The fourth-largest smartphone seller in the U.S., ZTE, will be launching a new Axon mobile phone at an event in New York City on July 14. Part of ZTE's marketing scheme for Axon is the ongoing contest "Axon You Wish" with a cash prize of $10,000 and an Android-powered Axon smartphone.

The Axon features a dual-lens rear camera with auto-focus and is capable of recording 4K HD videos. It has 4 GB of RAM under the hood. The company did not state all the hardware specs but posted that it will have a fast processor and large battery for all-around performance. The Axon will come with a customized "super-simplified Android interface. It will also be equipped with Hi-Fi audio playback and twin microphones for Hi-Fi recording.

Sporting a smooth metallic body design, the Axon will be available in three colors: Ion Gold, Chromium Silver and Phthalo Blue.

An unknown company had been advertising the upcoming Axon in several press releases, but it was only Sascha Segan of PC Mag who said the "designed in the U.S." smartphone originates from ZTE. Then the tech media became interested. It is uncertain if ZTE will directly sell the Axon phone unlocked exclusively, like when it sold the Nubia 5S Mini LTE directly to consumers. However, it is possible that the company will be launching the handset with some U.S. carrier partners.

Meanwhile, the "Axon You Wish" photo/video contest runs from June 15 to July 14 and is open to legal U.S. residents who submit or select the best picture or video about a futuristic smartphone feature with the most creative and most popular caption. The contest rules give us a glimpse of how much ZTE plans to charge for the Axon: $450.  

Check out the latest video and photo entries as voters can also win Axon smartphones and other prizes.