ZTE’s Axon M was originally expected for release in early 2018 although more recent rumors have suggested a new foldable phone could be announced by the company on October 17. In either case, the Axon M (largely expected to be ZTE’s upcoming foldable phone) already appears to have hit the FCC. For those unfamiliar with this one, the device is rumored to be a smartphone that comes equipped with two separate displays operating on a hinge and to be among the first devices leading to a truly foldable phone and tablet hybrid – since it allows users to join the two screens for a more tablet-like experience via a 6.8-inch screen. Not much else has been known about the device’s specs, aside from some alleged leaked images that haven’t been verified yet. Bearing that in mind, the newly-discovered FCC listing can shed some light on the one or two aspects of the device. Furthermore, since a label associated with the listing shows a model number reading “Z999 Axon M,” the above-mentioned device is almost certainly what the listing pertains to.
First of all, the device appears to be headed to shelves at AT&T since at least one of the label images includes an SKU for the U.S. carrier. It isn’t immediately clear whether or not any other service providers will be getting their hands on ZTE’s Axon M, but the label does seem to indicate that it will be officially supported in the US. It could be a timed exclusive or simply exclusive to that carrier but, at this point, it is too early to tell. Beyond that bit of information, though, the label also shows which version of the Android OS the convertible phone will ship with – Android 7.1.2 (Nougat). That’s found on the same device label as the SKU, directly underneath and to the right of where AT&T is mentioned. Taking things further still, other documents associated with the FCC’s testing of the device reveals that it should arrive with Bluetooth 4.1, LTE capabilities, and an NFC chip on board.
Unfortunately, the FCC doesn’t examine the other hardware found in a smartphone, so there is still no firm confirmation on the other specifications. Which means that pending an official announcement, there’s still no confirmation on what chipset will drive Android Nougat for the Axon M or how big the battery powering it will be. Although it could be likely that all the gaps will be filled in come October 17.
