ZTE introduces a new lease-to-own payment plan for smartphones and mobile devices
As the fourth largest smartphone supplier in the U.S., ZTE believes that everyone should be able to afford advanced smartphones, and as a result introduced today a new lease-to-own payment plan for customers wanting to pay for their phone or other mobile devices over time. ZTE CEO Lixin Cheng believes that purchasing and using a ZTE device should be easy for any consumer, and so the leasing option is available for any credit scores. The service provided by SmartPay Leasing Inc. will be available online for all customers at http://www.zteusa.com. The SmartPay leasing service allows you to select which ZTE device you want and customize your scheduled monthly payments over a course of 6-24 months. You will have to make an initial payment to start the lease. Once all the payments have been made, you own the device, and you do have the option to pay early without any penalties or other fees.
One great advantage is that if you are consistently paying your monthly fees, you have the option of canceling the lease at any time to upgrade your device by just returning your current one. There is of course an early termination fee if you wish to completely cancel your plan.
No info was given as to when the leasing service will be available, however the report mentioned that the service should be coming soon.
Source: Business Wire
Come comment on this article: ZTE introduces a new lease-to-own payment plan for smartphones and mobile devices
Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – October 14, 2015
Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.
In this post, which will be updated weekly, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.
Before we start
The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex operation, involving Google, chipmakers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that could go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.
Just because your device is listed here as officially announced to receive Marshmallow (or worse, just rumored to get the update), it doesn’t mean your particular model will receive it in a timely manner or even at all.
Conversely, just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated it. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.
Patience is advised.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained
Nexus Marshmallow updates
As in most cases, Nexus devices are first in line for updates. Google has released Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update. Factory images are available for:
- Nexus 6
- Nexus Player
- Nexus 9 LTE
- Nexus 9 WiFi
- Nexus 5 GSM/LTE
- Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi
- Nexus 7 2013 Mobile
The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (both variants), and Nexus 10 will not make the jump to Marshmallow.
If you don’t want to wait, it’s relatively easy to flash a factory image, following our guide:
You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which is the update file that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s server. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link. OTA links via Android Police.
- Nexus 6 – not available yet
- Nexus Player – from 5.1.1 LMY48N to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 9 LTE – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 9 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 5 – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 7 2013 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
- Nexus 7 2013 Mobile – from 5.1.1 LMY48P to 6.0 MRA58K
Android One Marshmallow updates
Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. Factory images for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below.
- Symphony Roar A50
- Cherry Mobile One
- Micromax Canvas A1
- Karbonn Sparkle V
- Spice Dream Uno
- MyPhone Uno
- Mito Impact A10
- Nexian Journey One
To flash these images, you can follow our manual installation guide.
Samsung Marshmallow updates
Like with previous versions, Samsung has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 6.0 updates for its smartphones and tablets. We do have however, some off the record information via SamMobile and T-Mobile.
The following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy S5 LTE-A
- Galaxy S5 neo
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 Edge
- Galaxy S6 Edge+
- Galaxy Note 4
- Galaxy Note Edge
- Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we’re pretty confident that Marshmallow will be available for most versions of these devices, sooner or later. As for what to expect from the update, Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features.
LG Marshmallow updates
LG has not made any announcements regarding the devices it will update to Marshmallow. T-Mobile’s update list mentions the LG G3, LG G4, and G4 Stylo, which are all obvious choices. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.
Motorola Marshmallow updates
Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).
- 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
- 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
- 2015 Moto X Play
- 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
- 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
- 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
- 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
- DROID Turbo
- 2014 Moto MAXX
- 2014 Moto Turbo
- Nexus 6
HTC Marshmallow updates
HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0, and even a timeline. The One M8 and One M9 will see Marshmallow by the end of the year, while the other phones listed below will get the same treatment from early next year. Plus, HTC may launch one of the first non-Nexus phones running Marshmallow out of the box, the One A9.
