This phone is different to the ZTE Nubia Z7 Max however, as the Z7 Max was intended for the Chinese market only and doesn't have Band 20. It even came with a Chinese adapter in the box (was half-hoping Banggood would send out a UK one). The Z7 Max supplied by Banggood etc came with an English ROM - not an official ZTE one. (I did update the ZTE Z7 Max thread when people were discussing Android Pay, saying it wouldn't work and why).
I'd imagine this International Version is different as it's UK ready and you can do official ZTE OTA firmware updates. (I got my ZTE Axon Elite from Amazon).
The Amazon ZTE Axon Elite listing is here and has a few Q&As and a different description blurb (though, as often happens on Amazon, the Q&As aren't always that accurate or informative) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017C4R3FQ
Also, the supplied headphones are by JBL. The dual rear cameras can do "Bokeh" effect.
SteakPieHarry
6 Mar 173#16
Don't forget to disable the "smart" monitoring software on this phone else your music will close every 10 mins, you won't get notifications from almost any app and a variety of other features will be disabled. I can't remember the name of it, Mii Assistant or something. There's also battery options where you have to create a white list of apps you want to keep running else again, you'll get delayed notifications etc. Great phone for the price incidentally - once you tidy up the overbearing assistant software.
All comments (80)
damadgeruk
5 Mar 17#1
Good to see band 20 and NFC though SD 810 doesn't get Nougat IIRC.
mynameisthehulk to damadgeruk
5 Mar 171#2
There is no issue with SD810 and Nougat, whether ZTE will update is a different story though. SD800 does not officially support Nougat however.
I think your point is valid because I cannot see this getting Nougat anyway. A quick search suggests that 6.0 is not available OTA let alone 7.0. I would say it is still a bargain and looks like plenty of options on XDA.
Midjet76
5 Mar 17#5
Can I use team viewer to remote access and control it from pc or another phone?
philjstephenson to Midjet76
6 Mar 17#13
yep, most smartphones can, dont know how usable it will be though
Unsure as to what Android OS it updates to though for this UK update. It is possible to select other countries for updates. So maybe some of those have a higher OS update which could be used instead. Assuming the language can be set to English and without causing issues to functionality and bandwidths.
I bought a ZTE Axon Elite in Gold for £77.22 (Used Like New Item will come in original packaging Amazon Warehouse Deal) a couple of weeks ago. Thought it would be a good deal for an upgrade from my gen 1 Moto G. I was thinking of getting a ZTE Z7 Max. That would have been an import and would have cost more. So the Amazon deal seemed too good a option to pass up on.
tomlewis007
5 Mar 17#7
Shame its only 32gb or id consider moving from my moto g 4+
thetarget to tomlewis007
5 Mar 17#9
It is possible to use a micro SD card in one of the sim slots. Although it is 32GB ROM internally. I assume you've got a 64GB ROM Moto G+.
karl100100
5 Mar 171#8
Good reviews. The camera looks good too, always a negative with Chinese brands
Got a tempered glass protector and silicone case quickly (7 days from ordering) and cheaply from a Spanish eBay seller for £5.30 (I got White, which is clear as I thought sis would like to show off the Ion Gold colour, those who don't like it could disguise it with a Black case I suppose!) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142209708783
Think you can buy this phone in Silver (officially called Chromium Silver) but rarely seen it for sale anywhere. ZTE even suggest it comes in a pinky colour - Rose Gold (3/4 down the page, under Appearance http://www.ztedevice.com/product/smart-phone/AXON-ELITE ).
The camera didn't seem great in low light but I haven't had a chance to extensively test, as it was a gift.
Wonder if an app like Vignette or Camera Zoom FX would improve things?
I've bought this phone - really good and came with an OTA update - Rom is official internaltional. When you order ask for the box to be sealed as new. the official rom is great and you get OTA updates.
No over heating issues and the sound quality on this is amazing
Great for those that do not want to mess with installing roms etc - Out of the box perfect
thetarget to komi
6 Mar 17#19
What international Rom are you running and can you still use NFC with it?
I've read some Roms cause NFC to no longer works on the phone.
What version of Android now runs on your Axon Elite?
