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1Folding ZTE Axon M Aims to Outflank Apple, Samsung in Phone Design
China’s ZTE might not be a household name in the U.S. smartphone market, but the company is betting that it can attract more buyers with help from its new folding smartphone, the Axon M. The handset, which will be sold exclusively by AT&T starting next month, has a hinge that lets users fold and use the dual displays in several configurations. The smartphone has an effective screen size up to 6.75 inches when both displays are in use. It runs Android Nougat and should deliver ample processing power for most users. ZTE asserts that the smartphone will have plenty of battery life, even when running its twin displays. Check out this eWEEK slide show to learn more about the ZTE Axon M.
2in the Axon M Has Dual Hinged Displays that Fold Up
3There Are Four Ways to Use the Displays
The dual displays can be used in four configurations. Dual mode allows users to interact with different apps at the same time. Extended mode turns the two screens into a single, 6.75-inch display. Mirror mode plays the same content on both screens, so two people on opposite sides of the handset can see the same thing. The final mode, called Traditional, displays content on one screen so the other can be folded behind it.
4The Hinged Design Might Not Be for Everyone
5Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Provides the Processing Power
6ZTE Opted for Android Nougat 7.1.2
7Batteries Offer Up to 28 Hours of Talk Time
8Axon M Has a High-Quality Camera
9ZTE Pumps Up the Sound
10Dual Screen App Support Will be Limited
One of the biggest questions surrounding the ZTE Axon M is how it will handle third-party apps. The majority of available Android mobile apps aren’t configured to work with a dual-screen smartphone. ZTE plans to aggressively target app developers to improve compatibility, but initially most apps won’t take full advantage of the dual-screen design.
11AT&T Will Start Selling the Axon M in November
ZTE confirmed it will release the Axon M to AT&T’s nationwide sales starting in November. The smartphone will be available on a 30-month installment plan requiring payments of $24.17 per month. That translates to a $725 price tag.