ZTE Axon 7 Mini
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix f/2.2, Fixfocus, Videos @1080p
Price comparison
Average of 27 scores (from 57 reviews)
Reviews for the ZTE Axon 7 Mini
Is the Mini version all you need? In addition to the flagship model Axon 7, the Chinese manufacturer once again offers a Mini version of the current model. Besides the size and the features, the price was reduced as well. But can the Axon 7 Mini compete with the strong rivals?
Source: Laptop Media Archive.org version
ZTE is hardly able to compete with the bigger smartphone manufacturers but its Axon lineup can definitely be called quite successful. After the strong performance of Axon 7, it is now time to review Axon 7 mini, which is one step lower in the price range, but it can undoubtedly compete with the popular names in this class.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/14/2017
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
There's a lot to recommend the Axon 7 Mini if you're in the market for a phone that won't break the bank. This device retains the same great design as the flagship-challenging Axon 7, while making acceptable trade-offs in performance to keep the price low. The rear camera can turn out some pretty good-looking images, and watching videos on that vibrant screen with stereo sound is a pleasure.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
Despite all that, the software just feels a bit too sluggish and hampered by its hardware specs, which is a shame when its bigger brother is such a big leap forward for not that much more of an investment. It’s a solid offering from ZTE, but it isn’t a standout. If you find it at a discount, then it becomes a more compelling option.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/26/2017
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Talk Android Archive.org version
ZTE launched the Axon 7 Mini at $299, which is way too high for this phone to be competitive. Since launch, though, it’s fallen in price and has hovered around $199 pretty permanently, which definitely puts the phone in a place where you should seriously consider it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/08/2017
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
Going by specs alone, the Axon 7 Mini should have been a hit. Decent power, an OLED screen and a metal build for under £300? Sounds great.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
As for processing power, the smartphone stocks a 1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, expandable by MicroSDXC up to 128GB. The device has been responsive and able to manage heavy processing loads well within my limited test period, though I’ve had an app crash.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/27/2017
Source: Paste Archive.org version
If you have a hard budget of $300 or less, the Axon 7 Mini offers truly fantastic hardware, and chances are you’ll grow used to its performance. But if you have a bit of wiggle room, use it, and find a better value.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/16/2016
Source: Paste Archive.org version
If you have a hard budget of $300 or less, the Axon 7 Mini offers truly fantastic hardware, and chances are you’ll grow used to its performance. But if you have a bit of wiggle room, use it, and find a better value.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/16/2016
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The ZTE Axon 7 Mini is an awkward mishmash of good and bad, adding up to a phone destined to be thought of as an also-ran even though it does have some great features.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/12/2016
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 70% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 50% workmanship: 80%
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Axon 7 Mini falls short of being the platonic ideal of a “mini” phone, one that takes a flagship, features intact, and gives us a handset with a smaller screen. Instead, it practically turns that approach on its head, barely decreasing size at all, and instead bringing us a phone that might be better called the Axon 7 Lite, dialing back on processing power and bells and whistles.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/07/2016
Rating: Total score: 68%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
While the ZTE Axon 7 Mini costs $100 less than its larger sibling and has the same premium build quality, it makes a number of compromises to reach its lower price point. Many of the things we love about the Axon 7, like its Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, big battery, and dual-band Wi-Fi are all absent here. Rather than looking at it as a "mini" version of the Axon 7, you should instead look at the Axon 7 Mini as an entirely different phone. Ultimately, it's up against other midrange options like the Moto G4 and the Life One X2, both of which offer similar performance for $100 less. The G4 is a particularly compelling alternative since it has a cleaner UI and support for all major US carriers. If you're looking for a truly compact phone that doesn't compromise on its specs, the Google Pixel is your best option, but it costs twice as much. Most people will still get the best combination of price and performance by paying $100 more for the Axon 7, which remains our Editors' Choice.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
There's a lot to recommend the Axon 7 Mini if you're in the market for a phone that won't break the bank. This device retains the same great design as the flagship-challenging Axon 7, while making acceptable trade-offs in performance to keep the price low. The rear camera can turn out some pretty good-looking images, and watching videos on that vibrant screen with stereo sound is a pleasure.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
