ZTE

ZTE Axon: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974
Adreno 330
2 GB / 32 GB
5.5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, + 2 MP secondary

ZTE announced the launch of the Axon smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The Axon series was launched with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 5.5 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (1080 x 1920 px). The Axon has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, + 2 MP secondary). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Axon smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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ZTE Axon specifications

BrandZTE
NameAxon
ModelAXON
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6 oz
Dimensions6.06 x 2.9 x 0.37 inch
Colorschromium silver, ion gold, phthalo blue
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of ZTE Axon is about 6 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974
CPUQuad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The ZTE Axon comes with Android OS v5.1.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotno

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Axon has 32 GB. The internal storage of the ZTE Axon (2 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, + 2 MP secondary
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let you capture a wider range of subjects. The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Axon smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Axon smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Axon comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Axon isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual-lens camera

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this ZTE phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • multicamera setup
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add ZTE Axon to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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