- HTC One M9
- HTC One M8
- HTC One M9+
- HTC One E9+
- HTC One E9
- HTC One ME
- HTC One E8
- HTC One M8 EYE
- HTC Butterfly 3
- HTC Desire 826
- HTC Desire 820
- HTC Desire 816
Sony Marshmallow updates
Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs. As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon.
- T Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
- Xperia Z4 Tablet
- Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4
Huawei Marshmallow updates
Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. Considering that the Mate 7, Huawei’s 2014 flagship, is yet to receive Lollipop, we wouldn’t hold our breath. That said, a rumor out of China suggests the Mate 7, P8, Honor 6 Plus and more devices will eventually see Android 6.0. We’ll update if any official info comes our way.
ZTE Marshmallow updates
Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.
OnePlus Marshmallow updates
OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team. Considering that the Oxygen OS team is still busy working on the current, Android 5-based release, the prospect of a Marshmallow release seems very remote.
Asus Marshmallow updates
All we have here is one sketchy rumor claiming Asus will bring Marshmallow to the Zenfone 2 series, including the Zenfone Laser, Deluxe, and Selfie. However, we wouldn’t put too much stock in it, as Asus is not known for fast updates.
Custom Marshmallow ROMs
When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.
For now, we know that the CyanogenMod team has started working on the Marshmallow-based CM13, though we don’t have an official announcement yet.
Also keep an eye on independent developers – for instance, Dmitry Grinberg has come up with a working Marshmallow ROM for the Nexus 4.
More info and discussion
For a discussion on all the Android Marshmallow updates, check out the dedicated thread on the Android Authority forums.
Missed something? Let us know and we will update this post. Tell us your thoughts!
ZTE targets affordability with new lease-to-own purchasing option
ZTE smartphones have historically been more prevalent in the budget space, however, this year the company has kicked it up a notch. The Axon phone was a well received flagship contender. But as it typically goes, as quality increases, so does price.
Therefore, ZTE wants to make sure its devices are still within reach. Today, the company has announced a lease-to-own purchasing option. It applies to any unlocked ZTE device offered in the US.
Interestingly, the payment plan won’t be managed by ZTE. It will be provided by a third-party company, SmartPay. ZTE says that when you apply, you can choose monthly payments between a range of 6 to 24 months. Once all the payments are made, you will of course own the device.
And when you want to upgrade, the process sounds pretty simple. As long as you’re up-to-date on the monthly payments, you can cancel your lease and return the device. Once it’s received, you’re free to restart the financing plan again with a new ZTE device.
What do you think about ZTE’s approach to a payment plan option? Would you do it?
ZTE Press Release
ZTE INTRODUCES NEW LEASE-TO-OWN OPTION FOR SMARTPHONES AND MOBILE DEVICES
ZTE customers can now get a mobile device and pay for it over time
Richardson, Texas – October 14, 2015 – ZTE USA, the fourth largest smartphone supplier in the U.S. and second largest in the no-contract market*, today introduced a lease-to-own payment plan for customers who want to pay for their phone or other mobile device over time and spread out their payments to make it more affordable. This lease-to-own payment option is provided through SmartPay ™ Leasing Inc. and will be available online for all customers beginning soon at www.zteusa.com.
Lease-to-own is available for unlocked devices such as the recently launched Axon Pro and other mobile devices such as the ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector.
“We are introducing leasing options because we believe advanced mobile technology should be available to everyone. We also want the experience of purchasing and using a ZTE device to be easy for any consumer,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO and chairman of ZTE USA. “How customers want to pay versus the amount they are comfortable paying are equally important – and ZTE can provide the best of both worlds.”
Leasing options for credit scores of all types
With SmartPay, you can get an immediate approval to lease ZTE devices. If approved, simply select the ZTE device you want, make your first payment at checkout and make scheduled monthly payments thereafter**.
No long-term contracts
The length of a lease plan is determined when you apply and can range from 6 to 24 months. Once all payments are made, the lease is complete and you own the device. You can also pay off your lease early without any penalties or future fees***.
