ZTE Corp. will introduce a new 5G smartphone that will include non-standalone mode and will be future-proofed for standalone mode for anticipated 5G infrastructure deployments.
The ZTE Axon 11 5G will be launched on March 23 in China and is part of the company’s plan to introduce 10 5G handsets over the course of 2020 as 5G technology ramps up and infrastructure deployments increase throughout the year. Additionally, the company will launch 15 or more 5G terminal devices including 5G mobile broadband, 5G customer premises equipment and its 5G Blade product.
Late last year, ZTE launched its first 5G flagship smartphone, the ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G, and made it available in more than 10 countries in Europe, China, Japan and the Middle East.
Additionally, ZTE has secured 46 5G commercial contracts around the world with carriers in China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and other major 5G markets and is working with 5G cooperation with more than 70 carriers globally.
Despite the global impact of the COVID-19 virus and potential shortages in the supply chain, along with potential delays in infrastructure roll outs, smartphone brands continue to introduce new devices in the hopes that any delays will not impact consumer adoption.
Later this week, LG will launch its V60 ThinQ 5G smartphone on T-Mobile and AT&T’s network. And 2020 is expected to bring many more phones as network expansion continues.
Pricing on the ZTE Axon 11 5G is unavailable and ZTE did not mention whether the phone will be available in countries outside of China, however, given that previous phones were available in multiple countries, it is likely to follow suit.
