ZTE Axon charges into the United States this summer

This summer, a new push will be made by ZTE in the United States. The Chinese hardware manufacturer previously focused on low-end and mid-range devices in the country but looks to change that with the Axon. ZTE utilized thousands of surveys and focus groups to develop the Axon’s hardware and software from conception to release. The company believes that the new phone is part of a “you-focused revolution.”

Even as an unlocked device, the Axon is positioned to go against the most popular devices on the market. The Axon has a Quad HD display, top-tier processor from Qualcomm, the latest version of Android, and front-facing speakers. That latter inclusion, the front-facing speakers, along with Hi-Fi audio playback and recording gives the Axon what should be alongside the HTC One M9 as one of the best audio experiences a mobile device has ever offered. And, to make it a truly premium piece of hardware, ZTE has constructed the Axon’s body with metal.

The metal frame of the Axon measures 153.92 x 73.66 x 9.4mm while weighing 172.9g, making it one of the heavier devices available today. Being that its display is rather large at 5.5 inches, we would assume that the weight is distributed well and, thus, the device remains comfortable to hold.

Key specifications:

• 5.5-inch, 2560×1440 display
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
• 4GB of RAM
• 13MP and 2MP rear cameras, 5MP front camera
• 32GB of internal storage
• 3000mAh battery (Quick Charge 2.0-ready)
• Android 5.1 Lollipop

Don’t expect to see many advertisements around the world for the Axon if any at all. ZTE will not be spending very much money on marketing and that is because the company wanted to keep the cost of the device low. It does seem like a puzzling decision because of how much time and money was invested into the development of the Axon. Perhaps social media will be leveraged heavily for the Axon’s release.

The Axon costs $449 without a contract from ZTE, Amazon, Newegg, and eBay. Shipping begins on July 27 and color options include Phthalo Blue, Ion Gold, and Chromium Silver. All orders come with in-ear headphones from JBL. The Axon also comes with a two-year warranty.

Source: Axon

Meet Axon, a Phone Made Entirely with You in Mind

ZTE delivers the first Hi-Fi audio phone to the U.S. and brings with it, a new you-focused revolution

RICHARDSON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZTE USA, the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in the U.S. and second largest in the no-contract market*, today announced the availability of the ZTE Axon, a phone designed with you entirely in mind to keep you ahead in life. Much like the axon nerves that help keep the mind and body connected, the Axon is the nerve center of everything you do.

“We put consumers at the heart of everything we design, build and deliver and our phones reflect what consumers want, value and use,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO and chairman of ZTE USA. “From start to finish consumers told us exactly what was missing from today’s premium smartphones. Thousands of U.S. consumers guided the development. We listened, developed, and delivered. We revolutionized the product development process. Axon is a flagship phone designed in the U.S. for the U.S.”

Enjoy the unlocked life that is uncomplicated. From choice of wireless carriers including AT&T and T-Mobile, who have some of the fastest 4G LTE+ networks, in addition to the Axon Passport 1.0 program, beginning today, Axon Pro is delivering the highest value among flagship smartphones available today. At the unlocked price of $449.98, preorders can be made at www.zteusa.com/axon, with shipments starting as early as July 27.

Through thousands of surveys and focus groups, from conception, design, to developing the user experience, U.S. consumers helped guide the creation of Axon, and this is what they came up with.

The first phone to arrive in the U.S. with Hi-Fi sound

Excellent sound quality was a missing component among today’s smartphones. An industry first in the U.S., the Axon features two dedicated audio chipsets that allows you to experience sound quality from a smartphone that you’ve never experienced before. The high-quality sound reproduction feels like the real thing, giving you the sense of atmosphere where the music was originally played, the depth from where the sounds came from, and the goodness of balanced harmonics.

You can also record Hi-Fi music, sounds and voice that enhances any content you want to create, send or share on social media. Advanced audio capabilities reduce wind noise, dual microphones, auto level controllers, and long-distance voice pickup will capture the slightest of sounds from up to 20 feet away.

High-end JBL E13 in-ear headphones are included in-box so you can enjoy high-quality audio just about anywhere.