Thanks.
mentalist
6 Mar 17#14
Can anyone confirm the Barclays Banking app will work on this ?
mynameisthehulk to mentalist
6 Mar 17#15
Should do, it won't be rooted
SteakPieHarry
6 Mar 173#16
Don't forget to disable the "smart" monitoring software on this phone else your music will close every 10 mins, you won't get notifications from almost any app and a variety of other features will be disabled. I can't remember the name of it, Mii Assistant or something. There's also battery options where you have to create a white list of apps you want to keep running else again, you'll get delayed notifications etc. Great phone for the price incidentally - once you tidy up the overbearing assistant software.
louiselouise to SteakPieHarry
6 Mar 172#24
Thanks for that, will have to look at my sister's phone and tinker with it. She will be listening to music on it at some point (Deezer/Spotify) and that will annoy the hell out of her (she'll probably think it's not working properly)! :stuck_out_tongue::smile:
deepmenace
6 Mar 17#17
Works with android pay?
djlondon22 to deepmenace
6 Mar 17#18
my concern too, but at this price i'm willing to go back to contactless cards if need be. Very good price and very tempting even though I don't need a phone right now.
komi
6 Mar 171#20
Sorry - i'm not sure as i bought this for a friend, everything was ok when i first initially used it. will try to find out anyhow
hmm121
6 Mar 17#21
with uk adapter oos
mynameisthehulk to hmm121
6 Mar 17#22
Shouldn't be too much of an issue, you can get 2 for £1 at Poundland or similar...
Gareth79
6 Mar 17#23
It looks like the Elite is similar to the Axon 7? If so then LineageOS (what was CyanogenMod) should work ok on it: https://download.lineageos.org/axon7
bloc
6 Mar 17#25
I am guessing you will need to root the phone to install these ROMs. A lot of banking apps and android pay wont work?
mynameisthehulk to bloc
6 Mar 17#26
What roms?
bloc
6 Mar 17#27
i meant firmware.
mynameisthehulk
6 Mar 17#28
The existing firmware will be fine though
deepmenace
6 Mar 17#29
yeah i bought the nubia z7 max recently - expected it to work on Pay but it didnt. it has nfc but doesnt play ball. some peeps mentioned that zte phones have unlocked bootloaders standard - that nixes it for android pay....but i never really found a definiative answer.
bloc
6 Mar 17#30
A very common problem with Chinese phones, My meizu does not work with android pay as well. It seems the firmware is not approved by Google (certification?).
Although i am able to use Barclays pay
louiselouise
6 Mar 173#31
This phone is different to the ZTE Nubia Z7 Max however, as the Z7 Max was intended for the Chinese market only and doesn't have Band 20. It even came with a Chinese adapter in the box (was half-hoping Banggood would send out a UK one). The Z7 Max supplied by Banggood etc came with an English ROM - not an official ZTE one. (I did update the ZTE Z7 Max thread when people were discussing Android Pay, saying it wouldn't work and why).
I'd imagine this International Version is different as it's UK ready and you can do official ZTE OTA firmware updates. (I got my ZTE Axon Elite from Amazon).
The Amazon ZTE Axon Elite listing is here and has a few Q&As and a different description blurb (though, as often happens on Amazon, the Q&As aren't always that accurate or informative) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017C4R3FQ
Also, the supplied headphones are by JBL. The dual rear cameras can do "Bokeh" effect.
Shenx
6 Mar 17#32
My last zte blade 6 was going well and still is tho the battery is crap. Only get 7 hours out of it tops and it's not even a year at this stage.
Not sure all the zte's use the same type of battery but worth thinking about
louiselouise to Shenx
6 Mar 171#34
I'm not a huge mobile phone user, though I found my Note 4 battery started to conk at 20% after 2+ years.
Even though the Nubia Z7 Max (which I made a Deal about) and Axon Elite have un-removable batteries, you can get official replacements, and maybe even do it yourself. I was able to do it with my sister's un-removable Xperia T battery (got an official Sony one, of course, never that confident about unofficial batteries).
Looks like the one with the UK Plug is Out Of Stock
bloc
6 Mar 17#36
is it worth buying this? looks like ZTE are poor in supporting even their flagslip models with firmware updates.
kuteguy to bloc
12 Mar 17#55
yes this is a MAJOR problem - annoys me a lot. If you can look past that, this is a brilliant phone.
