Chinese device maker ZTE’s latest smartphone features a 5.2 inch full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, and a 2900 mAh battery.

But the most interesting feature of the phone is one that you’ll barely see: the bezels around the side of the display. ZTE says they measure just 0.8mm thick, making this about as close to a bezel-free phone as I’ve seen.

zte nubia z9_05

The phone also has a few nifty tricks, including a metal frame that uses ZTE’s FIT (Frame Interactive Technology) to let you touch perform certain actions by touching the display itself.

You can adjust the display brightness, open the camera app, answer a phone call, or perform other actions with gestures that involve swiping your fingers along the edge of the phone’s frame rather than the touchscreen itself.

Other specs for the Nubia Z9 include a 16MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera with an 80 degree lens, and Android 5.0 software with ZTE’s Nubia Z9 user interface.

The company will offer 3 different models:

  • Classic with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage for 3499 Yuan ($564 US)
  • Elite with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for 3999 Yuan ($645)
  • Exclusive with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for 4499 Yuan ($725)

Wondering why the Exclusive model costs more than the Elite? That’s because it has no physical buttons at all: not even power or volume keys. Instead you can unlock the device with a fingerprint sensor and adjust the volume using frame gestures.

Unlike some Chinese phone makers, ZTE does sell some of its devices in the United States. But it’s not clear if or when the ZTE Nubia Z9 will be available outside of China.

via GizChina and GizmoChina and Phone Arena

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8 replies on “ZTE launches Nubia Z9 smartphone, forgets to include bezels”

    1. Yes, because selling a Snapdragon 810 device with 4GB ram and 64GB storage for sub $900 is unheard of in the US.

      1. But it’s Chinese which must make it worse than the South Korean LG and Samsung… right? guys? Hello? 🙁 (I’m joking btw)

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