ZTE launches innovative dual-screen foldable smartphone in US

NEW YORK - Leading Chinese mobile devices provider ZTE launched a dual-screen foldable smartphone in the United States on Tuesday, marking another milestone for the company as it seeks market expansion overseas.

The latest flagship device, named Axon M, features two 5.2-inch screens that can be folded to the size of a traditional smartphone.

The phone has three unique modes to accommodate various users' needs.

With dual mode, the users can open different apps on each screen simultaneously. For example, one could watch a basketball game on one screen and order a pizza on the other.

When extended, the two screens can become one larger screen and offer game or video experience similar to that of a tablet.

The mirror mode provides people the option of sitting across each other and watching the same content on one device.

"The Axon M creates an entirely new foldable smartphone category, one that ZTE is committed to invest and lead the way in," said Lixin Cheng, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices.

He said revolutionary model will also be available in China, Europe and Japan, and ZTE has partnered with major carriers and e-commerce platforms including AT&T, China telecom, JD.com, and NTT Docomo to market the model around the world.

Starting from November, AT&T customers will be able to purchase the Axon M for $24.17 for 30 months on AT&T Next.

"Our customers continue to demand more from their mobile entertainment experience. Pairing DIRECTV with the dual screen capabilities of the ZTE Axon M will deliver a new and transformative way to enjoy the entertainment they want on the network they need," said Kevin Petersen, SVP of Device and Network Services Marketing, AT&T Entertainment Group.

Many of the ZTE customers have already been looking forward to buying Axon M and some say they believe in the future of foldable dual-screen devices.

"I'm very excited for Axon M because I want to be able to multitask with the device, watching video while reading emails or texting messages on the other screen," said Pete, who purchased his first ZTE smartphone, Axon 7, last year.

"While they (ZTE) are still behind Samsung and Apple, they are gaining market share with their lower-tier devices," he said, adding that he believes the brand is also gaining more presence with its higher-tier devices.