Zte Axon 11 SE 5G Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G is an affordable mid-range smartphone that aims to bring 5G connectivity to the masses. Priced at around $280, it offers a decent set of features and specifications. With a MediaTek Dimensity 800 chipset, a 48MP quad-camera setup, and a 4000mAh battery, the Axon 11 SE 5G promises to deliver a smooth and reliable performance. Let's dive into the details and see how it performs in different aspects.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G follows a minimalistic approach with a sleek and modern aesthetic. It features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The slim bezels and a small punch-hole cutout for the front camera enhance the overall screen-to-body ratio. The device has a glass front and back with a plastic frame, which is quite common in this price range. The build quality is decent, although it may not feel as premium as some higher-end smartphones. The rear panel houses the quad-camera setup and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. Overall, the design of the Axon 11 SE 5G is simple yet elegant.

Display

The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The display offers good color reproduction and sharpness, making it enjoyable for multimedia consumption and gaming. The brightness levels are decent, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. However, the lack of an AMOLED panel means that the contrast levels and deep blacks are not as impressive as some higher-end smartphones. Nevertheless, considering the price point, the display of the Axon 11 SE 5G is more than satisfactory.

Performance

Under the hood, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800 chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor. It offers an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G57MP4 GPU, providing smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. The device comes with 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for handling day-to-day tasks and moderate usage. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, media, and files. The Axon 11 SE 5G runs on ZTE's custom skin, MiFavor 10.1, based on Android 10. The software experience is clean and intuitive, with a few added features and customization options. Overall, the performance of the Axon 11 SE 5G is commendable, offering a smooth and lag-free user experience.

Software and User Interface

The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G runs on ZTE's custom skin, MiFavor 10.1, which is based on Android 10. The software experience is clean and user-friendly, with a few added features and customization options. The interface is smooth and responsive, and the overall performance is reliable. ZTE provides regular software updates to ensure the device remains up to date with the latest security patches and improvements. However, it's worth noting that the Axon 11 SE 5G may not receive as frequent updates as some other higher-end smartphones. Nevertheless, the software experience is pleasant and should satisfy most users.

Camera

In terms of camera capabilities, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G houses a quad-camera setup on the rear. The primary camera is a 48MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, which captures detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions. There's also an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The ultrawide lens allows for capturing wider shots, while the macro lens enables close-up shots with decent detail. The depth sensor helps in achieving bokeh effects and portrait shots with good subject separation. The overall camera performance of the Axon 11 SE 5G is decent, although it may not match the quality of higher-end smartphones. The 16MP front camera captures decent selfies with accurate colors and good detail. Overall, the camera setup of the Axon 11 SE 5G is versatile and capable of delivering satisfactory results in most scenarios.

Battery Life

The ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of power to get through a full day of moderate usage. The battery life is further enhanced by the efficient MediaTek Dimensity 800 chipset, ensuring optimal power consumption. Additionally, the device supports 18W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups whenever needed. However, it's worth noting that there is no wireless charging support, which is expected at this price point. Overall, the battery performance of the Axon 11 SE 5G is commendable.

Connectivity and Networking

As the name suggests, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G comes with 5G connectivity, allowing users to experience faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. It also supports various other connectivity options, including dual SIM capabilities, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0. However, it's worth noting that the device lacks NFC and FM radio, which may be a drawback for some users. Nevertheless, the overall connectivity options of the Axon 11 SE 5G are comprehensive and should meet the needs of most users.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G with other devices in its price range, it holds up well in terms of performance and features. It offers 5G connectivity, which is a significant advantage over some competitors in this segment. In terms of camera capabilities, it offers a versatile quad-camera setup, which may outperform some devices with similar price tags. The display quality is also satisfactory, although it may not match the vibrant colors and deep blacks of AMOLED panels found in higher-end smartphones. Overall, the Axon 11 SE 5G competes well in its price range and offers a compelling set of features.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G is a commendable mid-range smartphone that offers 5G connectivity at an affordable price. It delivers reliable performance, a versatile camera setup, and a satisfactory display. The software experience is clean and user-friendly, and the battery life is impressive, considering the efficient chipset. While it may lack some premium features, such as wireless charging and NFC, the overall package of the Axon 11 SE 5G is compelling. If you're looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with decent performance and a good set of features, the Axon 11 SE 5G is worth considering.