Asus Zenfone 9 review
The Asus Zenfone 9 is a compact flagship Android phone that stands out in a world where large screens are the norm. With a processor that rivals its bigger siblings, this device packs a punch despite its modest size. The camera, although solid, lacks some of the flair found on other phones. However, with its sleek design and snappy performance, it's easy to see why some might consider it a hidden gem. As I delve into the details of this phone, I'll weigh its pros and cons, exploring whether its compact size is enough to make it worth the investment.
Build Quality and Design
The Asus Zenfone 9 boasts a compact design that's surprisingly impressive, considering its size. The build quality is top-notch, with a premium feel that's reminiscent of higher-end flagships. The device's dimensions are cleverly managed to accommodate a large display while keeping the overall footprint compact. Upon closer inspection, the Zenfone 9 reveals subtle yet sophisticated design cues. The camera module, though prominent, doesn't detract from the phone's aesthetic appeal. Instead, it adds a touch of elegance that complements the rest of the device. The fingerprint scanner is conveniently placed and excels in terms of speed. One aspect where the Zenfone 9 surpasses many other compact flagships is its construction quality. Despite being small, the device feels substantial and durable, with no creaks or flexing evident when subjected to pressure. This attention to detail elevates the phone's overall user experience. The phone's design choices may not be revolutionary, but they're certainly well-executed. The always-on display is a welcome feature that adds visual appeal without drawing too much power. The double-tap awake and sleep functionality provides an additional layer of convenience for users who prefer this method of interaction. While the Zenfone 9 may not be perfect in every aspect, its design and build quality make it an attractive option for those seeking a compact flagship with premium features. Its small size belies a robust construction that makes it feel more substantial than many larger phones on the market. If you're in the market for a high-quality compact phone, the Asus Zenfone 9 is definitely worth considering.
Battery Life
The Asus Zenfone 9's battery life is one of its standout features. This compact flagship phone manages to deliver impressive battery performance that will last you a full day and then some. In my testing, the phone consistently lasted for over 12 hours with moderate use, including browsing the web, social media, and gaming. What's even more remarkable is how well the phone conserves battery power when not in use. I found that the Zenfone 9 can easily go a full day without needing to be charged, even if you're a heavy user who checks their phone constantly. The phone's efficient processor, combined with its compact size and optimized software, contribute to its remarkable battery life. You won't have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of your busy day, which is exactly what I love about this feature. If you're looking for a compact smartphone that can keep up with your daily demands without requiring constant recharging, then the Asus Zenfone 9's exceptional battery life should be high on your list. It's one of the phone's many strengths, and it makes it an even more attractive option in an increasingly crowded market. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the Zenfone 9's battery performance, which is undoubtedly one of its top features.
Display
The Asus Zenfone 9 is a compact flagship device that stands out in today's market. While it may not be the smallest phone around, its size is reasonable and manageable for daily use. One of the standout features of the Zenfone 9 is its display. The 5.92-inch screen is vibrant and clear, with excellent color accuracy. It's perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games on the go. I was particularly impressed by the phone's ability to produce rich and detailed colors, making it a joy to use. The display itself is AMOLED, which means it can produce true blacks and deep contrast levels. This results in an immersive viewing experience that's hard to beat. The screen resolution of 1080p is sufficient for most users, although some may prefer the higher resolutions found on other flagships. In terms of brightness, the Zenfone 9 performed admirably under various lighting conditions. I had no issues reading text or watching videos in bright sunlight, which is a testament to its excellent display quality. Overall, the Asus Zenfone 9's display is one of its strongest features. It's a compact flagship that delivers a big-screen experience without sacrificing too much battery life. While it may not be perfect, the display alone makes the Zenfone 9 worth considering for anyone in the market for a compact Android phone.
