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MagyarZTE Axon Mini Premium Smartphone Review
For the original German review, see here.
The Chinese manufacturer ZTE expands its portfolio by a smaller alternative to its current ZTE Axon Elite flagship in the form of the Axon Mini Premium Edition. The generous configuration also meets this claim. For example, the Axon Mini features a fingerprint reader and voice recognition as biometric identification options. The performance base is also well-designed with Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 SoC alongside the integrated Adreno 405 graphics solution, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. The 5.2-inch pressure sensitive screen has a resolution of 1920x10980 pixels. The review sample is currently priced at around 300 Euros (~$333).
We use Samsung's Galaxy A3 (2016), Medion's Life X5020, Huawei's P8 lite and OnePlus' X as comparison devices in this test.
Case
ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition is quite large and thick compared to OnePlus' X and Samsung's Galaxy A3 (2016), but is on par with the other rivals. The height of 7.9 millimeters (~0.3 in) in particular clearly towers over some opponents. However, the camera module is installed flush in the casing. Thanks to the lightly rounded rear, the 140 gram (~5 oz) smartphone scores in terms of haptics. The review sample features the color "Ion Gold", but it also available in "Chromium Silver". The latter has not yet found its way to Germany.
ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition stands out from its rather similarly designed rivals. It has many playful details like the triangle pattern that is found above and below the display, on the physical keys and between the rear-facing camera and flash, which is found in all ZTE's flagship models. The back looks quite elegant with a leatherette surface at the upper and lower edge. The aluminum casing gives a high-quality impression and relies on a unibody build. The stability is exemplary; the review sample coped with strong pressure without any visible or audible effects. The user cannot replace the non-removable battery. The combo slot for a nano SIM and micro-SD card, as well as the power button are on the right. The user will have to opt for either two SIM cards or a SIM and micro-SD card. The 2.5D display is Corning Gorilla Glass protected, which juts out over the bezel slightly.
Connectivity
ZTE's Axon Mini is based on a 64-bit enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 MSM8939v2 mid-range octa-core SoC that clocks at up to 1.7 GHz and its integrated Adreno 405 graphics unit. A 3 GB LPDDR3 working memory supports the configuration. 32 GB (net: 22.51 GB) of storage that can be expanded by up to 128 GB via a micro-SD card is available. In this case, however, the dual-SIM feature cannot be used because the second SIM card and micro-SD card share one slot. Apps can be moved to the micro-SD card provided they support this.
The installed interfaces, such as the 3.5 mm jack and micro-USB 2.0 port, are standard fare. There are now better alternatives, especially in the USB port category with the faster USB 3.0 standard and USB-C port. USB OTG for connecting USB peripherals is also supported. In addition, NFC and Android Beam for data sharing between two Android devices are present.
Software
ZTE's Axon Mini relies on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system. The user interface, MiFavor UI 3.2.0, has been modified significantly. An app drawer is not present. The apps simply appear on the home screen. However, creating folders is possible when required. In addition to the standard Android navigation buttons, there are various options for customizing the desktop design and background pictures, colors or animation for changing the home screens. ZTE has also adapted the familiar screenshot feature of pressing the power button and volume simultaneously. The screenshot can be edited or highlighted and captioned directly before saving it. Thus, extra apps are unnecessary. An update to Android 6 operating system has not yet been announced.
ZTE has preloaded some proprietary tools like backup, ActiveShare or Mi Assistant as well as AccuWeather and WPS Office and the Google standard apps ex-factory. More information about the manufacturer's apps can be found in the detailed review of the ZTE Axon Elite. The overall system always ran stably in the test. As with its larger sibling from the Axon lineup, the Axon Mini also offers various unlocking options. The fingerprint reader on the back did a very good job and was reliable and fast. The smartphone can also be unlocked via voice input, which worked decently, but is slightly awkward in everyday use. Furthermore, unlocking via Sky Eye iris scanner is possible. However, this is very inconvenient and not always reliable.
