ZTE Axon 7 Mini gets surprising Android 7.1.1 update, support for T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling

By Daniel Bader
last updated

ZTE's Axon 7 flagship got an update to Android 7.1.1 in March, and it looks like the company is following through with its promise to do the same for its smaller, less powerful (but just as well-designed) Axon 7 Mini.

The phone, which sports a 5.2-inch Full HD display, shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and is making the jump right past 7.0 to Android 7.1.1. A Nougat preview for the phone was advertised on the company's forums back in March, and it seems like everything went well, since it's being released to the public.

The update reportedly improves performance and fixes bugs, and adds all of Nougat's existing features, including multi-window and support for in-line notification replies and more. Android 7.1.1, if you recall, added new emojis and support for round icons and app shortcuts, among other things. All of those are here, plus a few ZTE-specific additions, including support for T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling.

Earlier this year, we called the ZTE Axon 7 Mini the best phone you can buy for under $300, thanks to its combination of design, performance, camera quality and software. And while, with the Moto G5 Plus, that crown may be close to being relinquished, it's still a great device, especially at its newly-discounted price of $199.

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If you currently have a ZTE Axon 7 Mini, grab the update now by going to Settings —> System Update. Just remember that the phone needs to be charged up to 30%, and it may restart a number of times during the procedure.

Do you have a ZTE Axon 7 Mini? How's it holding up after all these months? Let us know in the comments!

Daniel Bader
Daniel Bader

Daniel Bader was a former Android Central Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor for iMore and Windows Central. 

18 Comments
  • Good on them, shame on other OEMs like Samsung, LG along with carriers who still haven't updated their flagship.
  • But you still can't unlock the bootloader, which is a deal breaker for me
  • Means nothing. Most buyers never unlock it anyway.
  • Wow.
  • That is pretty good, will see if axon 7 flagship will get android O. I am waiting for axon 8 but androidcentral staff, is there any rumours for it?
  • Only thing close to being considered a sequel device is the Axon 7s that was announced in China with an 835 processor.
  • I just bought a raspberry pi 3 model B
    www.w11stop.com/raspberry-pi-3-model-b and
    now having problems. I am using a 5V 3A adapter
    for power but it is heating up my pi?
    Can any1 tell me how much power is needed
    to function raspberry pi properly?
  • Wrong thread lol
  • Blade pro v8.
  • What about it?
  • Awesome!
  • My Axon 7 Mini is holding up wonderfully after eight months. I still have some minor gripes, like ZTE not allowing the RGB notification LED to be customised, but it's a great piece of kit. I'm a UK user, so am hoping the 7.1.1 update makes it across the pond to us too!
  • I need to replace my dying Idol 3, is this still worth buying for $200?
  • If you can afford something a little more, go for the new One plus 5 or wait for the axon 7s. If not, this phone is great for the price if you are ok with mediocre battery life, occasional lag, and heating up of the phone body. Overall it's a great phone.
  • I participated in the beta. It's very solid. Awesome phone for less than $200. You can't go wrong. I disagree with NwonkNu about battery life. I think it is decent enough for anyone but power users.
  • I am also a UK user who thinks this little powerhouse of a device is well well WELL worth the money. I used to be a HTC M9 user but this device is far better then that. I'm hoping the Nougat update makes it to our devices too. Very solid device for those who love good mobile audio and a decent product with a few minor and so forgivable flaws. Battery is fine as I find it works well all day :-) ROLL ON THE UPDATE ZTE :-)
  • I just tried to upvote your post but accidentally reported it. Oops. I'm clearly a forum noob :-S I consistently get 5 - 6hrs of screen on time on the Axon 7 Mini, which is way more than my Nexus 4 could manage.
  • I just tried to upvote your post Christopher, but accidentally reported it. Oops. I'm clearly a forum noob :-S I consistently get 5 - 6hrs of screen on time on the Axon 7 Mini, which is way more than my Nexus 4 could manage.