ZTE Axon 7 Unveiling Features Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The ZTE Axon 7 boasts a sleek and elegant design characterized by its metal unibody construction. The dimensions of the phone are 151.7 x 75 x 7.9 mm, and it weighs 175 grams, providing a robust yet comfortable feel in the hand. The aluminum back and frame add to its premium look, while the glass front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, ensuring durability against scratches and impact. The phone is available in three colors: Ion Gold, Quartz Grey, and Chromium Silver, allowing users to choose according to their style preference. The hybrid dual SIM slot enhances usability by allowing the use of two SIM cards or one SIM and a microSD card for expanded storage.

Display

The ZTE Axon 7 is equipped with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display that provides vivid colors and deep contrasts, making it perfect for media consumption. With a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 538 PPI, the screen offers crisp and clear visuals. The color accuracy and brightness are commendable, providing a great viewing experience in different lighting conditions. The AMOLED technology ensures deeper blacks, making the images and videos more immersive.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, the ZTE Axon 7 delivers efficient and powerful performance. The quad-core CPU, which comprises 2x2.15 GHz Kryo and 2x1.6 GHz Kryo cores, ensures smooth multitasking and high-end gaming performance. The device also houses an Adreno 530 GPU, offering excellent graphics rendering capabilities. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the Axon 7 can handle demanding applications and games with ease, providing a seamless user experience.

Camera

The camera setup on the ZTE Axon 7 is commendable, with a 20 MP rear camera featuring an aperture of f/1.8, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and optical image stabilization (OIS). This configuration allows users to capture sharp and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. The camera supports dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes, adding versatility to photography options. For video recording, the rear camera can shoot 4K videos at 30fps and offers additional recording options like 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 240fps for slow-motion videos. On the front, the 8 MP selfie camera with an aperture of f/2.2 provides decent selfies and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Audio and Multimedia

One of the standout features of the ZTE Axon 7 is its audio capabilities. It features front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, providing immersive audio quality for media content. The presence of two dedicated amplifiers ensures detailed and loud sound output, making it a great choice for music and movie enthusiasts. Additionally, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to those who prefer wired audio accessories.

Battery Life

The ZTE Axon 7 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3250 mAh battery. It supports Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing for fast charging at 18W. The battery life is reliable, offering up to 16 hours of talk time and up to 360 hours of standby on a 3G network. With efficient power management and optimization features, the device can easily last a full day of moderate usage.

Operating System and Software

Upon its release, the ZTE Axon 7 ran on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, with the MiFavor 5.2 UI overlay. Users have the option to upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo, which brings additional features and improvements. The MiFavor UI enhances the Android experience by offering customization options and additional functionalities, while maintaining a user-friendly interface.

Connectivity

The ZTE Axon 7 supports a range of connectivity options, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring global compatibility for mobile networks. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct, providing fast and stable internet connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC are also included, enhancing the device’s connectivity options. The device does not feature a radio but includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for location services, which are region-dependent.

Storage

The device offers 64GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, data, and media files. For users needing additional storage, the device supports microSDXC cards, allowing expanded storage options. However, the microSDXC card uses a shared SIM slot, requiring users to choose between a second SIM card or additional storage.

Security and Sensors

Security on the ZTE Axon 7 is enhanced by the inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing quick and secure access to the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enabling various functionalities and app experiences for users.

Price and Availability

The ZTE Axon 7 was initially released in June 2016, with a pricing point of approximately 240 EUR. Over the years, the availability of this model has decreased, and it is now considered a discontinued product. Despite this, its features and performance have made it a favorite among users who value strong multimedia capabilities and robust performance.

Conclusion

The ZTE Axon 7 is a feature-rich smartphone that offers an excellent blend of performance, design, and multimedia capabilities. Its audio features, AMOLED display, and strong camera setup stand out compared to other devices from its era. While it hosts components that were considered flagship-worthy in 2016, its discontinuation and lack of availability may compel users to consider more recent models that offer similar or enhanced features with the benefits of updated hardware and software support.