The smartphone can also be kept unlocked via On-Body Detection, Trusted Devices (via NFC or Bluetooth) or Trusted Places. Users who prefer conventional code inputting will be pleased with the more complex input patterns, thanks to Force Touch. Numbers, special characters and letters can be combined with varying pressure in the so-called 3D passwords. Force Touch can also be used as shortcuts for apps. For example, strong pressure opens various options in compatible apps. "Perfect Piano" renders tones louder when higher pressure is applied. Finally, strong pressure triggers fast-forward in the video app.
Communication & GPS
The Axon Mini supports HSDPA+ (download max.: 42.2 Mbit/s; upload max.: 5.76 Mbit/s) and LTE Cat 4 (download max.: 150 Mbit/s; upload max.: 50 Mbit/s). The review sample also covers a wide frequency range in all data connections, which always enables a good reception within Europe. Overall, the reception quality in the rural German O2 network was good in the test. The Axon Mini provides all important standards with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. The signal to the Telecom hybrid router at a distance of approximately 10 meters (33 ft) and through four walls was good; pages opened sufficiently fast. Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC cover near-field data sharing.
The Axon Mini uses A-GPS and GLONASS for localization. Tracking was very fast and accurate indoors in the test with the GPS Test app; connecting to satellites outdoors was even more accurate.
Telephone & Call Quality
The phone app and dual-SIM functionality are implemented well in the system. The first provides all the important features with call logs, contacts and favorite lists. It is also possible to zoom the keypad slightly when necessary. Various settings like call priorities and data transfer are available for both SIM cards.
We made a few test calls to check the microphone and speaker. The contact reported an impeccable understandability with a slight base noise, and that "s" has a slight hissing sound. We also noticed this quality to the same extent. The installed speaker does a good hands-free job. However, the sound soon becomes tinny at higher volumes.
Cameras & Multimedia
The front-facing camera in ZTE's Axon Mini has a resolution of 8 megapixels (3264x1836 pixels). The beautify option covers the photo with a five-level soft-focus, and thus hides the model's minor skin blemishes. Triggering via smile detection is present for selfies. The lens records videos at 720p. The image quality is acceptable with its vivid color reproduction, even though the sharpness is never entirely satisfying. Its low-light performance suffers under heavy image noise that increases exponentially the darker the light gets. The "screen flash" is not strong enough to brighten up the object in the dark, and does not help much in the dim light.
The primary camera on the back of the handset has an auto focus and a dual LED flash, and releases very quickly. It has a resolution of 13 megapixels (4092x3072 pixels). As well as the automatic mode, the review sample offers various settings such as manual, HDR, panorama and interval shootings. Photos can be stored directly on the micro-SD card. The camera records videos in Full HD. Some deficiencies of ZTE's Axon Mini are evident in image quality in the photo comparison. The overall brightness of the photos is considerably lower and the sharpness is somewhat lacking, particularly when objects are not sufficiently illuminated. Besides that, a light bluish haze is noticed in the pictures. However, this can be balanced somewhat in the manual mode. The low light performance is acceptable, although the image noise increases quite noticeably.
We examined the color accuracy, using ColorChecker Passport that was photographed as full-screen as possible under controlled light conditions. A minor oversaturation of colors becomes visible; particularly the reproduction of white, the grayscale levels and black are slightly discolored. The other colors are not always exact, but they still look natural.
We assess the sharpness with a test chart that is also photographed in artificial light as full-screen as possible. The image sharpness in the center is compelling. However, it decreases significantly toward the edges and in the entire lower third. More image aberrations become obvious in fonts and color gradients.
Accessories
ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition comes with a SIM tool, quick start guide and warranty card as well as a 1.5-A power supply and USB data cable. The manufacturer has also included a white stereo headset and transparent plastic case in the handset's box. Not many manufacturers include the latter.
Warranty
A 24-month warranty period is included for the smartphone; the accessories and battery are covered for only 6 months.
