Android Nougat is now available for the ZTE Axon 7 w/ Daydream VR in tow

ZTE’s Axon 7 was one of the most popular “affordable flagships” of 2016, and for good reason. Packing top of the line specs, premium hardware, and useful features into a price tag under $400 was nothing short of impressive. However, ZTE has been just a little slow in updating the device. Now, the company has finally released Android Nougat for the Axon 7.

At CES, ZTE revealed that it would be releasing Nougat for the Axon 7 in January, but that obviously didn’t happen. Now, following a brief delay, the update is available for Axon 7 users. The OTA should be hitting users’ devices over the coming days, and it brings full support for Android Nougat’s standard set of features, as well as some extra goodies.

First and foremost, Nougat brings along its enhanced battery saving capabilities in Doze, as well as built-in support for running two app side-by-side in multi-window. Further, there’s an updated catalog of emoji, and much more.

ZTE has also worked with Google to make the Axon 7 the company’s first smartphone compatible with Google’s Daydream VR platform, as well as being the most affordable Android device in the US with access to the platform. That also means you can use the Axon 7 with Google’s excellent Daydream View headset.

Along with that, ZTE has partnered with Hiya to fully integrate the company’s enhanced caller ID and spam blocking service into the Axon 7, free of charge for owners. ZTE USA’s VP of Technology Planning and Partnerships, Jeff Yee, had the following to say on the partnership:

“We’re excited to team up with Hiya to automatically protect our consumers from the nuisance of robocalls. Our Axon 7 is the first in the US to offer spam and scam protection along with a natively integrated caller ID solution for free because we are committed to protecting our consumers and giving them the best phone experience possible.”

Hiya has previously partnered with Samsung and Huawei/Honor to bring this same functionality, but this it the first time we’re seeing it in the US variants of the device.

As noted, ZTE is rolling out Android Nougat to the Axon 7 starting today, and the update should be available to all users in the coming days. The company has yet to reveal details on when other Axon 7 devices, namely the Axon 7 Mini, will pick up Nougat, but it seems likely that those updates are right around the corner…