LIVE FROM CES 2016: ZTE launched two new smartphones, the Grand X3 and the Avid Plus, and plans to launch a device “the world has helped create” through its Z-Community programme at CES next year.

The Grand X3 features a 5.5” HD display, removable battery, a Qualcomm 3GHz quadcore processor and an 8 megapixel front facing camera; a “true affordable, premium smartphone”.

According to Jeff Yee, VP tech planning and partnership, “these features should be standard for every user regardless of their budget”. The phone is priced at $129 and will be available “soon” via Cricket Wireless.

The Avid Plus is an entry level Android phone intended for the mass market in the US and is “affordable and durable” with a 1.1GHz processor. It is priced at $114.99 and will be avaibale from T-Mobile starting January 20.

“Both these announcements are great examples of how ZTE continues to push the barriers and bring affordable devices to the masses,” said Yee.

Flexible screen?
Yee also talked up the company’s Z-Community programme, “a member led forum for ZTE consumers and fans who will define the next generation devices that could lead the way to creating totally new products and services,” which it plans to “launch in a big way”.

ZTE will present ideas to the community, get their feedback and give updates on progress. The first idea it has is a “flex screen” – a smartphone extension that can be laid out on a surface when users want larger screens, and rolled up and tucked away when not needed.

It plans to announce its first community led device at CES next year – which could or could not be the flex screen, depending on what feedback it gets.

ZTE also pointed out that through 17 years of commitment in the US, it is the second largest brand in the prepaid space with 20 per cent market share, third largest in the Android space with 12.5 per cent market share and fourth largest overall.