I found the Axon 7 it to be good enough to compete with the OnePlus 3, and for some, even Samsung’s Galaxy S7, in spite of its $400 price tag. It makes sense, then, that ZTE would create a smaller version of the widely praised device, hitting the $300 price point in the process.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/14/2016
Rating: Total score: 50%
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a market for a $300 aesthetic twin of the Axon 7. But when you take into consideration how much you’re giving up for a $100 discount, it just doesn’t add up.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Source: Greenbot Archive.org version
Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a market for a $300 aesthetic twin of the Axon 7. But when you take into consideration how much you’re giving up for a $100 discount, it just doesn’t add up.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Rating: Total score: 50%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Mini isn't going to rival the performance of flagship devices, but you won't find many of its best features on higher priced setups. It's a fully capable Android phone, with a bright AMOLED display, front-facing speakers with Hi-Fi audio and a microSD card slot that doubles as a second SIM card slot. Best of all, it's affordable and comes unlocked, meaning everyone is invited.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/02/2016
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
ZTE's progression to the high end is going nicely, with the Axon 7 looking to be its best effort yet. It's compact, well made and packing punch in all the right places. It's also sensibly priced, coming in under the OnePlus 3 and sitting just above the Moto G4 Plus. You get a lot for your money here, and that's always good.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/02/2016
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
There's a lot of competition in the midrange market right now, with choices ranging from the OnePlus 3 to the Huawei Honor 8$399.99 at Amazon to the Motorola Moto G4$149.99 at Amazon. If the Mini stands out, it'll stand out for build quality. It's a warm, gorgeous metal unibody design in jewel tones, at a level where most of its competitors are plastic. The smaller size actually helps play that up: since you can more easily wrap your hands around the Axon 7 Mini, you are more able to appreciate its warm metal and curved form.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/01/2016
Source: Ubergizmo English Archive.org version
In conclusion, the ZTE Axon 7 mini will probably push the Axon brand down to the ~$300 level, and it is a very good spot to aim at. At this price point, the obvious competition would be the Google Nexus 5, the Sony XPERIA Z3+ and HTC One M9 and all of those have very good user reviews. It looks like a good topic for research.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/01/2016
Foreign Reviews
Source: Area DVD DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/03/2017
Source: Chinahandys.net DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/25/2017
Rating: Total score: 73% performance: 60% display: 80% mobility: 50% workmanship: 90%
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/21/2017
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Verivox DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/03/2017
Rating: Total score: 68% features: 63% ergonomy: 79%
Source: Billiger-telefonieren.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/26/2017
Source: Inside Handy DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/18/2017
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Smartphone Magazin - 2/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/01/2017
Rating: Total score: 91%
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 82% performance: 87% features: 90% display: 85% mobility: 64%
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/04/2016
Source: Notebooksbilliger Blog DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/22/2016
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/13/2016
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/02/2016
Source: Computerbild - Heft 20/2016
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 09/01/2016
Source: Go2 Mobile DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/20/2016
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 80% display: 100% workmanship: 80%
Source: Computerhoy ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/26/2017
Rating: Total score: 78% price: 80% features: 80% display: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Decent speakers; low price; good cameras; fast fingerprint sensor; elegant design. Negative: Overheats while using.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/13/2017
Source: Andrea Galeazzi IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/06/2016
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% display: 80% mobility: 69% workmanship: 82%
Source: Batista70Phone IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 80% mobility: 70% ergonomy: 90%
Source: Techzilla.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/29/2016
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 85%
Source: Smartphone e tablet android IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/22/2016
Rating: performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: AndroidWorld.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2016
Rating: Total score: 77% price: 75% features: 80% display: 80% mobility: 75% ergonomy: 75%
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; good price; decent speakers. Negative: Poor cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/28/2016
Source: Geekbecois FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/01/2017
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 60% workmanship: 80%
Source: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2016
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 60% display: 70% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70%
