ZTE has begun the global rollout of a new performance-focused smartphone, the Neo 5 GT Special Edition, building on a device first previewed at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The handset is launching into key markets starting in July, with Southeast Asia confirmed as the initial region. Pricing has not yet been announced.
An upgraded cooling architecture
The Special Edition sets itself apart from the standard Neo 5 GT primarily through its thermal management. It introduces an AquaCore dual-active cooling system, a hybrid design that combines a liquid cooling circuit with active air cooling in a single thermal architecture. ZTE says the liquid loop uses an AI server-grade coolant. By contrast, the standard model employs a more conventional thermal layout paired with a built-in fan.
Core specifications and software commitment
Under the hood, the device runs on a 4 nm MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor, supported by 12 GB of RAM. Buyers can choose between 256 GB and 512 GB of internal storage. The phone ships with MyOS 16, based on Android 16, and ZTE has pledged a five-year software update window, though the company has not yet specified exactly how many major Android OS version upgrades are included in that commitment.
The remainder of the hardware closely mirrors the standard Neo 5 GT. A 6.8-inch AMOLED display delivers a 1.5K resolution of 2720 x 1224 pixels, a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits.
Camera, battery, and gaming features
The rear camera array consists of a 50 MP primary sensor paired with a 2 MP secondary sensor. On the front, a 16 MP camera handles selfies and video calls. Power is supplied by a 6,210 mAh battery, which supports 80 W wired charging; wireless charging is not included.
Gaming-oriented additions include an RGB fan, dual stereo speakers with DTS:X Ultra, an in-display fingerprint sensor, dedicated 550 Hz Neo triggers 5.0, and the AI Copilot Demi 2.0 assistant. The phone will be available in surge black and glacial silver color options.
Source: www.prnewswire.com