Input Devices & Handling
The optional TouchPal X keyboard is set by default in ZTE's Axon Mini Premium. It offers various settings and additional features such as swype inputting and word suggestions. However, the standard Android keyboard or another alternative from the Play Store can also be enabled.
The capacitive touchscreen detects every input up into the edges instantly. Force Touch also responds quickly and with decent vibration feedback, and precisely implements different levels of force. Furthermore, the gliding properties of the screen's surface are good. The volume rocker and power button offer a clear pressure point and are fitted accurately in the casing.
Display
The Super AMOLED screen in ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition measures at 5.2 inches. Its resolution of 1920x1080 pixels is category standard, and equates to a high pixel density of 424 PPI.
The panel's average brightness of 205.4 cd/m² is relatively low. OnePlus' X offers a considerably higher brightness in the same screen design. However, the maximum brightness climbs to an impressive 433 cd/m² when distributing bright and dark areas evenly (APL 50); it is as high as 579 cd/m² when the brightness sensor is enabled. ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition clearly outshines all rivals with that. On the other hand, the opponents distribute the brightness slightly more homogeneously than the review sample's 87%. The screen scores again with a black level of 0 cd/m² and an infinitely high contrast. Subjectively, the colors look rich, and black contents give a saturated and very vivid impression.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 207 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.97 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.95
ΔE Greyscale 6.21 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
Gamma: 1.62
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium Adreno 405, 616 MSM8939v2, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 Mali-T720 MP2, 7578, 16 GB eMMC Flash | Medion Life X5020 Adreno 405, 615 MSM8939, 32 GB eMMC Flash | OnePlus X Adreno 330, 801 MSM8974AA, 16 GB eMMC Flash | Huawei P8 lite Mali-450 MP4, Kirin 620, 16 GB eMMC Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 69% | 71% | 24% | 43% | |
| Brightness middle | 207 | 386 86% | 503 143% | 312 51% | 365 76% |
| Brightness | 205 | 394 92% | 481 135% | 314 53% | 353 72% |
| Brightness Distribution | 87 | 88 1% | 87 0% | 91 5% | 93 7% |
| Black Level * | 0.72 | 0.42 | |||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 10.97 | 1.11 90% | 4.02 63% | 6.28 43% | 5.2 53% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 6.21 | 1.34 78% | 5.44 12% | 8.24 -33% | 5.85 6% |
| Gamma | 1.62 136% | 2.12 104% | 2.19 100% | 2.12 104% | 2.17 101% |
| CCT | 7179 91% | 6441 101% | 7636 85% | 8145 80% | 7252 90% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.35 | 8.45 | |||
| Contrast | 699 | 869 | |||
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 94.5388 | 91.25 | |||
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 70.86 |
* ... smaller is better
We use a photospectrometer and the professional CalMAN software for a more accurate evaluation of the screen. The average DeltaE of 10.97 in ColorChecker is relatively high, the same as the grayscale levels with 6.21 (ideal value: less than 3). The gamma of 1.62 is too low, and the color temperature of 7179 slightly too high. Then again, the color reproduction is quite good with acceptably low aberrations. A minor bluish tint is visible in the grayscale level gradient due to the high color temperature. Generally, not many severe deficiencies that will be noticed in real world use.
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 240 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 240 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 240 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17271 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
Our measurements show that the screen flickers slightly due to its relatively low frequency of 240 Hz - probably due to pulse width modulation (PWM). However, only sensitive users should notice that. The tester did not observe annoying flickering in routine use.
ZZTE's Axon Mini has a sufficiently high brightness for outdoor use with over 500 cd/m² when the brightness sensor is enabled. Only the glossy screen could thwart any such intentions.
The smartphone's viewing angles are stable. Only in extreme viewing angles minor brightness losses occur and the color temperature drops slightly. Colors do not invert due to the construction.
Performance
ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 616 MSM8939v2 octa-core SoC that clocks at up to 1.7 GHz and supports 64-bits. It can fall back on 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM. The mid-range SoC always provides the smartphone with enough power to cope with routine tasks. It is no longer one of the fastest of its kind. The review sample can stand up to the latest Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) quite well, and even outrun it in some tests, such as Linpack or Basemark OS II. The Axon Mini also fares quite well in the graphic tests such as 3DMark Ice Storm.