Source: Top for Phone FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Solid workmanship; nice speakers; fast charging; support USB-C. Negative: No radio; low autonomy.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/20/2018
Source: Top for Phone FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; solid workmanship; decent speakers; fast charging; support USB-C. Negative: No FM radio; low autonomy.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/20/2018
Source: Tabletowo PL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/02/2017
Rating: Total score: 84% display: 85% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Komputerswiat PL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Beautiful design; nice display; decent speakers. Negative: Short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/13/2017
Source: Spiders Web PL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Beautiful design; excellent speakers; slim size; flexible fingerprint sensor. Negative: Slow charge.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/26/2016
Source: Chip Online TR TR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 76%
Source: Ferra.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/22/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Mega Obzor RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice display; decent speakers; good cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/27/2017
Source: Hi-Tech Mail RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent display; good speakers; decent cameras. Negative: Average performance; slippery; short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/06/2017
Source: Smartphone.bg BU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Stylish design; metal case; slim size; excellent display; good speakers; nice cooling system. Negative: Slippery; weak hardware.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/16/2017
Source: Smartphone.bg BU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; good display; decent speakers. Negative: Short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/27/2017
Source: Smartphone.bg BU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Metal case; good display; decent hardware; nice cameras.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/07/2017
Comment
Model: The ZTE Axon 7 Mini is essentially a re-bundling of the much celebrated Axon 7 in a smaller package. At first glance, it is an impressive looking phone as it sports the Axon 7’s full metal unibody design. It is comfortable to the grip as the dimensions measure at 147.5 x 71 x 7.8 mm. Weighing only 153 grams, it is suitable for one-handed operation. Its aluminum body not only makes this phone highly durable but also highly appealing. On the display front, it features a 5.2-inch AMOLED Full-HD Display with a pixel density of 423 ppi. It is also shielded with Corning Gorilla Glass Gen 4 for additional durability. Its screen may be downsized; nevertheless, visuals and images appear remarkable and spectacular. Playing games and watching videos on this phone is pleasurable. Furthermore, it is paired with Dolby Atmos Digital surround sound and dual stereo speakers, which allow users to enjoy crystal clear HiFi audio. The Axon 7 Mini is powered by the highly favored Qualcomm Octa-Core Snapdragon 617 processor (Adreno™ 405 GPU). It is integrated with 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB internal storage and an SD memory slot, which makes expanded the storage capacity by up to 128 GB possible. This makes the Axon 7 Mini a powerful mid-range multi-tasker, which is capable of running memory intensive apps. Another key feature of this smartphone is its large, non-removable battery rated at 2705 mAh. It is capable of up to 15 hours talk time and on top of that, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 enables time for full charge at a mere 90 minutes. That being said, it slightly disappointing to not see the latest Quick Charge 3.0 on a newer device like this.
On the brighter side, it does come with the newer USB Type-C connector rather than a micro USB port. A fingerprint scanner can be found at the rear side of the smartphone beneath its camera to ensure security at every touchpoint. For optics, it is fitted with a 16 MP rear-facing camera and an 8 MP front facing snapper. Its primary lens is also optimized with an ISO-cell sensor and sapphire lens with F/1.9 aperture. This makes capturing pictures possible even under low light conditions. Overall, pictures captured by the camera are decent enough. Its front facing camera is equally impressive as it is enhanced with F/2.2 aperture with 88 degree wide angle lens. This is particularly useful for taking group selfies or even for larger scenery photos. ZTE ships the Axon 7 Mini in dual SIM mode. It comes preinstalled with Android 6.01 Marshmallow and is available in two colour variants i.e. gold and gray. Its low price factor will be a strong selling point as it is packed with fairly high specs for a compact smartphone.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Qualcomm Adreno 405: Integrated graphics card for ARM based SoCs. Depending on the used SoC the clock rate is around 500 MHz and features 48 unified shaders.
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
617 MSM8952: Mid-range ARM SoC with 8 CPU cores (Cortex-A53, 64-bit capable) and an Adreno 405 GPU. Manufactured in a 28 nm LP process.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
5.20":
It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.ZTE:
ZTE is short for Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited, which was founded in China in 1985 and is partly state-owned. ZTE's core business is wireless, optical transmission, data transmission equipment, telecommunications software and cell phones, USB sticks, routers and tablets.
70.74%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.