Camera
The camera is a solid aspect of the Asus Zenfone 9, but it lacks some features that I've come to expect from high-end smartphones. The main sensor delivers decent shots with a hint of Pixel-style quality, which is impressive considering its compact size. One of my favorite features is the gimbal stabilization, which provides smooth video footage at up to 1080p and 60fps. However, it's capped at this resolution, which limits its usefulness for me. The option to record in 8K at 24fps is nice, but it's only stabilized, so I wouldn't expect it to be my go-to choice. Slow-motion video is available at up to 120fps in 4K, and there's an interesting "Light Trail" feature that captures a brief burst of light trails. However, the main focus remains on the main sensor, which feels somewhat underwhelming compared to what I've seen from other flagships. The camera app itself has a clean design similar to Pixel phones, with features like Android Material U toggles and an always-on display. Face unlock is decent but not exceptionally fast, while fingerprint scanning is snappy. While the camera isn't particularly groundbreaking, it's solid for its size and price point. If you're looking for an Android compact phone that can take good photos and videos without breaking the bank, the Asus Zenfone 9 might be a suitable choice. In comparison to other flagships, the Zenfone 9's camera feels somewhat lacking in features but not in quality. It's clear that Asus has focused more on refining their compact design rather than outdoing larger flagships with cutting-edge cameras. Ultimately, the Asus Zenfone 9 is an excellent compact phone for Android enthusiasts who want a device that can take good photos and videos without sacrificing too much size or battery life.
Price and Value
The Asus Zenfone 9 is an intriguing device that checks all the right boxes for compact phone enthusiasts. With its powerful processor, impressive battery life, and solid camera performance, it's hard to deny its appeal. However, one major sticking point is its price tag. Priced in the same range as the Samsung S22, a device with slightly less impressive specs, the Zenfone 9's value proposition starts to falter. While it's true that the processor and battery life are notable strengths, they don't quite justify the premium pricing. The lack of wireless charging is also a notable omission, especially considering its presence on many other flagship devices. Furthermore, when it comes to value for money, the Zenfone 9 struggles to compete with its peers. A used model can be had for around $500, which makes it harder to stomach the new price tag. The Samsung S22, in comparison, can be purchased for under $400, making it a more attractive option for those on a budget. If you're willing to splurge on a compact flagship phone with top-notch specs, then the Zenfone 9 might be worth considering. However, for many users, its price will be a major barrier to entry. In this context, it's hard to shake off the feeling that the Zenfone 9 is overpriced, especially when compared to other compact options available in the market. Ultimately, whether or not the Asus Zenfone 9 is worth the money depends on your individual priorities and budget. While it's an excellent device in its own right, its price point makes it a harder sell than some of its competitors.
Performance
The Asus Zenfone 9 is powered by a top-of-the-line processor that delivers seamless performance in daily usage. The phone's snappy response time and efficient multitasking capabilities make it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable device. One of the standout features of the Zenfone 9 is its fast charging capabilities, which can quickly replenish the battery to get you back up and running. In terms of battery life, the phone offers a respectable day's use on a single charge, making it suitable for most users. The phone's processor is also capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing with ease. The Zenfone 9 can handle even the most resource-intensive apps without breaking a sweat, ensuring that you can enjoy a smooth user experience. In terms of overall performance, the Asus Zenfone 9 is one of the best compact flagships available in the market today. Its impressive processor and efficient design make it an ideal choice for those who value a reliable device with great battery life. * Fast charging capabilities * Respectable day's use on a single charge * Capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing * Smooth user experience even with resource-intensive apps Overall, the Asus Zenfone 9 offers exceptional performance that is unmatched by many other compact flagships in the market today. Its efficient design and impressive processor make it an ideal choice for those who value a reliable device.
Pros
1. The phone has a solid but lacking camera system, which is not bad for a compact phone.
2. The software on the phone looks better than what Samsung would offer on the s22 and just makes sense.
3. We get the large Android material U toggles which you can turn on or off.
4. Double tapped awake and sleep features are included.
5. The fingerprint scanner is super fast.
6. Speakers sound good, although not as loud as the iPhone 14 pro speakers
7. Battery life makes daily usage a breeze
Cons
1. We lack some things like Android 13 which was launched right before this review.
2. The phone does not have wireless charging, instead it has a headset jack.
3. It is priced higher than the Samsung s22, with new prices ranging from $500-$600
4. Some add-ons for the phone are expensive, such as a kickstand or backpack mount costing over $100 and $200 respectively
5. The face unlock feature isn't entirely slow but not the fastest either.
6. Top speaker is not as loud as the bottom one in stereo setup
7. It lacks some of the features that I personally prefer, such as gimmicks like 4K video with gimbal stabilization