ZTE Axon 10 Pro series hits Europe: Snapdragon 855, triple rear camera for 600 euros

Update, May 10, 2019 (8:42AM ET): ZTE has clarified the difference between the Axon 10 Pro and Axon 10 Pro 5G. The company noted that both phones are available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 64GB/128GB/256GB storage options.

The company also told Android Authority that both models sport NFC and wireless charging. So it seems like you’re essentially paying 300 euros extra for 5G support.

Update, May 8, 2019 (10:00AM ET): ZTE has confirmed that the Axon 10 Pro and 5G variant will be launching outside China, albeit only in Germany for now.

The Axon 10 Pro 4G will launch today (May 8) at a recommended price of 599 euros, and will be available via MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Amazon. Meanwhile, the ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G will launch “at a later date” for 899 euros.

Read: $1,000 vs $300 smartphone camera — How do they compare?

That’s a pretty big price difference between the two models, but the Chinese brand has confirmed that the 5G variant will also offer 256GB of storage. Furthermore, the company says the 5G model also packs NFC and wireless charging. This suggests that the standard model will offer 128GB of storage, and no NFC or wireless charging.

We’ve contacted ZTE’s representatives for clarification on differences between the two phones and will update the article accordingly.

Original article, May 6, 2019 (12:54PM ET): The ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G marked the Chinese brand’s first foray into 5G territory, but we’re still a while away from having next-generation connectivity everywhere. Still, that hasn’t stopped the company from releasing the model in its home market today, alongside a 4G variant.

Aside from one model offering 5G and another offering legacy 4G connectivity, we’re looking at two identical phones. The ZTE Axon 10 Pro duo tick plenty of boxes for a 2019 super-phone, including a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB/8GB/12GB of RAM, and 128GB to 256GB of expandable storage. We’ve also got a 6.47-inch OLED screen (Full HD+) with a waterdrop notch and in-display fingerprint sensor, and a 4,000mAh battery.

ZTE has joined the triple-camera party. The Axon 10 Pro and 5G variant offer a 48MP f/1.7 primary snapper, a 20MP ultra-wide angle shooter (125-degree field of view), and an 8MP 3x telephoto sensor. The company is also bringing AI-powered scene recognition and a night mode to the table. Switch to the front, and you’ll find a 20MP camera for selfie duties.

Other details include USB-C support (no 3.5mm port though), NFC, and the MiFavor 9.1 skin atop Android Pie.

The Axon 10 Pro will cost 3,199 yen (~$472) for the 6GB/128GB model, 3,699 yen (~$547) for the 8GB model, and 4,199 yen (~$620) for the 12GB model. It’ll be available on MyZTE.com, Tmall, and JD.com starting Tuesday, May 7.

ZTE is clearly hoping to gain sales by being part of the first wave of 5G, but competition is increasing almost every week. Between the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, HUAWEI Mate 20X 5G, and Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G, there’s certainly no shortage of premium 5G phones. Which phone would you get? Let us know in the comments!

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