Midjet76
6 Mar 17#37
Not sure that is correct, can only view my mums MotoG4 and Kindle Fire doesn't work at all.(I know thats not quite android)
rkbargainhunter
6 Mar 17#38
What are peoples experience like with Gear best on delivery? They have some mixed reviews on Trust pilot. Happy to wait, as long as I do eventually get what I ordered.
mynameisthehulk to rkbargainhunter
6 Mar 171#39
I've had some small items not arrive over Christmas but was given a refund no issue. All my phones have arrived just fine.
Alik
7 Mar 17#40
I have had small items go missing too. We're the phones signed post?
MaximusRo
7 Mar 17#41
This or the Xiaomi Note 3 Pro Second Edition? Same price aprox, and Qualcomm 820 if not mistaken. Band 20 and international ROM etc
little_green to MaximusRo
7 Mar 172#42
Pretty sure the redmi note 3 has sd650 processor
tomlewis007
7 Mar 17#43
Yeah I have, SD and on board storage never work well together IMO .......... I've had three phones all with different issues....... and 3 occasions with the Micro SD card going read only.
djdanj89
8 Mar 17#44
What's better for a Chinese phone newbie. Note 4 global or this?
SteakPieHarry to djdanj89
8 Mar 171#45
Hey Dan
I can't speak for the Xiaomi but the ZTE is very well built. Although recently off the radar ZTE have been in the mobile game a long time and make decent devices. The Axon Elite is a steal for £140. Just ditch the stock launcher, put on Nova Prime, disable Mi Assistant and you've got yourself a very good handset. Here's a story - my daughter has been an iPhone fan for years, couldn't get her off it. The Axon Elite is the only droid device she's tried and kept. Trust me, that's a borderline miracle.
kuteguy to djdanj89
12 Mar 17#54
I have the ZTE Axon Elite 4G and I bought the Xiaomi Note 3 for my friend as she had a much lower budget (maybe they are priced the same/similar now). I would personally recommend the ZTE. The Xiaomi felt a lot more plasticky and unstable. The ZTE is solid. Read my comments above for more info.
djdanj89
8 Mar 17#46
Thanks, What is the camera like on this compared to the iphone?
SteakPieHarry
8 Mar 17#47
It's probably not quite on par with an iPhone 6 but it's not bad at all. I used it for a few weeks before my daughter took it and I thought it was perfectly fine. You do have to factor cost of course - for £140 you can't have any complaints. It's not the iPhone but it's not £600 either.
thetarget
8 Mar 17#48
I have found a rather useful Youtube review of the ZTE Axon Elite:
A case I ordered turned up but it says Axon Lux on the packaging. I ordered one for the Axon Elite. The hole for the volume button is in the incorrect place. There is an additional hole further down below the hole for the power button on the opposite side of the case shell. This would fit the Axon Pro which has a shutter button. :disappointed: Contacted the seller.
Also my tempered glass protector turned up but it is quite a lot shorter than the length of the gorilla glass and barely covers the width of the screen.
My Axon Elite is on 5.0.2 and the build is ZTE_A2016V1.0.0B06. This is how it came from Amazon.
Is this OOS? Says so, but also says 42 left & that has gone down from 43 while saying OOS...
kuteguy
12 Mar 172#53
I have had this phone for well over a year. The biggest problem has been the lack of support for o/s upgrades. The minute ZTE have your money you are forgotten. I think the o/s only goes as far as Android 5, which was already end-of-life when this phone was released. ZTE PROMISED an o/s upgrade for this phone. Then the ZTE Axon 7 came out about 6 months after ZTE Axon Elite, and all promised o/s upgrades were focused on Axon 7. We ZTE Axon Elite users never got any proper upgrades, and now ofcourse never will. Limited community support as well - compared to the mainstream phones like Samsung, LG, HTC.
Quality wise - it is perfect - absolutely no complaints. Takes brilliant pictures and videos (maybe not so great in the dark). The bokeh feature is eye-popping good. I have upgraded to the Chinese ROM (in English) but as a result you lose NFC - Android 6 - it is flawless, besides the NFC issue. Fingerprint reader is bang on fast. And I use a 128GB microsd card. It is easy to root it. Never felt it was under-powered - can easily still be your go-to phone for the next 2-3 years unless you suffer from GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)
I bought this and many other things from gearbest -> they are pathetic when it comes to communication and delivery but the stuff does arrive. As soon as you have a tracking number - track it! They use Yodel and twice now Yodel has returned the item back overseas to Gearbest because I was no home (they never left me with a 'missed delivery' card so I never knew. I got a refund from gearbest no issues (minus any shipping fees they said - but it was free shipping so nothing lost there).
