ZTC, a Chinese mobile phone manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest touchscreen handset, named ZT598 and which comes with a weird design.

The new ZT598 is not a full-touch phone, as its main display is only a 2.8 inch regular one. Instead, it hides a 1-inch touch-enabled screen under its alphanumeric keypad, which must be flipped to provide access to the touchscreen panel. Of course, this is one of the reasons why I said the ZT598 had a weird design.

Another unusual (and definitely not in a good way) aspect about ZT598 is that it features lots of colored LEDs that are placed around its two screens, making it look like a cheaply-dressed Christmas tree.

The full list of features packed in the ZT598 includes: dual SIM technology (like most of the latest China-made phones), dual-band GSM connectivity (900 / 1800 MHz) with GPRS, Media player (Mp3 and Mp4 supported), FM radio, Bluetooth, polyphonic ringtones, WAP browser, a VGA camera (that will only allow you to take pictures at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels), a Multi-language interface and a microSD card slot to expand the internal memory.

The ZT598 measures 120 x 55 x 18 millimeters (when closed) and comes with a "9600 mAh" battery of unknown performances.

Although the official website of ZTC lists about 50 handsets (including an 8.5 millimeters ultra-thin ZT309 model), the new ZT598 is not featured among them yet. Still, those who want to buy the device can get it from this online retailer, for the price of only 134 USD (or 85 Euros).

Since ZTC distributes its handsets mainly across China, there are little chances for the new ZT598 to be released outside the world's most populous country. But I don't think anyone will mind that.