ZTE behind the curtain of Axon Phone due July 14

A new brand of smartphone set to tackle the US market could actually come from a familiar name. Dubbed the Axon Phone, it appears the handset comes from Chinese phone maker ZTE.

Due July 14, the Android phone is expected to offer users a dual-lens camera capable of recording 4K video as well as a Hi-Fi audio experience. Available in three colors (PHTALO BLUE, ION GOLD, CHROMIUM SILVER), the actual specifications aren’t all that obvious. What we do know, however, is that it will pack no less than 4GB RAM.

[blockquote author=””]Inspired by your suggestions, Axon’s super-simplified Android interface pairs full-bleed images with large, elegant type for a high-end look and feel. It also comes with a lightning-fast processor, 4GB memory and a large battery for all-around high performance under the hood.[/blockquote]

According to the website, the phone is designed in the US; however it’s not clear whether designed is the same as manufactured. Either way, we’re interested in seeing how the handset is offered. Will it be sold unlocked direct to consumers? Are there any retail partners getting involved?

How do we know that ZTE is behind the Axon brand? PC Magazine did a little digging around and found the domain has traces of ZTE in the source code. Additionally, the address of the registrant matches that of a ZTE office. This is also not to mention the UI, icons, and overall design don’t stray too far from previous ZTE efforts.

If you check out the giveaway contest currently underway, the estimated cost of the phone is pegged at $450. Presumably this means the phone comes in a couple hundred dollars less than the top-tier flagship models offered by the likes of Samsung and others. It’s also possible that the device is sold at a lower cost.

All of the details will be uncovered in but a few weeks when the Axon Phone is formally revealed at a press event in New York.

How do you feel about ZTE taking a different approach to its US endeavors? Are you game to consider the Axon Phone?

Axon Phone