I have also put a screen-protector and a plastic case.
And yes you have to learn to use the Mi-assistant as it WILL kill your apps running in the background - so you have to whitelist the apps you want to allow running in the background over a long period (whatsapp, music player, maps, etc) - not a hassle, just an inconvenience till you learn how that works.
thetarget
13 Mar 17#56
Thanks for the providing your opinion on the Elite. What is your firmware version number?
Could the loss of NFC be due to the firmware being for the Chinese varient of this phone which possibly does not have NFC built in? There are serveral Axon phones: Axon, Axon Lux, Axon Pro and Elite. All came out around the same time. As you say the newer mobile is the Axon 7. A shame they have not released a newer firmware for the Elite. I emailed ZTE a few days ago but not yet received a response.
kuteguy
13 Mar 17#57
I am on 6.0.1 which is ZTE's B15M -> you are emailing them about any new upgrades? Definitely not getting any of those - that is for sure for the last 8 months. Don't know why NFC is not working - people much more experienced than myself at XDA couldn't get the NFC to work - so had to make decision -> new o/s or keep NFC. Went for new o/s - no regrets (with previous O/s - Android 5 - I, and friends with other phone manufacturers, were having problems casting to my new Samsung TV (old Sony TV worked fine); now with 6 - it all works fine)
thetarget
13 Mar 17#58
I thought it was worth trying by sending a quick email to ZTE.
Are you able to post a link for the B15M firmware upgrade for the Axon Elite? Louise kindly posted a link for B06 firmware (20160421_A2016_rom_B06.zip) which is a different firmware name to what you are running. Many thanks.
kuteguy
13 Mar 171#59
use at your own risk
;-)
JackoJab
16 Mar 17#60
Hi everyone - I'm after some technical help. I got this phone on Monday and been really impressed with it. Only thing letting it down is the very low volume when listening through earphones. louiselouise posted a link about fixing it but you need to root the phone first. I've found a rooting guide (see link below) but it doesn't make sense to me. I have downloaded an apk file, adb software, a zip file and recovery file but the instructions aren't clear about where they all go. Can somebody help with a step by step idiot's guide? Thanks in advance.
See https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2684210 for root information and root device. Then install adb software on your PC. Linking up the mobile to the PC via a usb connection.. Use command prompt on the PC to run the adb software
QC 3 charger is supposed to be backwards compatible. So you could get one of those instead.
JackoJab
21 Mar 17#66
Thank you!
thetarget
21 Mar 17#67
You're welcome. Hope what I wrote makes sense. I've only downgraded a Nexus 7 2012 OS version for my Mum before. I may root my Axon Elite to improve the sound volume and upgrade the OS version in the future. I've been messed around with getting a screen protector and cases to fit. Wrong ones have been sent to me. I'll post back what ones are good once I get it all sorted.
Be good if you can report back to say if all went well with the root and what sound settings you used; what version of the OS you upgraded to; any issues or to give clearer instructions etc. As it will help others as well as me :smiley:
JackoJab
23 Mar 17#68
I tried to root last night but my laptop (of 5 years) started playing up and the USB ports aren't detecting anything :disappointed: In the end I downloaded the Kingo Root app directly to the phone and rooted it that way. I then followed the volume fix link louiselouise posted earlier on this thread and amended the value of headphone volume from 13 to 20. Much better now. I have no intention of updating any thing else as I'm happy with Lollipop - all my apps work fine with it. As for cases I bought this from ebay - took about 5 days to arrive and fits the phone like a glove. Build quality is very good also
Did you get Kingo Root from: https://www.kingoapp.com/ ? Seems to be some issues with it in some CNET reviews. From a quick read it is due to the program not being compatible with some devices.
Thanks for the case recommendation.
