ZTE's chunky new device looks out of place in 2017, but it's the most intriguing phone of the year.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business InsiderIn a year of great smartphones, ZTE's new Axon M would seem to stand out, but not in a good way.
Rival devices such as Samsung's Galaxy Note 8, the OnePlus 5T, and Apple's iPhone X are beautiful and sleek, have powerful processors, are made with premium materials, and include advanced features and cameras. By contrast, the Axon M is chunky, heavy, and kind of slow.
But looks — and even speed — aren't everything. The Axon M is actually a compelling device, in part because a unique feature: it's built around two fully functional screens that are joined together on a hinge.