ZTE Axon M Dual-Screen Folding Smartphone to be Launched in October

Chinese manufacturer ZTE is set to launch an innovative device on the market foldable smartphone. Called the Axon M (code named Axon Multy), this could be a game changer in portable electronics. Though Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft have patents for the foldable smartphone, we have never seen anything like it.

The new ZTE device will feature an FHD (1920 × 1080) display. It spreads into a 6.8-inch display with (1,920 x 2,160) pixels resolution when unfolded. When folded, we can use the handset like a regular smartphone. The device is rumored to be UB-10-millimeter in thickness in the folded state.

Reliable leaker Evan Blass reported last month that the device would feature a Snapdragon 820 processor along with 4GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 3120 mAh battery. The smartphone will also feature a 20MP camera in the optics department.

We recently got a glimpse of the phone when Android Authority shared images of the device. The Axon M could be the bridge between tablets and smartphones. Rumor has it that the dual screen can display two apps simultaneously, which has never been seen before.

Interestingly, at the launch of Galaxy Note 8 in Korea in September, we learned that Samsung, too, will be releasing a foldable smartphone next year. Dubbed as ‘Project Valley,’ the product is yet to materialize. This is a considerable threat to Samsung and the success of ZTE if they manage to launch the device earlier. If we look back at history, the previous dual-screen concept Kyocera Echo met with an ill fate and put a halt to the upcoming foldable smartphones. But this device could change that. Inevitably, there will be technical problems and mass production, which is not available, pushing the price high. But, once it is perfected, the combination of dual screens and Android Oreo (8.0) may cause many other manufacturers to adopt the design.

Considering the rumors, the ZTE Axon M will be unveiled on Oct. 17 in New York. ZTE confirmed that it would be holding an unveiling event on that day. This may mean that ZTE may not have plans to release this device outside the US. The pricing is expected to cost around $650 (Rs 42390). If this is true, the ZTE Axon M will have to compete with the likes of the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and LG V30, and most importantly, the foldable smartphone of Samsung dubbed Galaxy X.