Be good to get the volume a bit louder in due course. Assuming the quietness is just down to a UK/EU volume regulation. Also ZTE didn't skimp and change the speaker in the Axon Elite and its speaker can cope with louder volumes without causing damage.
jnm21
26 Mar 17#71
Cheers
robertfrancis1975
26 Mar 17#72
out of stock for the UK version :disappointed:
rkbargainhunter to robertfrancis1975
26 Mar 171#73
I got the EU version on import from Hong Kong through Gear Best, apart from the EU plug it's perfect. The specs are amazing and it's worth every penny even if you, like me, get it couriered and pay the insurance and import charges.
JackoJab
27 Mar 17#74
Yeah I did read up about the app but as I listen to music on my walk to work I took the risk and rooted it that way. Once I'd changed the audio setting (which is down to the EU law as I think the USA version has their volume set to 19 whereas mine was 13) I removed Kingo root from the phone and it's worked fine since then. Who knows if data is being sent to a Chinese server or not (if you read some of the reviews).
It's such an amazing sounding phone and it's a shame rooting is the only way to fix it.
beanzzzz
1 Apr 17#75
why did i buy this, i received it and it worked, charged it up, doesn't switch on, now its flashing for no battery power.. repeat, same. gearbest being difficult. grrr
beanzzzz
15 Apr 17#76
gearbest offered me a partial refund of £24 for this phone that does not work, i've refused, somehow i'm not confident of getting anything back, i've asked for address to send back and they ignore.
Had to buy another phone as i needed one.
louiselouise to beanzzzz
18 Apr 17#77
£24 for a £135 phone!! That's nuts.
Can't you do a claim on your credit card/Paypal dispute?
beanzzzz
18 Apr 17#78
no i used debit card through paypal, {am doing a paypal dispute this is when they offered the partial refund lol} i've sent it back now at a cost of £31, but paypal do the free delivery on us at the moment, so hopefully i get something back.. will never buy off gearbest etc again.
beanzzzz
8 May 17#79
After a few phonecalls I've managed to get my money back, some bot at paypal kept finding it in gearbests interest, using invalid tracking it kept coming up as they refused parcel, its stuck in china, but a nice man on the phone realised and refunded me, just waiting for £15 shipping fees refunded, ok i've lost out on a tenner, could have been much worse..
louiselouise to beanzzzz
8 May 17#80
That's a disgrace - they should not be refusing parcels! Slippery beggars, that lot.
![ZTE Axon Elite 4G International Edition [SD810 | 5.5 Inch 1080p | 3GB RAM | 32GB Storage | 13MP/2MP Dual Rear Camera | 8MP Front Camera | Fingerprint Sensor | All UK LTE] £136.28 @ Gearbest £138.65](/images/topics/151807_1.jpg)
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
ZTE Axon Elite International Edition Android 5.0 4G Phablet 5.5 inch Corning Gorilla Glass Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 64bit Octa Core 3GB RAM 32GB ROM 13MP + 2MP Rear Cameras Fingerprint ID NFC Eye/Voice recognition
Display: Corning Gorilla Glass, 5.5inch, FHD screen
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor (MSM8994)
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: 8.0MP front camera + 13.0M IMX214 + 2MP Altek Dual rear cameras
Features: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Light sensor, Hall sensor, Gyroscope, Fingerprint ID, NFC
Bluetooth: 4.0
GPS: Yes
SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby, Dual Nano SIM cards
Network:
SIM1:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 700/800/850/900/1800/2100/2600MHz
SIM2:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Top comments
The last stock ROM (B06) is mentioned further on in that thread (Page 4, Post #35) https://mega.nz/#!BA1SEaLK!Y8eDchgf3tUgPfb3fbH8migbWD0cnh3sT6G6jgQHMFQ
Someone says they bought their Axon Elite from Gearbest and received an infected device! https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/help/zte-axon-elite-received-infected-t3327325 though, as it's a ZTE app (Me-Assistant/ZTE Cares) Malwarebytes flags as an infection, it could be a false positive.
Here's the xda dedicated Axon Elite thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/general/zte-axon-elite-owners-club-t3212217
Discussion of Axon Elite ROMs: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/general/zte-axon-elite-roms-t3354091
[ROM] Chinese Marshmallow ROM for ZTE Axon Elite (A2016) international: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/development/rom-chinese-marshmallow-rom-zte-axon-t3365837
Volume Boost Fix (but needs Root): https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/themes-apps/volume-boost-a2016-axon-elite-t3394298
I'd imagine this International Version is different as it's UK ready and you can do official ZTE OTA firmware updates. (I got my ZTE Axon Elite from Amazon).