Upgrade your phone when ready
If you’re up-to-date on your monthly payments you can cancel your lease at any time and upgrade your device by simply returning your current device in good working order to SmartPay. Once your phone is received your lease is cancelled and you’re free to get the new device you want.
Source: ZTE
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The ZTE 3C is an entry-level smartphone for just $78
The ZTE 3C is an interesting handset. It’s most certainly not a powerhouse, but it’s aimed at getting your most basic tasks done on the cheap.
Specifications are obviously not that impressive. It has a 5-inch FWVGA 854 x 480p display, a Snapdragon 210 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 5-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front camera, and its running ZTE’s Nubia UI atop of Android 5.1.
All in all, it’s not a bad device for just $75. It’s perfect for the person that just needs to be able to do basic tasks, such as calls, texting, taking notes, and so on. Obviously you aren’t going to be playing many games on here. It really is just a basic device.
But it’s all about brand recognition. Sure, you might not be able to afford a flagship handset right now, but with the ZTE 3C in your hand, what’s the next step after? Probably the impressive ZTE Axon, no doubt.
source: MyDrivers
via: GizChina
Come comment on this article: The ZTE 3C is an entry-level smartphone for just $78
ZTE launches lease-to-own plan in the US, even for users with bad credit scores
The US phone market is slowly shifting away from carrier subsidies, forcing customers to face the harsh reality of full retail device prices. Big players like Apple and Samsung have come up with schemes to reduce the shock, and now budget specialist ZTE is offering its own solution, with a new lease-to-own plan launching today.
ZTE’s payment plan targets customers that want a new device but can’t (or won’t) pay the full price right away. Users will be able to schedule monthly installment plans over six to 24 months, and approval is granted on the spot. The program is ran by ZTE in cooperation with leasing company SmartPay, and even clients with less than great credit scores are encouraged to apply.
Once you pay off all the installments, you own the device, and you can also pay it off early, though some limitations may apply depending on the state you live in. You may also need to pay a BuyOut fee of 3.5% to 20%, depending on the specifics of your plan.
See also: ZTE Axon vs the competition
If you want to give up on the device before the agreed upon term, you can return it. The device must be in “working order” and you must be up-to-date with your payments – upon returning it, the lease ends, and you’re free to start a new plan, if that’s what you want.
ZTE says buyers can opt for SmartPay regardless of carrier, or whether the device is carrier-locked or not. ZTE smartphones like the Axon Pro are, of course, covered, but you can also buy ZTE’s quirky ZTE Spro 2 smart projector and other devices.
ZTE Introduces New Lease-to-Own Option for Smartphones and Mobile Devices
ZTE customers can now get a mobile device and pay for it over time
Richardson, Texas – October 14, 2015 – ZTE USA, the fourth largest smartphone supplier in the U.S. and second largest in the no-contract market*, today introduced a lease-to-own payment plan for customers who want to pay for their phone or other mobile device over time and spreadout their payments to make it more affordable. This lease-to-own payment option is provided through SmartPay ™ Leasing Inc. and will be available online for all customers beginning soon at http://www.zteusa.com.
Lease-to-own is available for unlocked devices such as the recently launched Axon Pro and other mobile devices such as the ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector.
“We are introducing leasing options because we believe advanced mobile technology should be available to everyone. We also want the experience of purchasing and using a ZTE device to be easy for any consumer,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO and chairman of ZTE USA. “How customers want to pay versus the amount they are comfortable paying are equally important – and ZTE can provide the best of both worlds.”
Leasing options for credit scores of all types
With SmartPay, you can get an immediate approval to lease ZTE devices. If approved, simply select the ZTE device you want, make your first payment at checkout and make scheduled monthly payments thereafter**.
No long-term contracts
The length of a lease plan is determined when you apply and can range from 6 to 24 months. Once all payments are made, the lease is complete and you own the device. You can also pay off your lease early without any penalties or future fees***.
