Price and specifications of ZTE Axon Elite advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of ZTE Axon Elite

The ZTE Axon Elite, launched in September 2015, marked a significant entry into the smartphone marketplace for ZTE. Known for its combination of advanced technology and elegant design, the Axon Elite aimed to deliver high-end features at a competitive price. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable example of mid-decade smartphone innovation.

Design and Build

The ZTE Axon Elite is crafted with an elegant design, featuring dimensions of 154 x 75 x 9.3 mm that give it a solid yet comfortable grip. Its body is characterized by smooth metallic finishes available in attractive Ion Gold, and the design incorporates a hybrid dual SIM slot that can accommodate a microSDXC card for expanded storage. The phone's aesthetic blends functionality and style, appealing to users looking for both substance and sophistication.

Display

The device sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. This ensures vibrant colors and clear visuals, making it suitable for a variety of media consumption. The screen accounts for about 72.2% of the body, striking a balance between display area and ease of handling.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the ZTE Axon Elite is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 chipset. This chipset integrates an octa-core CPU (comprised of 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A57) and an Adreno 430 GPU. With 3GB of RAM, the device is equipped to handle multitasking and demanding applications with efficiency.

Storage

The Axon Elite comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card, utilizing the shared SIM slot. This flexibility allows users to increase storage capacity to meet their needs for apps, photos, and other media.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 13MP primary lens with PDAF and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera provides features like dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR. It is capable of recording video in stunning 4K at 30fps, full HD at 30fps, and slow-motion in 720p at 120fps. The front-facing 8MP camera, which also records video in 1080p at 30fps, is suitable for selfies and video calls, offering decent performance in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

The 3000mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery provides adequate power for a full day of use under normal conditions. It supports 18W fast charging with Quick Charge 2.0, allowing users to quickly recharge when needed. Battery performance is in line with industry standards for smartphones released during that period.

Connectivity Options

The ZTE Axon Elite includes a comprehensive set of connectivity options, such as GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technology. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, NFC, and FM radio, making it versatile for both communication and connectivity. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port facilitates data transfer and charging needs.

Additional Features

The phone is equipped with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing an extra layer of security for users. Other sensors include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality in daily applications. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.

Software

Out of the box, the ZTE Axon Elite runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop. This operating system provides a user-friendly interface and access to a broad range of applications through the Google Play Store. Though outdated by current standards, it still serves basic smartphone functions adequately for users who prefer a straightforward OS experience.

Conclusion

The ZTE Axon Elite was designed for consumers looking for a smartphone that offers a blend of advanced features and stylish design without breaking the bank. Although it is discontinued, its legacy continues as a representation of the mid-2010s smartphone evolution. With robust hardware, competent cameras, and reliable battery life, it provided substantial value for its price point around 250 EUR. Today, while newer models have surpassed its capabilities, the Axon Elite remains a reminder of ZTE's innovative strides in the mobile industry.