Captures 4K video and action shots so you don’t miss a beat

Dual rear-cameras capture high resolution images and videos that can be viewed or played on a 4K TV. The second lens delivers advanced functionality such as sophisticated bokeh photography affects. A large f/1.8 aperture that spans to f/1.0 helps produce quality images in low-light settings. The dual cameras auto focus in milliseconds and a fast shutter speed at 1/90,000 of a second can capture and freeze frame a moving subject with crisp details and clarity.

Photo adjustments can be made in real-time with multiple camera modes and filters. With a dedicated camera button and the ability to refocus before and after a shot is taken, you can capture moments that previously passed you by.

A style icon that fits in your pocket

Axon was designed in the U.S. for the U.S. The premium metal and glass casing evoke a fashion forward design with modern colors that together are best described as, urban prestige. Sophisticated color contrast are available in three color options, Phthalo Blue, Ion Gold, and Chromium Silver.

The distinctive grill pattern highlights standout phone features that grab attention without shouting. Ergonomic button placement, a smooth metal casing, and glass quad HD display make the phone marvelous to hold and use.

Delivers a premium experience every time you use it

The performance is smooth and never hesitates when delivering the content you need the second you need it. Axon Pro comes ready with the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system, powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with Adreno™ 430 GPU, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB memory, and a large 3000 mAh battery with Quick Charge™ 2.0.

The phone isn’t preloaded with unnecessary apps or features that can unknowingly slow a phone’s performance. You’ll get a clean Android experience with the addition of only a few pre-loaded apps that look out for your health.

A ZTE Innovation Venture Fund success story, Azumio’s Argus app is a pedometer that provides easy to a step counter even when your phone is locked and alerts when and how you want. The Rock my Run app knows when you want to take it easy or go hard with your workout and times music beats to the pace of your steps.

If something goes wrong, no problem, you’re covered

With Axon Passport 1.0, you get a two year warranty that also includes incidentals, free shipping, 30 day buyer’s remorse returns and the easiest upgrades available today. For full warranty and protection details visit www.zteusa.com/axon.

With more than 20 million U.S. customers, 66 actively selling devices across all U.S. wireless carriers, ZTE has the proven experience to build and deliver quality mobile devices that you can be confident purchasing.

ZTE Axon Pro Product Specifications

Audio			Hi-Fi Audio Chipset			AKM 4961
			In-ear Headphones			JBL E13
			Microphone			2- mic noise suppression
Battery			3000 mAh			Quick-charge 2.0
Connectivity			Bands			AT&T, T-Mobile network compatible: LTE B2/B4/B5/B12/B17/B29/B30, LTE IR B7/B3/B1/B13, USM/HSPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, CA Band 2/4 + Band 17
			High-Speed Data			LTE (Cat 6)
Dimensions (HxWxD)			6.06″ x 2.9″ x 0.37″ (154 x 75 x 9.3mm)
Display			5.5″ CGS (Continuous Grain Silicon) TFT LCD
			Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD, PPI 534
			Sharp, Gorilla Glass Gen 3.0
OS/Platform			Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
Memory			4 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM,
Materials			Metal (aluminum)
Photo & Video			Rear-Facing Camera			Dual lens 13MP, 2MP, dual LED Flash, 4K HD resolution
			Front-Facing Camera			8MP, 88 degree wide-angle, 1080p HD resolution
			Video Capture			4K HD resolution at 30 FPS
Processor			2.0 GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994)
SIM Card			Nano (4FF)
Weight			6.10 oz (175 g)

*Strategy Analytics, Q1 2015

About ZTE USA

ZTE USA (www.zteusa.com), headquartered in Richardson, Texas, is a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation, a global provider of mobile devices, telecommunication systems, and enterprise solutions. Operating since 1998, ZTE USA is dedicated to making cost-efficient, quality communication technology accessible to all. ZTE is ranked by independent industry analysts as the fourth-largest supplier of mobile devices in the U.S. overall, and second-largest supplier of prepaid devices.

Visit ZTE USA at www.zteusa.com on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZTEUSA, Twitter https://twitter.com/ZTE_USA, and on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/ZTEUSAInc.

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