Upgrade your phone when ready
If you’re up-to-date on your monthly payments you can cancel your lease at any time and upgrade your device by simply returning your current device in good working order to SmartPay. Once your phone is received your lease is cancelled and you’re free to get the new device you want.
*Strategy Analytics, North America Handset Vendor Market Share, Q2 2015
**$0 to 25% of your lease amount could be due when you complete checkout, a debit card is required.
***BuyOut Fees from 3.5% to 20% may apply depending on the lease-to-own payment plan you qualified for. This option is not available in NJ, MN, WI, and WY. Customers in NJ, MN, WI, and WY are offered a 12 month lease plan which renews annually. Your lease plan may be cancelled at any time. An early termination fee may be applied. You cannot own leased items in NJ, MN, WI, and WY. Instead you can cancel your lease at the end of the term, or you can renew at a lower cost.
ZTE adds the Axon Mini and Axon Watch to its device lineup
ZTE has made it clear that they want to be the world’s third largest smartphone vendor, and so far its working towards that goal extremely well with phenomenal devices like the ZTE Axon. Now, the Chinese-based manufacturer is adding a couple more devices to its Axon lineup.
Coming soon to the global market will be the ZTE Axon Mini, a smaller and cheaper version of its Axon flagship. The Axon Watch will also be coming to the market soon, but will be a China exclusive for the time being.
Despite the downgrade in specifications, the Axon Mini is still a powerful phone. It has a Snapdragon 616 Octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, microSD support, and a massive 2,800mAh battery. As for imagery. you’ve got a 13-megapixel rear camera on the back and a 8-megapixel snapper on the front.
It has great visuals with its 5.2-inch Super AMOLED display as well. There’s a fingerprint scanner around the back, and according to the press release, it has a “body made from Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy,” meaning this is one of the toughest smartphones you can get your hands on.
ZTE will be selling the Axon Mini in a premium and and regular model. There’s no details on the differences just yet, but we imagine the regular model might have some less impressive specifications. The Premium model will cost $439 USD and the regular for $379 USD. The Axon Mini will be available in a few months time, but the Axon Watch, running Tencent OS (a operating system developed in conjunction with Tencent and ZTE) will launch on October 27 .
Full details in the press release below. What’re your thoughts on the Axon Mini?
SHENZHEN, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZTE, a leading global mobile device maker, today held a conference for its AXON flagship device series, during which the company talked about its flagship device strategy for the first time. At the same event, ZTE confirmed the global availability of the AXON mini, including the pressure-sensitive touch and NBA versions, and the AXON Watch for China.
“Devices in our ZTE AXON product lines are designed entirely with consumers in mind and to be the nerve center of everything they do”
“Devices in our ZTE AXON product lines are designed entirely with consumers in mind and to be the nerve center of everything they do,” said Adam Zeng, CEO, ZTE Mobile Devices. “Our high-end flagship strategy is now in full swing and we believe we have all of the ingredients to become a leading consumer electronics brand globally.”
For the first time, ZTE discussed its AXON flagship device product line-up, which consists of: AXON, AXON mini, AXON MAX, and the AXON Watch.
In addition to availability announcements for the AXON mini versions and the AXON Watch, ZTE also unveiled the AXON MAX – a larger-screen smartphone device with a bigger battery.
ZTE AXON mini
First unveiled in July 2015, ZTE’s AXON mini became the world’s first smartphone to come with a pressure-sensitive touch screen that recognizes different levels of touch pressure for enhanced functions and experience, such as interactive gaming, passwords and more.
ZTE’s AXON mini boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 octa-core processor and Adreno 405 GPU, a 2800mAh battery, 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM, and support for up to 128GB SD card expansion. AXON mini sports a 13 megapixel camera at the back with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) that offers a focus time of just 0.1 seconds. At the front, AXON mini features an 8 megapixel camera with a 5P aspherical lens. AXON mini’s dual microphones are supported by an AKM4961 Hi-Fi audio chipset, delivering 32 bit high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) audio playback, as well as high quality sound recording.