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| 64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| GFXBench 3.0 | |
| 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| GFXBench 3.1 | |
| 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| Smartbench 2012 | |
| Gaming Index (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| Productivity Index (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| Linpack Android / IOS | |
| Single Thread (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Multi Thread (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| OnePlus X | |
However, this looks different in the browser-based benchmarks. ZTE's preloaded browser loses some ground when compared with the rivals by Google. It is only the fastest handset in the test field in the SunSpider benchmark, and is midfield in Kraken. Nevertheless, we recommend using the considerably faster Google Chrome browser.
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
| Huawei P8 lite | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium | |
| Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 | |
| Medion Life X5020 | |
| OnePlus X | |
* ... smaller is better
The internal storage has a capacity of 32 GB (net: 22.51 GB), and is not really one of the fastest of its kind. Samsung's Galaxy A3 and OnePlus' X sometimes offer a lot more here. Sequential rates of approximately 139 MB/s (read) is rather midfield. On the other hand, roughly 115 MB/s (write) is a top rate that outclasses all opponents. In return, the review sample has to accept losses in smaller 4 KB blocks, and just manages to place itself in front of Medion's Life X5020. We did not observe any prolonged waiting times in the practical test.
We also tested the micro-SD reader's transfer rates using our Toshiba Exceria SD-CX32UHSI reference card. The card clearly remains behind its potential (max. 85/50 MB/s read/write) with approximately 50 MB/s (seq. read) and 15 MB/s (seq. write). Therefore, it could take longer, particularly when copying larger files.
Games
Although the SoC-integrated Qualcomm Adreno 405 graphics solution is not the fastest GPU, it always provides enough power. Even sophisticated games like "Modern Combat 5" run smoothly, no need to mention more basic games like "Angry Birds 2". Control via position sensor and touchscreen functions impeccably. The Force Touch feature is also well-implemented as the preloaded game "Perfect Piano" demonstrates.
Emissions
Temperature
The measured surface temperatures of maximum 26.7 °C (~80 °F) when ZTE's Axon Mini Premium is idling are definitely within an uncritical range. The handset does not even get lukewarm. The casing heats up to 39 °C (~102 °F) in some spots; an average of 36.7 °C (~98 °F) is reached on the smartphone's upper side and 36.2 °C (~97 °F) on the underside. Thus, the temperatures never reach an unpleasant level. We did not observe temperature-related throttling, even after over one hour of stress testing via the Stability Test app.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.1 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.4 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Speaker
The mono speaker on the front is situated below the display. Considering the small size, it produces a relatively decent sound and is also loud. However, real bass is non-existent; the sound is rather treble-heavy. The speaker clangs somewhat at higher volumes (about 80%). The sound is sufficient for occasional background music or a YouTube video.
An AK4961 Hi-Fi audio chipset by Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) is installed in the Axon Mini. It features a 32-bit 192 kHz codec and adequately renders lossless FLAC files. However, we did not ascertain differences to other smartphones when using the supplied headset or a Philips Fidelio L1 Hi-Fi headphone. We quite liked the low-noise playback via the 3.5 mm jack.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The power consumption of ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition is impressive in the category comparison - at least in idle mode. Only OnePlus' X requires less energy. This changes under load, and the review sample is only more frugal than Medion's Life X5020. The other opponents are satisfied with up to 48% less (OnePlus' X load max.), and even Samsung's Galaxy A3 (2016) is considerably less guzzling here. With 0.13 watts, the review sample consumes agreeably little power in standby; it does not consume power when turned off.
