nubia V80 Max Review, Drop it like it's Hot!

In this age where almost everything feels replaceable, it’s refreshing to use a phone that just lets you live stress-free. No babying it, no constant battery anxiety, no worrying if you got your money’s worth. That’s the kind of energy the nubia V80 Max brings.

And at ₱6,499, this is one of those phones that makes you pause and ask, “Wait, why is this phone affordable?”

We were given a chance by nubia to test the new V80 Max(aka nubia Z2577) and see if it truly lives up to its #BuiltToTheMax promise. Nubia had no say in what we would publish. All thoughts and opinions here are entirely ours.

The nubia V80 Max is the brand’s latest entry-level smartphone. With a launch price of ₱6,499, the specs, features, and AI capabilities on paper already look like more than what you’d expect at this price point.

What you’re getting on paper

At a glance, the V80 Max clearly focuses on the essentials that matter most for everyday users.

It comes with a large 6.9-inch HD+ display(1640x720) with a 120Hz refresh rate, which already puts it ahead of many phones in the same price range. Powering the device is a massive 6000mAh battery designed for long hours of use without constantly thinking about charging.

The phone comes in five color variants globally. In the Philippines, the nubia V80 Max is available in Space Black, Aurellia Gold, Stardust Purple, and Stellar Silver. The only variant missing locally is Sky Cyan.

Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. It is quick, reliable, and more practical than under-display fingerprint sensors often found in budget phones. Nubia also keeps things old school friendly with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a triple tray slot that supports dual SIM cards plus expandable storage via microSD.

For added peace of mind, the phone carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance and is rated for up to 1.8 meters of drop resistance, something we also tested ourselves later on.

On paper, the V80 Max prioritizes screen size, battery life, durability, and practicality over flashy extras, which already makes it clear who this phone is designed for.

Design and build

We tested the Gold variant, although the sides lean more toward a silver finish. One detail we genuinely appreciate is nubia’s signature red power button. It does not just add contrast, it gives the phone character.

The phone looks surprisingly premium for an entry-level device and comes complete with a charger and protective case inside the box. On the left side, there are no buttons, only the SIM tray, which allows the phone to lie flat on a table without wobbling. On the right side is the power button that doubles as the fingerprint reader, with the volume rocker placed above it.

At the bottom, you will find the speaker, charging port, and 3.5mm headphone jack, which is great if you still use wired earphones. The triple tray slot supports dual SIM cards along with a dedicated microSD card slot. For an entry-level phone, this is a very welcome feature that adds real value.

Drop and durability test

For our durability test, we wanted to see how tough the phone really is, so we went case free during the drop tests. After three to five controlled drops, the phone was no longer completely scratch free, with a few visible paint chips and small dents. However, it remained fully functional, and the screen did not suffer any damage.

This tells us that the nubia V80 Max should easily handle the bumps and bruises of daily commuting, school or work activities, and everyday use without falling apart.

Max screen size for everyday entertainment

The large 6.9-inch HD+ display paired with a 120Hz refresh rate is comfortable for binge watching Netflix shows or catching live NBA games on Prime Video and Disney+. Colors are not on the same level as midrange or flagship Samsung and iPhone displays, but they are more than serviceable. Contrast is decent, blacks are not the deepest, and overall viewing quality is perfectly fine for casual use.

Gaming also feels enjoyable on the large screen. Titles like Clash Royale and Asphalt 8 feel more immersive, and your fingers do not feel cramped the way they often do on smaller phones.

We also found the nearly seven inch display to be surprisingly legible even from over six feet away. This is useful when the phone is resting on a table and you do not want to miss a scene from a show or a video you are watching.

The 120Hz refresh rate can be dialed down to 90Hz or 60Hz. Keeping it on auto is the most practical option if you want smoother performance without worrying too much about battery drain. If higher refresh rates make you feel dizzy, limiting it to 60Hz is an easy fix.

Software and UI

Whether you are a long time Android user or someone who regularly switches between Android and iOS, the nubia V80 Max feels easy to use straight out of the box. Navigation gestures are responsive and intuitive, letting you swipe left, right, up, or down to move through apps and menus smoothly.

The phone runs MyOS 16 based on Android 16 (codename: Baklava). It offers plenty of customization options, from themes and wallpapers to icons and layouts, giving users the freedom to personalize the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

It also includes built in AI features such as AI Writing, AI Scam Alert, and Live Translator. While we were not able to fully test these during our time with the device, it is reassuring to know they are available and ready to use when needed.

Battery that lasts till you get home

A 6000mAh battery honestly feels like it should be the new standard, and the nubia V80 Max proves why. It gives you confidence to go through the entire day without worrying about your phone dying, even if you leave your power bank behind.

The included 22.5W charger is sufficient for overnight charging, allowing the phone to be ready again by the next morning. Combined with the large display, the battery becomes one of the phone’s strongest assets. It is built for long viewing sessions, messaging, scrolling, and casual gaming without constant battery anxiety.

Camera, the honest take

Camera performance is exactly what you would expect from an entry-level smartphone. In good lighting, photos are usable and social media ready, perfect for quick snaps and everyday moments. Details are acceptable, and colors look natural without being overly processed.

Low light photography is where the limitations become noticeable, which is expected at this price point. Still, for casual documentation, video calls, and social uploads, the camera does its job without pretending to be something it is not. If you are looking for a dedicated backup camera phone, this is not it.

One feature we genuinely enjoyed is the Monocolor mode, which allows you to highlight a specific color while turning the rest of the image black and white. It adds a creative, almost artistic touch that is fun to experiment with.

So who is the nubia V80 Max for?

The nubia V80 Max is for users who want a big screen, long battery life, and durable, practical features without spending big. It is ideal for students, first time smartphone users, or anyone looking for a reliable daily driver with fewer worries and fewer compromises. It also works well as a backup phone and based on our experience, it can even outlast some main phones in terms of durability and battery life.

At ₱6,499, it does not try to compete with flagships. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters and delivers solid value where it counts.

You can get your own nubia V80 Max through Shopee and Lazada, and experience what it is like to have a phone that is built to last and simply gets the job done.