With a body made from Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy, the AXON mini has both a premium look and feel and is just 3.5mm thin. At just 70mm wide, the AXON mini’s 0.85mm thin bezels allow the device to feature a 5.2-inch Super AMOLED FHD 2.5D curved-edge screen.
AXON mini’s voice search function can be activated within 1.2 seconds. It also comes with voice translation support for English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, offering real-time voice translation. In addition, the AXON mini supports voice messaging and chat functions.
AXON mini supports three different biometric authentication options: fingerprint, voice control and eye-scan.
The ZTE AXON mini NBA version comes in a number of design options, featuring NBA images, and are loaded with a number of NBA services. The AXON mini NBA version is a result of a partnership between ZTE, the NBA and Tencent.
All versions of the ZTE AXON mini will be available to purchase in China online from ZTE’s own MyZTE store and JD.com, as well as offline from major retail outlets. In the coming months, the ZTE AXON mini will also be made available in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy.
AXON mini will be available in three color options: Ion Gold, Chromium Silver and Rose Gold.
AXON mini (Premium Edition)
China: 2699 CNY
Asia-Pacific: 439 USD
Europe: 389 EUR
AXON mini
China: 2299 CNY (Ion Gold and Chromium Silver); 2399 CNY (Rose Gold)
Asia-Pacific: 379 USD (Ion Gold and Chromium Silver); 399 USD (Rose Gold)
Europe: 329 EUR (Ion Gold and Chromium Silver); 349 EUR (Rose Gold)
ZTE AXON Watch
Unveiled in July 2015, the ZTE AXON Watch features a 1.4-inch Gorilla Glass screen with sapphire coating and is IP67 certified. It comes with a 300 mAh battery, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB storage and Bluetooth 4.1. Developed by ZTE and Tencent, the smart watch runs on Tencent OS and supports both voice and gesture control.
The ZTE AXON Watch can be used for both fitness and health monitoring, and supports a range of other applications, from phone calls to messaging, including the popular instant messaging and social media platforms WeChat and QQ.
The ZTE AXON Watch will be available for purchase in China via ZTE’s own MyZTE store from 27 October.
Come comment on this article: ZTE adds the Axon Mini and Axon Watch to its device lineup
ZTE reveals details for Axon mini, Axon Watch, more
ZTE on Monday kicked off the week announcing the availability details for its Axon
Axon Mini
Joining the ZTE Axon lineup is the Axon mini, a 5.2-inch smartphone powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor with 3GB RAM. Internal storage is listed at 32GB with an microSD expansion card allowing for extra space.
In terms of cameras, the Axon mini offers up a 13-megapixel rear shooter with an 8-megapixel unit around front. Battery is listed at 2800mAh which should be more than enough to get average users through a day of usage.
Built from “Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy”, the phone supports a trio of biometric authentication options: fingerprint, voice control and eye-scan.
The Axon mini will be sold in a standard and Premium version; however, it’s not immediately clear what the difference is. There’s mention of NBA-themed models in the press release but we cannot surmise of they’re one in the same.
Pricing starts at $379 for the Axon mini with a slight increase for Rose Gold. Don’t look for this one to come stateside anytime soon as ZTE has a more global audience in mind. As of today, ZTE plans to release it in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy.
Axon Watch
As for the Axon Watch, it will be made available for purchase from ZTE’s MyZTE site in China starting from October 27. Poweed by Tencent OC, the watch features a 1.4-inch Gorilla Glass screen with sapphire coating and features an IP67 certification. In other words, it’s built to withstand the elements.
Specs for the Axon Watch include a 300 mAh battery, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB storage and Bluetooth 4.1. The watch supports both voice and gesture control and can also be used for health and fitness purposes.
