ZTE ahs just announced the Axon 7 Google Daydream VR compatible smartphone, which features high-end specs and materials at an affordable price. The phone uses Qualcomm's 820 processor, it has 4 or 6GB of RAM plus a microSD slot, a 5.5-inch AMOLED (2560 x 1440 pixels) display with Gorilla Glass 4 cover, a metal chassis, 3,250mAh battery featuring Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0, and a new dual-speaker system with Dolby surround sound.

The Axon 7 has a 20-megapixel camera with optical stabilization, f/1.8 lens, and 4K video capability. The phone's front camera has 8 megapixels of resolution. A USB Type-C port is used for data transfer and charging.

The smartphone's design features a full metal unibody with rounded corners and edges. ZTE is offering it in gold and grey color options.

The Axon 7 is launching with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and ZTE says it will be upgraded to Android N when that is made available later this year. The phone will initially be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, with Sprint and Verizon compatibility appearing in a later firmware update.

ZTE also revealed a new VR device, named ZTE VR. The VR device will complement AXON 7's 2k WQHD AMOLED display, Hi-Fi / Dolby Atmos surround sound, and dual built-in speakers.

The AXON 7 comes in three versions: basic, standard and premium. It can be pre-ordered starting May 26 via JD.com. Starting June 2, the AXON 7 will be fully available for purchase online and in person at stores.

Pricing:

• Basic edition: 2,899 RMB ($442)
• Standard edition: 3,299 RMB ($502)
• Premium edition: 4,099 RMB ($624)
• ZTE VR is priced at 518 RMB ($79)

Retail expansion plan

ZTE plans to open 23 flagship stores by the end of this year to drive sales of its smartphones and consumer devices.

About 20 outlets will be created in major Chinese cities while the company plans one each on Germany, Russia and Mexico, said Adam Zeng, chief executive officer of ZTE’s mobile devices business.

The Shenzhen-based company is targeting sales of 70 million smartphones this year, up from 56 million in 2015.

AXON 7 Specs:

• Networks:
  • 7 modes 22 bands, dual SIM, China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, international roaming to USA, Europe, Asia and other regions (China Version SKU only)
  • TDD-LTE: B38/39/40/41; FDD-LTE: B1/2/3/5/7/8;
  • TD-SCDMA: B34/39; WCDMA: B1/2/5/8;
  • CDMA 1X/EVDO: BC0; GSM: B2/3/5/8
• Platform: Snapdragon 820, 2.15GHz CPU
• Operating System: MiFavor4.0 (based on Android 6.0)
• Dimensions: 151.7?75?7.9mm
• Screen: 5.5-in., 2560*1440, WQHD AMOLED, 2.5D
• Cameras:
  • Rear: 20MP, PDAF + closed-loop instant autofocus, OIS (optical image stabilization), F1.8 aperture
  • Front: 8 MP, FF Aperture F2.2, smart facial beautification
• Battery: 3250mAh, Quick Charge 3.0
• Memory:
  • 4GB RAM+ 64GB ROM, 128GB TF Supported
  • 6GB RAM+ 128GB ROM, 128GB TF Supported
• Interfaces: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C, Dual SIM 4FF
• Audio:
  • Dual Hi-Fi chipset: AK4961 + AK4490
  • Dual speaker
• Additional features:
  • Dolby Atmos Surround Sound
  • Force Touch (available in premium version)
  • Fingerprint 3.0 recognition
  • NFC

  ZTE VR Specs:

• Dimensions: 185.3x85.3x76.7mm
• Sensor functionality: Built-in 9-axis gyro sensor
• Viewing adjustments:
  • Lens effect distance: 8mm
  • Vision: 0-600 degrees
  • Pupil Distance: Auto adaptive
• Lens:
  • Field of vision: 96 degrees
  • Material: PMMA
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Parameter: Aspherical lens
• Material:
  • Body: PC + ABS
  • Face mask: TPU + sponge
  • Belt: Artificial leather + diving cloth
• Weight: 255 grams (Only headset)