| Off / Standby |   0 / 0.13 Watt |
| Idle |  0.64 / 0.85 / 0.88 Watt |
| Load |
4.27 / 6.19 Watt |
    
| |
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium Adreno 405, 616 MSM8939v2, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 Mali-T720 MP2, 7578, 16 GB eMMC Flash | Medion Life X5020 Adreno 405, 615 MSM8939, 32 GB eMMC Flash | OnePlus X Adreno 330, 801 MSM8974AA, 16 GB eMMC Flash | Huawei P8 lite Mali-450 MP4, Kirin 620, 16 GB eMMC Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -20% | -27% | 10% | -92% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.64 | 0.96 -50% | 0.7 -9% | 0.6 6% | 1.4 -119% |
| Idle Average * | 0.85 | 1.39 -64% | 1.2 -41% | 0.91 -7% | 2.3 -171% |
| Idle Maximum * | 0.88 | 1.45 -65% | 1.5 -70% | 1.12 -27% | 2.5 -184% |
| Load Average * | 4.27 | 2.65 38% | 4.7 -10% | 3.04 29% | 3.9 9% |
| Load Maximum * | 6.19 | 3.51 43% | 6.6 -7% | 3.2 48% | 6 3% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The high load consumption rates are reflected unfavorably in battery life - even though the 2800 mAh is the largest battery in the test field. Both the OnePlus X (2525 mAh) and the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) (2300 mAh) defeat it, particularly in full load and in the Wi-Fi browsing test using a brightness of 150 cd/m². Only the Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is more enduring when reading a text document. Axon Mini lasts almost 9 hours in the video loop with adapted brightness. Only the Medion Life X5020 (2600 mAh) and Samsung's handset have a slight lead here. The Huawei P8 lite (2200 mAh) clearly outruns our review sample in every test.
Nevertheless, the review sample has enough power for a prolonged trip. The Axon Mini will even get through a workday of mixed use and adapted brightness.
| ZTE Axon Mini Premium Adreno 405, 616 MSM8939v2, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Samsung Galaxy A3 2016 Mali-T720 MP2, 7578, 16 GB eMMC Flash | Medion Life X5020 Adreno 405, 615 MSM8939, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Huawei P8 lite Mali-450 MP4, Kirin 620, 16 GB eMMC Flash | OnePlus X Adreno 330, 801 MSM8974AA, 16 GB eMMC Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 61% | -9% | -26% | 13% | |
| Reader / Idle | 1073 | 1978 84% | 871 -19% | 715 -33% | 968 -10% |
| H.264 | 537 | 863 61% | 587 9% | 369 -31% | 514 -4% |
| WiFi v1.3 | 395 | 628 59% | 359 -9% | 351 -11% | 549 39% |
| Load | 270 | 376 39% | 225 -17% | 194 -28% | 339 26% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition is the first mid-range smartphone with Force Touch, iris scanner and fingerprint reader. The casing's build is impeccable and very robust. The high-contrast and viewing angle stable screen shines very bright. Subjectively, the color reproduction is also pleasing. However, sensitive users could complain about PWM flickering. The touchscreen responds very accurately and quickly, and the Force Touch feature is thrilling. The rest of the configuration is also impressive. NFC and USB OTG are on board, even if the latter supports only USB 2.0 as a standard in this category. We would have welcomed the current USB Type-C version with USB 3.0 in a small flagship. Miracast and MHL are not present, either. On the other hand, we are pleased that ZTE includes a case for the Axon Mini. Just as pleasing: The stable, far-ranging Wi-Fi reception and fast software. The fact that users are forced to decide between dual-SIM or storage expansion via micro-SD disappointed us somewhat. Then again, the decent battery life despite the high power consumption and the casing's low temperatures are positive. The casing is not exactly compact, but it is pleasant to hold. The camera performance might offend photo enthusiasts, especially in low light. Although the performance is always high enough, we would have wished for a somewhat stronger SoC for a model from the flagship lineup.
The total package of ZTE's Axon Mini Premium Edition is attractive, especially with a street price of approximately 300 Euros (~$333), even though it has some shortcomings. The flagship idea was not finished consistently, and thus "only" a good mid-range smartphone is the outcome.
ZTE Axon Mini Premium
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03/09/2016 v5 (old)
Michael Moser
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