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Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£790RAM capacity:16 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:5.9 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 12 MP

Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB)
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

90%

7.4

Technical score

10%

7.4

User score

â–²Better than 72% of smartphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

25%

8.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.4

Camera

15%

6.7

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.9

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

9.0

Audio

3%

8.0

Design

â–²Better than 73%
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 85%
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Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
16GB + 256GB8GB + 128GBCheck price
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Smartphones model ranking

Ranked #234 of 2,002 models in Smartphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartphone Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

25%

8.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.4

Camera

15%

6.7

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.9

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

9.0

Audio

3%

8.0

Design

7.4
User score
User score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.4
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Popularity:
Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 6.5 points, which is higher than 59.1% of smartphones.
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

7.1
Brand name
Asus
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor which is faster than processors in 84.1% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2.4% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
16 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 16 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 83.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3.2 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3.2 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 81.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 7.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 12 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 12 MP which is higher than that of 57.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.2 which is narrower than that of 87.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
50 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 50 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 65.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 16.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1 µm which is larger than in 57.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 20% of smartphones.
2 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
5.9 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 5.9 inches which is smaller than the screens of 95.5% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.3% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
445 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 445 ppi which is higher than that of 78.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,300 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,300 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1% of smartphones.
Charging speed
30 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 30 W which is slower than in 61.1% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 4.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
yes
This smartphone supports aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
146.5 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 146.5 mm which is shorter than 97.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
68.1 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 68.1 mm which is narrower than 98.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
9.1 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 9.1 mm which is thicker than 81.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.6% of smartphones.
Weight
169 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 169 g which is lighter than 93.7% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
89,352 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 89,352 cm³ which is smaller than 69.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Show more

Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 88.5% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,776 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,776 vs 942
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • 33.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 88.5% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,776 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,776 vs 942
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x3.2 GHz & 3x2.75 GHz & 4x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 4x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,024 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,024 vs 256
  • 2x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 83.8% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (4,656 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    4,656 vs 2,533
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a newer OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.3 vs 3.2). The average version is 3.2.
    3.3 vs 3.2
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 2.28x higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (2,801 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    2,801 vs 1,226
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • 0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2 binned
    1.0 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (50 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    50 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 12.7% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (445 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    445 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 25.8% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (830 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    830 nits vs 660 nits
  • 100 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1100 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    1,100 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (108 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    108 vs 99.5
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX Lossless
    This smartphone supports aptX Lossless, the average smartphone does not. 12.9% of smartphones include aptX Lossless support.
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 13.9% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (169 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    169 g vs 196.2 g
  • 7.9 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (68.1 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    68.1 mm vs 76 mm
  • 17.1 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (146.5 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    146.5 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • 2.5% higher French repairability index
    This smartphone has a higher French repairability index score than the average smartphone (8.2 vs 8). The average score is 8.
    8.2 vs 8
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 0.77 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (5.9 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    5.9 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4300 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.5 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.5 vs f/2.2
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • 3.04x more expensive
    Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£790 vs £260).
    £790 vs £260
  • 3.04x more expensive
    Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£790 vs £260).
    £790 vs £260
  • 8.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Asus Zenfone 9
    the average smartphone
    Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (7.40 vs 8.000).
    7.4 vs 8
  • 3.4% worse value for money
    Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.09 vs 7.3).
    7.09 vs 7.34
  • 5.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (900 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    900 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.5 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.5 vs f/2.2
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (12 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    12 MP vs 16 MP
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 0.77 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (5.9 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    5.9 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4300 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 9.1% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (30 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    30 W vs 33 W
  • 0.8 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (9.1 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    9.1 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 2 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    July 2022
    2022 vs 2024
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    Taiwan vs China

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pickr.com.au
01/08/2022
Summary of the review
Asus Zenfone 9 review – Pickr
T
trustedreviews.com
23/06/2023
Summary of the review
Asus Zenfone 9 Review - Trusted Reviews
A
androidcentral.com
01/09/2022
Summary of the review
ASUS Zenfone 9 review: Great things come in small packages
D
digitaltrends.com
28/07/2022
Summary of the review
Asus Zenfone 9 review: the flagship phone you can use with one hand
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androidauthority.com
03/07/2023
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ASUS Zenfone 9 review: Small in stature, big on personality
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galaxus.de
26/10/2022
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Testing the Zenfone 9: a giant among mini smartphones Would you like to see a comparison of the camera performance or battery life results from these...
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t3.com
28/07/2022
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tomsguide.com
01/08/2022
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The Zenfone 9 is my favorite phone of the year so far
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wired.com
30/10/2022
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gsmarena.com
11/01/2023
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amateurphotographer.com
24/04/2023
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ephotozine.com
01/08/2022
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hothardware.com
02/09/2022
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gadgetguy.com.au
01/12/2022
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forbes.com
28/07/2022
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techradar.com
05/12/2022
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gsmarena.com
28/07/2022
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Asus Zenfone 9 review
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tomsguide.com
28/07/2022
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Asus Zenfone 9 review: One of the best small phones ever
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frandroid.com
15/08/2022
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Asus Zenfone 9 Review: Compact, Long-lasting, and Powerful
(Translated)Show original
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leclaireur.fnac.com
29/07/2022
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB)

  • Compact and ideal size for one-handed use, a rarity in the modern Android market.
  • Excellent, long-lasting battery life for a compact device, often lasting one and a half to two days on a single charge.
  • Flagship-level performance with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease.
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature largely absent in other premium smartphones.
  • Clean, near-stock Android (ZenUI) software experience with useful customization options and minimal bloatware.
  • Impressive video stabilization due to a 6-axis hybrid gimbal system in the main camera.
  • High-quality 5.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with great colors and sharpness.
  • Durable build quality with an ergonomic, grippy, textured back and IP68 water and dust resistance.
  • Fast and reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Solid and loud stereo speakers tuned by Dirac.

What we don't like about Asus Zenfone 9 (16GB + 256GB)

  • Poor software update policy, with only two guaranteed Android OS updates and two years of security updates, which is below the industry standard for a premium phone.
  • Inconsistent camera performance and image processing, sometimes producing overly warm, blurry, or over-sharpened photos, especially in low light or with moving subjects.
  • Overheating issues under sustained heavy load (e.g., long gaming sessions or camera use), leading to performance throttling.
  • Lack of wireless charging, a common feature in most other premium-priced competitors.
  • No microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  • Relatively slow 30W wired charging speed compared to other Android flagships.
  • The camera setup lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities.
  • Issues with software bugs, such as network selection problems, notification system glitches, or the phone unlocking in a pocket.
  • Limited availability in certain markets like India and Canada.
  • The plastic back, while grippy, can be susceptible to scuffs over time.

Verdict

The Asus Zenfone 9 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is a compact powerhouse, featuring a 5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Its main pros are the highly portable design, excellent battery life for its size, a unique and effective six-axis gimbal stabilization system for its 50MP main camera, and the useful inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. The primary cons are its limited software update promise (typically two major Android versions), lack of wireless charging, and the absence of a telephoto lens.

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