ZTE Axon M Unfolding the Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE Axon M

The ZTE Axon M is a unique smartphone that was announced in October 2017 and hit the markets by November of the same year. What sets this device apart from typical smartphones is its innovative dual-screen design that allows for multiple new functionalities and the promise of revolutionizing multitasking on a handheld device.

Design and Build

The ZTE Axon M features a distinctive design with dual 5.2-inch IPS LCD screens. Each screen comes with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 ratio, providing a sharp display with approximately 426 ppi density. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, enhancing durability and reducing the risk of damage from minor drops and scratches.

The whole device measures 150.9 x 71.6 x 12.2 mm and weighs 230 g, making it slightly bulkier than conventional smartphones. The weight is distributed evenly, and the foldable design adds a novel touch to the user experience.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the ZTE Axon M is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 chipset, a quad-core CPU configuration comprising two 2.15 GHz Kryo cores and two 1.6 GHz Kryo cores. It also includes an Adreno 530 GPU for handling graphics-intensive tasks. The phone runs on Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), offering a relatively smooth user experience for its time.

The combination of 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card slot, ensures sufficient memory for multitasking and storage needs, though it doesn't compete with the latest devices in terms of speed and capacity.

Camera Capabilities

Interestingly, the ZTE Axon M comes with a single 20MP camera that doubles as both the primary and selfie shooter. Features such as autofocus, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama assist in capturing quality images. The camera supports video recording in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps, providing decent quality for both photos and videos.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3180 mAh battery, supplemented by 18W wired charging through Quick Charge 3. This configuration allows for prolonged usage, with up to 290 hours of standby time and approximately 29 hours of 3G talk time.

Connectivity and Network

The ZTE Axon M supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it compatible with various networks. It operates on a range of bands that include 2G bands (GSM 850 / 1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900), and 4G bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 29, 30, 66).

In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, and NFC. It features GPS for location tracking and uses a USB Type-C port, although it does not support FM radio.

Additional Features

The ZTE Axon M includes several sensors such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. It also comes with dual speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to user audio preferences.

One notable advantage of the dual-screen setup is the ability to run two different applications simultaneously on each screen, enhancing multitasking power. This feature can also be extended to use one screen as a stand-alone display while the other remains inactive, saving battery life.

Conclusion

ZTE Axon M pioneered the concept of foldable smartphones with its dual-screen design, allowing for enhanced multitasking and multimedia experiences. Although it might not match up to the latest releases in terms of raw power and modern features, its innovative design and utility remain noteworthy. The ZTE Axon M appeals to tech enthusiasts who appreciate unique designs and versatile technology solutions.

Priced around 400 EUR, and available in Carbon Black, the ZTE Axon M presents an interesting option for users interested in exploring the potential of dual-screen smartphone functionality.