Axon Max
ZTE is also announcing a new Axon Max smartphone which promises a larger display and bigger battery. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of the details offered up in the press release. Other outlets are reporting that the phone could boast a 6-inch display with 4GB RAM but that’s not been confirmed as of yet.
The post ZTE reveals details for Axon mini, Axon Watch, more appeared first on AndroidGuys.
ZTE reveals details for Axon mini, Axon Watch, more
ZTE on Monday kicked off the week announcing the availability details for its Axon
Axon Mini
Joining the ZTE Axon lineup is the Axon mini, a 5.2-inch smartphone powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor with 3GB RAM. Internal storage is listed at 32GB with an microSD expansion card allowing for extra space.
In terms of cameras, the Axon mini offers up a 13-megapixel rear shooter with an 8-megapixel unit around front. Battery is listed at 2800mAh which should be more than enough to get average users through a day of usage.
Built from “Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy”, the phone supports a trio of biometric authentication options: fingerprint, voice control and eye-scan.
The Axon mini will be sold in a standard and Premium version; however, it’s not immediately clear what the difference is. There’s mention of NBA-themed models in the press release but we cannot surmise of they’re one in the same.
Pricing starts at $379 for the Axon mini with a slight increase for Rose Gold. Don’t look for this one to come stateside anytime soon as ZTE has a more global audience in mind. As of today, ZTE plans to release it in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy.
Axon Watch
As for the Axon Watch, it will be made available for purchase from ZTE’s MyZTE site in China starting from October 27. Poweed by Tencent OC, the watch features a 1.4-inch Gorilla Glass screen with sapphire coating and features an IP67 certification. In other words, it’s built to withstand the elements.
Specs for the Axon Watch include a 300 mAh battery, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB storage and Bluetooth 4.1. The watch supports both voice and gesture control and can also be used for health and fitness purposes.
Axon Max
ZTE is also announcing a new Axon Max smartphone which promises a larger display and bigger battery. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of the details offered up in the press release. Other outlets are reporting that the phone could boast a 6-inch display with 4GB RAM but that’s not been confirmed as of yet.
The post ZTE reveals details for Axon mini, Axon Watch, more appeared first on AndroidGuys.
ZTE’s high-end AXON mini, AXON MAX, and AXON Watch.
![ZTE_AXON_mini_availabile_in_three_color_options_-_Ion_Gold,_Chromium_Silver_and_Rose_Gold[2]](https://i1.wp.com/cdn01.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ZTE_AXON_mini_availabile_in_three_color_options_-_Ion_Gold_Chromium_Silver_and_Rose_Gold2-840x431.jpg?resize=640%2C328)
Earlier this year when the mysterious Axon Phone was announced, it sparked a sensation-of-sorts as interested consumers tried to deduce how such an impressive “newcomer” could appear. As time passed, it became clear that ZTE was behind the device. Earlier today, the Chinese OEM held a media event to offer some insight into the new brand strategy it has in store: the Axon line is truly committed to producing premium devices aimed at the consummate connoisseur.
Adam Zeng, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices, explained that “devices in our ZTE AXON product lines are designed entirely with consumers in mind and to be the nerve center of everything they do…Our high-end flagship strategy is now in full swing and we believe we have all of the ingredients to become a leading consumer electronics brand globally.”
The Axon Mini
While the tech-world is actively discussing the merits or lack-thereof for Apple’s 3D Touch, the AXON mini, first unveiled in July 2015, was actually the first smartphone announced to offer such technology, beating even Huawei’s Mate S. The device features a FHD 5.2-inch AMOLED 2.5D curved-edge screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 Octa-Core SoC with Adreno 405 GPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera, and a 2800mAh battery. MicroSD support up to 128GB cards is included. Three color options will be available: Ion Gold, Chromium Silver and Rose Gold.
