The ASUS Zenfone series has long been known for delivering high-performance smartphones at affordable prices. The latest addition to the family, the Zenfone 9, promises to continue this trend while packing some impressive features that set it apart from its competitors.

Design and Display

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Zenfone 9 is its compact design. Measuring in at 146 x 71 x 10mm, it’s one of the smallest smartphones on the market, making it a great option for those with smaller hands or who prefer a more pocket-friendly device.

The display on the Zenfone 9 is another highlight. The 5.9-inch AMOLED panel boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant visuals that are perfect for watching videos or gaming. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Performance

The Zenfone 9 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD), the device handles demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking with ease.

For gaming enthusiasts, ASUS has also included several features designed to enhance the experience, including a dedicated Game Genie app that allows for customizable controls, screen recording, and more. Additionally, the Zenfone 9 features a 120Hz refresh rate display, providing a smooth and responsive experience.

Camera

The camera system on the Zenfone 9 is another area where ASUS has made significant improvements. The device boasts a 50-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.95 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance and detailed images. Additionally, there’s a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 8-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

In our testing, the Zenfone 9 delivered impressive results, with accurate colors, good dynamic range, and decent low-light performance. The camera app is also well-designed, making it easy to navigate and access various modes and features.

Battery Life

One of the biggest concerns for any smartphone user is battery life. Fortunately, the Zenfone 9 performs admirably in this regard. With a 4300mAh battery and power-efficient hardware, users can expect up to two days of moderate use on a single charge.

Software

The Zenfone 9 runs on Android 11 with ASUS’s custom skin on top. The interface is clean and intuitive, with features like a customizable always-on display, a built-in screen recorder, and more. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for seamless connectivity.

Conclusion

The ASUS Zenfone 9 is an impressive smartphone that checks most of the right boxes. Its compact design, high-performance processor, and improved camera system make it a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed device.

While it may not be perfect – battery life could be better, and some users may find the display too small – the Zenfone 9 is an excellent choice for anyone in search of a powerful and portable smartphone. With its competitive pricing starting at $699 (base model) and going up to $799 (high-end configuration), it’s definitely worth considering.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
• RAM: Up to 8GB
• Storage: Up to 256GB (expandable via microSD)
• Display: 5.9-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
• Battery Life: Up to two days moderate use on a single charge
• Camera: 50-megapixel primary sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, 8-megapixel telephoto lens, 2-megapixel depth sensor
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
• Operating System: Android 11 with ASUS custom skin