The Amazon ZTE Axon Elite listing is here and has a few Q&As and a different description blurb (though, as often happens on Amazon, the Q&As aren't always that accurate or informative) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017C4R3FQ
Also, the supplied headphones are by JBL. The dual rear cameras can do "Bokeh" effect.
All comments (80)
http://www.androidcentral.com/android-7-snapdragon-800
http://www.ztedevice.com/support/detail?id=D21205248FC344FFB21EE8C471E6C37A#software
Unsure as to what Android OS it updates to though for this UK update. It is possible to select other countries for updates. So maybe some of those have a higher OS update which could be used instead. Assuming the language can be set to English and without causing issues to functionality and bandwidths.
I bought a ZTE Axon Elite in Gold for £77.22 (Used Like New Item will come in original packaging Amazon Warehouse Deal) a couple of weeks ago. Thought it would be a good deal for an upgrade from my gen 1 Moto G. I was thinking of getting a ZTE Z7 Max. That would have been an import and would have cost more. So the Amazon deal seemed too good a option to pass up on.
http://www.mobilechoiceuk.com/phone-review/ZTE/Axon-Elite/1093
Got a tempered glass protector and silicone case quickly (7 days from ordering) and cheaply from a Spanish eBay seller for £5.30 (I got White, which is clear as I thought sis would like to show off the Ion Gold colour, those who don't like it could disguise it with a Black case I suppose!) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142209708783
Think you can buy this phone in Silver (officially called Chromium Silver) but rarely seen it for sale anywhere. ZTE even suggest it comes in a pinky colour - Rose Gold (3/4 down the page, under Appearance http://www.ztedevice.com/product/smart-phone/AXON-ELITE ).
The camera didn't seem great in low light but I haven't had a chance to extensively test, as it was a gift.
Wonder if an app like Vignette or Camera Zoom FX would improve things?
The last stock ROM (B06) is mentioned further on in that thread (Page 4, Post #35) https://mega.nz/#!BA1SEaLK!Y8eDchgf3tUgPfb3fbH8migbWD0cnh3sT6G6jgQHMFQ
Someone says they bought their Axon Elite from Gearbest and received an infected device! https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/help/zte-axon-elite-received-infected-t3327325 though, as it's a ZTE app (Me-Assistant/ZTE Cares) Malwarebytes flags as an infection, it could be a false positive.
Here's the xda dedicated Axon Elite thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/general/zte-axon-elite-owners-club-t3212217
Discussion of Axon Elite ROMs: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/general/zte-axon-elite-roms-t3354091
[ROM] Chinese Marshmallow ROM for ZTE Axon Elite (A2016) international: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/development/rom-chinese-marshmallow-rom-zte-axon-t3365837
Volume Boost Fix (but needs Root): https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/themes-apps/volume-boost-a2016-axon-elite-t3394298
No over heating issues and the sound quality on this is amazing
Great for those that do not want to mess with installing roms etc - Out of the box perfect
I've read some Roms cause NFC to no longer works on the phone.
What version of Android now runs on your Axon Elite?
Thanks.
https://download.lineageos.org/axon7
Although i am able to use Barclays pay
I'd imagine this International Version is different as it's UK ready and you can do official ZTE OTA firmware updates. (I got my ZTE Axon Elite from Amazon).
The Amazon ZTE Axon Elite listing is here and has a few Q&As and a different description blurb (though, as often happens on Amazon, the Q&As aren't always that accurate or informative) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017C4R3FQ
Also, the supplied headphones are by JBL. The dual rear cameras can do "Bokeh" effect.
Not sure all the zte's use the same type of battery but worth thinking about
Even though the Nubia Z7 Max (which I made a Deal about) and Axon Elite have un-removable batteries, you can get official replacements, and maybe even do it yourself. I was able to do it with my sister's un-removable Xperia T battery (got an official Sony one, of course, never that confident about unofficial batteries).
