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio adds practical value, especially for users who still prefer wired audio.

What could be better: The HD+ resolution works well for regular use, but on a screen this big, it doesn’t look as crisp as higher-resolution displays. When pushed to the highest volume, the speakers can sound a little sharp, so mid-level volume offers a more balanced listening experience.

Performance

The nubia V80 Max is powered by the UNISOC T7250 chipset, a 12nm octa-core processor built for steady everyday performance and power efficiency. It uses a mix of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores, focusing more on daily tasks rather than raw speed. The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, with support for up to 8GB of extended RAM, along with 128GB of internal storage, which helps keep common apps running smoothly during regular use.

In day-to-day use, the phone performs consistently. Messaging, social media, web browsing, and video streaming feel smooth, and the system stays responsive during normal multitasking. App switching is fine for light to moderate use, and the overall experience feels stable rather than fast.

For gaming, the nubia V80 Max is clearly aimed at casual players. Games like Mobile Legends and Call of Duty Mobile are playable on low to medium settings, with stable frame rates for short sessions. More demanding titles can run, but lowering graphics settings is needed for smoother play. Heat control remains reasonable, even after longer gaming sessions.

In benchmark testing, the nubia V80 Max scores around 384,858 on AnTuTu, and that matches the experience during daily use. It’s not designed for heavy gaming or power users, but it handles daily tasks without becoming frustrating.

What could be better: Performance can slow down when running heavy apps or games, especially with higher graphics settings. The 128GB storage, while usable, can feel limited today since many apps and games now take up several gigabytes. Although expandable storage helps, users who install a lot of apps or games may need to manage space more often.

OS and User Interface

The nubia V80 Max runs on Android 16 with MyOS 16, and the overall experience feels clean and easy to understand. The layout is simple, icons are clear, and menus are not cluttered, making daily navigation feel natural even for users who are not very tech-focused.

During daily use, the interface feels smooth and responsive. Basic actions like opening apps, switching between screens, and adjusting settings are straightforward. There are a few pre-installed apps, but they don’t get in the way, and most can be ignored or removed if needed.

What adds more value here are nubia’s built-in AI features. Most of them stay out of the way unless you actually need them. One of the more practical tools is One-Swipe AI Memory. With a simple swipe up, it works like a smart assistant by capturing what’s on your screen, understanding the content, and organizing it for easy saving or sharing. It’s useful for keeping track of information without switching between apps.

There’s also AI Scam Alert, which adds an extra layer of safety. It can identify possible scam content in voice calls and text messages and give real-time warnings. For everyday users, this is something you probably won’t notice—until it saves you from a mistake.

On the creative side, AI Wallpaper lets you create wallpapers using text descriptions, while AI Social Publisher helps generate quick social media captions. These tools add convenience without making the system feel heavy.

Despite these added features, the interface still feels light and easy to use. The AI tools blend into the system without making it feel complicated, keeping the overall experience smooth and user-friendly.

What could be better: Some users may prefer a more stock Android look, as MyOS still adds its own design touches. The AI features are useful, but not everyone may use them daily, and clearer long-term update support would be a welcome improvement.

Connectivity

The nubia V80 Max covers the basics well when it comes to connectivity, making it suitable for daily communication and online use. It supports dual SIM with 4G LTE, allowing users to manage work and personal numbers on one device. Call quality is clear, and signal reception stays stable during regular use.
For wireless connections, the phone supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. Wi-Fi performance is reliable for streaming, browsing, and downloads, while Bluetooth works smoothly with wireless earphones, speakers, and other accessories. The inclusion of NFC is a nice bonus, especially for users who rely on contactless payments or quick device pairing.

Wired connectivity is handled by a USB Type-C port with USB OTG support, and reverse charaging making it easy to connect flash drives or other accessories. The presence of FM radio adds extra convenience for users who still enjoy listening without using mobile data.

What could be better: There is no 5G support, which may matter to users looking ahead. While 4G performance is stable, long-term users may see this as a limitation.

Camera

The nubia V80 Max features a 50MP main camera (f/1.8, autofocus), paired with a 2MP depth sensor and an AI lens, along with an LED flash. In good lighting, the main camera delivers clear and reliable shots. Photos come out with natural colors and decent detail, making it suitable for everyday scenes like outdoor shots, food, and casual portraits. Autofocus is responsive enough for daily use, helping capture moments without delay.

During daytime shooting, images look balanced with controlled exposure. The camera avoids overly boosted colors, keeping photos looking natural. Portrait shots benefit from the depth sensor, offering acceptable background blur for social media sharing.

nubia also includes a few smart camera tools that are worth noting. Intelligent Beauty helps soften skin tones without going overboard, making selfies look more natural. The camera can also scan QR codes directly, which is useful for quick access to links and payments. Auto Sky Enhancement can adjust sky tones in photos, adding a bit more depth to outdoor shots when lighting is flat.

Sample Photos: 

One practical feature is dirt identification, where the camera triggers a prompt if the rear lens is dirty. It’s a small detail, but helpful in avoiding blurry photos without realizing the lens needs cleaning.
In low-light and night conditions, the camera starts to show its limits. Details soften, and noise becomes more noticeable, especially in darker areas. The LED flash helps for close-range shots, but night photos are best kept for casual use.

The 16MP front camera handles selfies and video calls well in good lighting, producing natural skin tones and clear facial details. Video recording goes up to 1080p, which works fine for everyday clips, though stabilization is basic.

What could be better: Low-light photos can appear soft and noisy, and video stabilization is limited, so handheld videos may look shaky, especially when moving.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is one of the strongest parts of the nubia V80 Max. It packs a large 6000mAh battery, which easily gets through a full day of use and can stretch longer with lighter tasks. Daily activities like social media, messaging, video streaming, and browsing barely put pressure on the battery, even with the large display and 120Hz refresh rate turned on.

nubia also adds a few smart charging features that focus more on battery health than speed. AI Night Charging learns your charging habits and helps prevent overcharging while you sleep, which is useful if you usually leave the phone plugged in overnight. There’s also Bypass Charging, which draws power directly from the charger instead of the battery when plugged in. This helps reduce heat, especially during gaming or long use while charging, and can help extend battery lifespan over time.

Charging speed is rated at 22.5W, which feels reasonable for the battery size. It’s steady and reliable rather than fast. The phone also supports 10W reverse charging, allowing it to work as a power bank for small devices like earphones or another phone in emergencies.

What could be better: Charging speeds are on the slower side compared to newer fast-charging phones, especially with a battery this large. While the smart charging features help with long-term use, topping up from low battery still takes some patience.

Pros:

Large 6.9-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
Strong battery life, 6000mAh capacity
Useful AI features
Loud speakers with up to 200% volume
IP64 dust and splash resistance
Clean and easy-to-use software experience
Headphone jack, FM radio, NFC, and expandable storage

Cons:

HD+ resolution feels less sharp
Performance is fine for daily use but not ideal for heavy gaming
128GB storage can fill up quickly with modern apps and games
Charging speed is decent but not fast for a battery this size
Low-light camera performance is only average

Verdict

The nubia V80 Max focuses on the basics—and does them well. It delivers a large and smooth display, long battery life, loud speakers, and a clean software experience that’s easy to use from day one. The added AI features are practical, but they stay in the background and don’t complicate the experience.
Priced at ₱6,499 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, the nubia V80 Max makes sense for users who want a big-screen phone that can last all day and handle everyday tasks without fuss. It’s not made for heavy gaming or advanced photography, but for casual use, media consumption, and reliable daily performance, it offers good value for the price.

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