ZTE says more foldable phones in the pipeline

ZTE’s VP of Marketing Jeff Yee has revealed that its experimental Axon M, released last year on ATT in the US, is just the first iteration of what will be more dual-screen or foldable smartphones from the company. In a world where Android makers are struggling to stand out from the crowd, the company says the reason customers like the Axon M is because it is different. The company argues the concept works because it offers users the ability to use a device one-handed, while also offering a larger display when multitasking is required.

The Axon M offers three modes. The first allows users to watch a video on one-screen while using another app, like Twitter. The second allows users to run two apps simultaneously for pre-emptive multitasking purposes, while the third allows apps to function in one screen in a traditional smartphone app mode, and then morph into its tablet mode when used across the two screens. As a differentiated, but useful user experience, the company may have indeed hit on a winning formula.

Yee said that ZTE is working on a true foldable phone that offers a single flexible display panel, similar to the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy X, although didn’t reveal when this particular device would reach the market. In the meantime, it is likely there will be at least one more Axon M successor using a similar dual-screen approach. Being first to market can have its advantages, but with the Samsung juggernaut set to be unleashed in the space, let's hope ZTE is duly rewarded for its innovation.