ZTE has launched the Axon 7 Mini in the United States. It is now available to pre-order for $300, and it is expected to be released on Oct. 27.
The Axon 7 Mini is the smaller and cheaper version of the company's flagship phone, the Axon 7. The soon-to-be-released device will feature a 5.2-inch AMOLED full HD resolution display screen. Its curved-edge screen gives out up to 16 million colors and offers around 424 ppi pixel density with its 71.2 percent screen-to-body ratio.
Underneath its metal uni-body, designed by Designworks, it houses an octa-core Qualcomm MSM 8952 designated as Snapdragon 617. The chip contains 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53, while the graphics processing power will be handled by an Adreno 405 GPU. It will run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow out-of-the-box.
The memory stands at 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB via a microSD card. Connections include 4G LTE, GPS, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.1. It also offers a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C connector. It has a 2,705 mAh battery with Quick Charge 2.0 capability.
The ZTE Axon 7 Mini also is equipped with a HiFi, front-facing dual speakers that feature a Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. The company claims that it can provide a superb audio experience. Its camera is not extraordinary, though, as it has 16 MP rear camera with f/1.9 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and LED-flash. Its 8 MP front shooter, on the other hand, comes with f/2.2 aperture.
For those shopping around for Android phones, other similar products include the Moto G4 Plus that is around $250 and offers a slightly bigger screen at 5.5-inch. However, it lacks the audio features and the high-end looks that the Axon 7 Mini can offer. If one is after a similar look, the lower-end version of the ASUS Zenfone 3 could be an option. It is also more powerful and has a similar camera capability, but priced a little higher. Its bigger brother, the Axon 7 is priced at $400.
The ZTE Axon 7 Mini is available for pre-orders via Amazon, B&H, Best Buy, NewEgg, and ZTE's online store. It comes in either Quartz gray or Ion gold. The first shipment is expected to arrive on Oct. 27.