Perhaps even more impressive are the extended spec-related details, as they truly provide some unprecedented premium performance on such a small-sized product: The device will be just 3.5mm thin and 70mm wide, with bezels of 0.85mm. The rear camera has phase-detection auto focus (PDAF) which will allow users to focus on their subject in just 0.1 seconds. The front camera has a 5P aspherical lens. The device supports dual microphones with an AKM4961 Hi-Fi audio chipset that provides 32-bit Hi-Fi audio and superior sound recording. The body is constructed from Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy.
The Axon (left) and Axon Mini (right).
Also highlighted is the device’s voice search functionality that “can be activated within 1.2 seconds…[and] comes with voice translation support for English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, offering real-time voice translation.” The Mini supports fingerprint authentication as well as eye-scanning and voice-recognition for use with biometric security verification.
For those interested in basketball, there will be an NBA variant that features alternative design options and includes NBA-related images and services.
In China, the phone will be available from ZTE’s online store, from JD.com, and at major retailers. In the next few months, the device will also be released in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy. Curiously no mention is given of the United States or Canada, perhaps suggesting that ZTE will announce the product at a separate event.
The Ion Gold and Chromium Silver models will retail for $379, however the Rose Gold variant will cost $399. Also mentioned, though no details were specified, is a “Mini Premium” which will land at $439. Given that the source specifically refers to the Mini NBA as such, it is unclear what this apparent third option will entail exactly.
Axon Watch
Also unveiled in July 2015 was the AXON Watch which will go on sale in China starting October 27th from ZTE’s online store, MyZTE. The wearable features a 1.4-inch Gorilla Glass screen with sapphire coating. It features 512MB of RAM, 4GB of on-board storage, a 300mAh battery, and Bluetooth 4.1. As the product was developed in conjunction with Tencent, and thus supports Tencent OS rather than Android Wear. As such, both QQ and WeChat are integrated with the device.
Axon Max
While the BusinessWire source report currently lacks details about the Axon Max, alternative sources have specified that it will contain a 6-inch QHD display, the Snapdragon 810 SoC, and feature 4GB of RAM. Based on the specs for both the standard Axon Phone and the Axon Mini, it can be assumed the Max will also include Hi-Fi audio along with the other bells and whistles.
Analysis
With the pending release of the Axon Mini, ZTE stands at an almost unchallenged position for petite, rivaled to an extent only by Sony’s Xperia Z5 Compact. The phone has a solid price tag, some truly jaw-dropping specs, and retains the signature look of the Axon line. ZTE appears to be quite serious in its efforts to not only reshape the way in which the world-at-large perceives it, but to go toe-to-toe with even the top-tier titans of the mobile industry.
It will be very interesting to spend some hands-on time with with Axon Mini and see if it can live up to the impressive spec sheet ZTE has put forth. What about you? Interested? Leave us your thoughts below!
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ZTE announces global availability of the ZTE AXON mini
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The ZTE AXON mini has technically been official since July this year, but ZTE has taken the opportunity at an event earlier today to announce that the AXON mini is going to be available globally “in the coming months” – specifically in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Australia, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Italy. Prices will start at $379 USD in the Asia-Pacific countries and €329 in Europe, and will be available in three colours in all regions – Ion Gold, Chromium Silver and Rose Gold.
The AXON mini is a very interesting mid-range device, even if it is a little dear – the first to support a pressure-sensitive touch display (that’s right, Apple wasn’t first), the AXON mini boasts a premium exterior made from aircraft-grade aluminium-titanium alloy. The internals include a Snapdragon 616 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.2-inch 1080p display and 2,800mAh battery. Also, as is apparently fashionable to do, the AXON mini also has multiple methods of security access, including fingerprint, voice and eye authentication to unlock your device. On a side note, ZTE is also making available a NBA version of its AXON mini, but this will only be available in China and lets you put the logo of your favourite team on the back of your device.
What do you think about the ZTE AXON mini? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Business Wire
The post ZTE announces global availability of the ZTE AXON mini appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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