ZTE Axon M Hands-On: The Clamshell Is Back

The ZTE Axon M is a specimen not seen in the world of the smartphone in some time: it's a clamshell. No, not a flip-top communicator of the Starfleet variety, but a side-flipping design previously reserved for fancy wallets. Some, like MrMobile's esteemed thumbnail designer, might go so far as to call the ZTE Axon M a "folding phone." But MrMobile himself would never be so bold.

For real though: in a sea of single-sided slabs, the Axon M is a legitimately interesting design. Featuring two 5.2" displays bonded by a solid-feeling hinge and a thick aluminum midplate, the Axon M has the kind of heft that makes you take a smartphone seriously ... and the double-wide screen real estate that'll get you noticed even in Best Buy's big-TV section. Tune in for MrMobile's first look, and stay tuned to the channel for the Axon M Review coming soon!

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[ABOUT THE ZTE AXON M HANDS-ON]

MrMobile's ZTE Axon M hands-on was produced following an hour with a ZTE Axon M review device on loan from ZTE. The device was a preproduction smartphone running prerelease software.

Additionally, the briefing venue had poor lighting which resulted in the inconsistent white balance in this video; the greenish blue hue you see on the display is a symptom of this problem and does not appear in person.

[MUSIC]

“Robot Town” by Phil Gardiner, available at Premium Beat:

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[DISCLOSURE]

[AdrianBigyes]

The sudden realization that you cannot put a case on this phone hits me hard.

[LemmyCook]

This is rather interesting, if it's well implemented it could be really cool. Hats off to ZTE for trying to do something different, kind of tired of the 'standard' dull smartphone.

[awaisahmed]

We need more experimentation like this in the mobile industry. Good job zte and i hope you continue to work on this and refine it.

[Deevun]

Two in one day? Stop! I'm getting addicted!

[ecko]

Good processor, dual screens, SD card slot, headphone jack, and stereo speakers? That puts it above most flagships of today.

[Pipgetter]

Honestly this doesn't look that bad. I use my phone to trade forex so It would be cool to check multiple pairs quickly with those two screens. I'm more excited to see someone like Sammy, LG, or Motorola do this slightly better. Better soc, better camera, and thinner bar separating the two screens when unfolded. ZTE did a solid job imo as long as it holds up long term.

[drainboy]

Now: who needs 2 screens?
Later: WE WANT MORE SCREENS

[titan]

I just wanted a regards phones, the *Axon 8*

[DanteSolablood]

The real question will be how that 3180mAh battery holds up when using both displays. Wondering if it will make it through the day on moderate use.

[ghy]

christmas came early because you uploaded twice

[hardiancandra]

I think It's one of the best phone for gaming, like the PSP Go

[zic]

2 videos in 1 day. Yup, that's what you get when you watch the best tech channel on YouTube!

[alfveba]

Love that you find use cases for things other would not think of off the bat like the sharing video at dinner. Also love that you always recall back to other devices that came out before and don't just forget about old tech like other reviewers seem to

[StrikeFreedom]

I really hope that this phone does well and that we can see an improved version for other US carriers.

[matthiasrambally]

Back in the day when there was different form factors of phones 😪 good times

[saadazzahrani]

Stop Mr.Fisher you're spoilin' us with 2 videos in one day!

[robertf]

Reviews coming at a furious pace! Bendy phones for the future.

[franzstephencortes]

This is the new era, hopefully it doesn't fail! Thumbs up mr mobile!

[diazluisdiaz]

Glad to see good reviews of different brands and phones that are not that big or known. Props to you Mr mobile.

[jasgill]

Well, if the screens were bezel less it would be a lot better looking device