The ZTE Axon 7 is a solid device, but not everyone’s looking for a 5.5-inch phone. Now there’s the smaller, less expensive Axon 7 Mini available for pre-order in the US. This device costs a little under $300 and keeps the same aluminum unibody design as its larger sibling. It does take a step down in the spec department, though.

Let’s get the specs out of the way first.

SPECS

SoC Snapdragon 617, Octa-core (4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A53)
RAM 3GB
Storage 32GB
Camera 16MP rear, 8MP front
Display 5.2-inch 1080p AMOLED
Software Android 6.0.1 with MiFavor 4.0
Measurements 5.81 x 2.80 x 0.21-inches, 153g

The Axon 7 Mini retains the dual SIM slots and dual front-facing speakers of the larger phone. Around back is a fingerprint scanner inside a nice divot that helps to stabilize the phone in your hand. The smaller body of this device should make it very comfortable to hold. Interestingly, the images of the Axon 7 Mini don’t show any physical nav buttons like the Axon 7 has. There aren’t any software buttons either, but this could just be an oversight.

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The Axon 7 Mini will be available through ZTE, Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and B&H (not all listings are live yet). Best Buy has a 60-day exclusive on the gold color, though. ZTE doesn’t list a ship date, but Best Buy says the device is out on Halloween.

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