ZTE stops making Axon 7 handsets

The 5.5-inch ZTE Axon 7 flagship has been released in June 2016 with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow onboard and high-end features for a mid-range price. Not long after its introduction, ZTE also added a few smaller and larger handsets based on it, making the Axon 7 family one with devices of all sizes. Now, we hear that the production of this Qualcomm Snapdragon 820-driven flagship has finally been halted, but the Axon 8 should surface in a few months.

According to a Reddit user known as modifiedbears, he got the following message from a ZTE customer service person: "I see that you are inquiring on if the Axon 7 will be restocked. I will be more than happy to provide you with additional information. As of now, The Axon 7 Ion Gold and Quartz Gray will not be available for sale going forward. It is currently end of life, which means it could become available in the future, but no longer being manufactured at the moment."

Although it looks like halting the production of the Axon 7 without an official announcement concerning its successor's launch might not look good, I think that we need to wait a few weeks before drawing any conclusions. The comments posted by other Reddit users in reply to the initial post contain some pieces of interesting information, although ZTE still has to confirm these things:

• Android 8 Oreo for the Axon 7 handsets is currently being tested in China and Russia, so it is very likely for ZTE to launch the Axon 8 after releasing this final Android update for its predecessor
• the ZTE Axon 8 could be announced at CES 2018
• if the Axon 8 comes with an 18:9 display, better cameras, a battery upgrade, and keeps the 3.5 mm audio jack and the stereo speakers, many would consider it over the OnePlus 5T (if the price is right, of course) 

Less than a month ago, ZTE confirmed that a successor of the "incredibly successful Axon 7" is on its way. Sadly, they did not mention any details, so we should wait for CES 2018... or the next round of leaks/rumors. In the meantime, those eager to grab a ZTE flagship that is not closely related to the Axon 7 could try to give the foldable Axon M a chance--as long as they are not allergic to AT&T, obviously.