I think this is the 3000mAh Axon Elite replacement (even though it says A2015 - which is the Axon Pro) - would have to do some digging to double-check. They will be out there in the wild somewhere https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-high-quality-mobile-phone-battery-Li3830T43P6h775556-for-ZTE-AXON-A2015-Axon-Lux-Axon-Pro/32779186637.html
Assume this A2015 teardown would be similar? https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/ZTE+Axon+Teardown/53392
I can't speak for the Xiaomi but the ZTE is very well built. Although recently off the radar ZTE have been in the mobile game a long time and make decent devices. The Axon Elite is a steal for £140. Just ditch the stock launcher, put on Nova Prime, disable Mi Assistant and you've got yourself a very good handset. Here's a story - my daughter has been an iPhone fan for years, couldn't get her off it. The Axon Elite is the only droid device she's tried and kept. Trust me, that's a borderline miracle.
ZTE Axon Elite Hands-On Test + Interview
Also my tempered glass protector turned up but it is quite a lot shorter than the length of the gorilla glass and barely covers the width of the screen.
My Axon Elite is on 5.0.2 and the build is ZTE_A2016V1.0.0B06. This is how it came from Amazon.
Assuming the supplied EU plug is 220V -240V.
Quality wise - it is perfect - absolutely no complaints. Takes brilliant pictures and videos (maybe not so great in the dark). The bokeh feature is eye-popping good. I have upgraded to the Chinese ROM (in English) but as a result you lose NFC - Android 6 - it is flawless, besides the NFC issue. Fingerprint reader is bang on fast. And I use a 128GB microsd card. It is easy to root it. Never felt it was under-powered - can easily still be your go-to phone for the next 2-3 years unless you suffer from GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)
I bought this and many other things from gearbest -> they are pathetic when it comes to communication and delivery but the stuff does arrive. As soon as you have a tracking number - track it! They use Yodel and twice now Yodel has returned the item back overseas to Gearbest because I was no home (they never left me with a 'missed delivery' card so I never knew. I got a refund from gearbest no issues (minus any shipping fees they said - but it was free shipping so nothing lost there).
I have also put a screen-protector and a plastic case.
And yes you have to learn to use the Mi-assistant as it WILL kill your apps running in the background - so you have to whitelist the apps you want to allow running in the background over a long period (whatsapp, music player, maps, etc) - not a hassle, just an inconvenience till you learn how that works.
Could the loss of NFC be due to the firmware being for the Chinese varient of this phone which possibly does not have NFC built in? There are serveral Axon phones: Axon, Axon Lux, Axon Pro and Elite. All came out around the same time. As you say the newer mobile is the Axon 7. A shame they have not released a newer firmware for the Elite. I emailed ZTE a few days ago but not yet received a response.
Are you able to post a link for the B15M firmware upgrade for the Axon Elite? Louise kindly posted a link for B06 firmware (20160421_A2016_rom_B06.zip) which is a different firmware name to what you are running. Many thanks.
;-)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zte-axon/development/zte-axon-elite-a2016-twrp-root-t3237760
TWRP info https://www.howtogeek.com/240047/how-to-flash-twrp-recovery-on-your-android-phone/.
Do the copying over.
Run adb on your PC and type after gettting to the correct directory (it may need a # in front:
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery
Or may have to be # dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery
depends what the command prompt displays when you run adb shell (as shown in the forum screenshot image). Click enter button on keyboard.
Then when it has finished you type reboot recovery (could be # reboot recover if it does not put in the #) and click enter.
Phone with reboot to recovery.
Should be an option to flash the UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip file.
Otherwise buy from elsewhere or get the EU plug version. Then just buy a decent UK QC2 charger or use a decent regular UK charger.
https://www.qualcomm.com/news/snapdragon/2015/03/24/quick-charge-20-vs-conventional-chargers-see-difference
QC 3 charger is supposed to be backwards compatible. So you could get one of those instead.
Be good if you can report back to say if all went well with the root and what sound settings you used; what version of the OS you upgraded to; any issues or to give clearer instructions etc. As it will help others as well as me :smiley:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401036379240
Thanks for the case recommendation.
Be good to get the volume a bit louder in due course. Assuming the quietness is just down to a UK/EU volume regulation. Also ZTE didn't skimp and change the speaker in the Axon Elite and its speaker can cope with louder volumes without causing damage.
It's such an amazing sounding phone and it's a shame rooting is the only way to fix it.
Had to buy another phone as i needed one.
Can't you do a claim on your credit card/Paypal dispute?
Glad you got a happy resolution.