ASUS ZenFone 9 - 2 Week Review! Should You Buy?
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Is the 5.9-inch ASUS ZenFone 9 worth buying for £689/$799? I review the Camera, Battery, Performance & Compact Design to find out!
#ZenFone9 #ASUS #Phones
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Hey Chaps! Which Phone is the perfect size for you??
Update - UK pricing is £689 for 8 + 128GB
It's perfect phone with perfect size.
Yes becuse so cute for hand 🥰
do you think the camera can get better overtime via software updates?
I've had an samsung s9 for 3 years and ready for new phone. What do you recommend for best under 800 🇺🇸 dollars ? Would like a SD port also. Camera is not to important and i dont game. Please help
the phone is perfect for my hand 🔥🔥🔥 but the price is 👎👎
Hope it sells well. The market needs more compact phones.
It's a big "YES" from me regarding the size 👍 definitely want more in that size 🙂
Yeah great Size, must have great personality too 👍
@@mahmoodkhan4255 LAMO💀
@@mahmoodkhan4255 personality? are you sure you've used the right word there...did you mean battery perhaps 🤔
True. I still love my S10e
@@mcmechanic864 You must not be fun around parties.. 😅
Being small, it is not just easy to use & store but better battery performance. 3.5 mm jack with latest processor, good screen, good battery, good camera & near to stock android. Quite a lot to like. Only con is lack of wireless charging but that is slow in most of phones so least used.
Only lack it has to me is the only 2 years of updates. If the iPhone 13 has 5 years of updates the iPhone is way cheaper in comparison. But yeah I agree iPhone is also lacking those stuffs :(
If the battery is that good, you should only need to charge it once per day, so it's not that much of a sacrifice, in theory!
Thank you for mentioning the limited promise of software support. I had no idea and it's a big dealbreaker for me.
I am asking honestly, why is it important to you to get android updates?
I tend to find updates more irritating than helpful… am I missing something?
Phones generally get replaced every 2-3 years anyway so don't see why everyone is crying.
8:08 This camera sensor is being used also in the galaxy s22 plus and in the xiaomi mi 12. Both of these phone cost almost 1000$. Camera sensor does not matter that much.
But S22 which 8s more cheaper than S22 plus, also have same sensor but with better camera quality then this Zenfone 9, both phone have almost same price now since S22 been released for quite a while now and always on sales
@@pudinichigo91 this is my dilemma, Zenfone 9 vs S22, I'm leaning towards the former because I don't take that many pictures.
@@Ascii89 you should choose based on you usage & preference which one is your priorities, I really like this Zenfone 9 with high end soc, compact size, flat display and good battery life and planning to upgrade to this phone, but now I'm using S22 so apart from good battery life & new soc, its look like more downgrade to me from my S22 in term of camera, build quality and software support, so I probably will skip and wait for another compact phone
its simple. just wait for s23 with sd8+ g1
@@rixyrohaizie will that be available for all the regions?
Since Apple is likely to kill off the iPhone mini in the upcoming iPhone 14 line up, this phone will probably be the best compact phone in the market. Also, no I don’t consider the 13 or 13 Pro “compact” in my opinion. They are just a bit too big for me to use with only one hand in my experience.
The 13 and 13 pro are exactly the same length but the pro is heavier
xperia 5iii is the best
i hate how long and tall phones have gotten. i don't mind a bigger screen, but the aspect ratios are ridiculous.
16x9 should be standard, or 18x9 (2:1) as LG did way back with the G6, and even xiami did with the mi max 3. 2:1 at least serves a purpose. when opening two apps they are exactly square and maintain everything regardless of landscape or portrait orientation.
@@rokko_fable agreed if my Samsung s10e was the same width but 16x9 it would be a couple of cm shorter and be the perfect size
@@manzfishing6531 is that a compact phone? how is the xperia 5iii relevant here?
The positioning of the front camera is what I like on this phone when most phones these days adapted the centered positioning that makes it more intrusive for me.
I 100% agree
I actually think the photos from the zenphone look nicer than the iPhone in some of them. Deeper/ richer colours kind of make the iPhone look a bit washed out in comparison
it's just oversatured really , you can achieve the same on any phone by using a vibrancy filter , but capturing real life colors like the iphone, that's the harder to do
@@Adrian-ep4qm yes and no, the iPhone is also guilty of this in the past, ultimately I want my pictures to look good, not just real haha
@@sebastiandk9575 i'm not talking about the past i'm talking about this particular video, you can oversaturate a good photo but you can't reverse the saturation of a shitty photo so the iphone wins by a lot here
Colors you can recalibrate and fix.
Resolution and app optimization, not so much.
Betting 90% of people who would take photos on the zenfone are just going to post it on social media. The question tho is, how’s the quality once uploaded to third party soc med apps? Is it still good?
Wow! It even is on par with the 13's ois!
The two year software update seems to be the only limiting factor. The photos actually look fine I think
For 2022 flagship that is just unacceptable... Even most Chinese brands offer longer software support for their flagships. :/
@@hopeinen5287 I agree. Kinda disappointing because I'm actually looking for a new phone in 4 years and I don't think I really see too many great options
@@hopeinen5287 headphone jack > 2 more years of updates
Who cares about more than 2yrs+ updates over here, xda developers will sort it all out.
For the price, this phone is lit!
Agreed! When spending flagship type money we want assurance that the phone is not obsolete (doesn't have to be a near top performer still, but should be close to what was advertised) for at least 5 yrs... 8 yrs would be perfect.
Very good specs for the size and price! If only it came out at the same time as the S22, as I think my Missus may have gotten this instead. Oh well, ce la vie! Great review Tom. Thanks.
I wish main Pixel 6 was smaller. This is the only legit compact Android flagship together with S22. Only 2 compact flagship androids in 2022. That's mad.
How about the Sony Xperia 5? Similar size and money (£650 in the UK), has headphone jack and expandable storage.
@@fuzzyduck5668 it literally came out in 2019, what are you even talking about?
@@pambinobequeno5062 Xperia 5 iii
If they brought this to us stores and added an extra 1-2 years of support this phone would SMASH
I 100% agree
As far as size is concerned, I'm very happy witht the smaller build and compact screen size! I think companies focus too much on large screens, but there is a market for consumers who want a smaller screen. It may be hard to justify when we observe, for example, the iPhone 13 mini and the low sales, but for Android there's a good market for small, compact phone. A 5.9" screen is very nice, but for me 6" is the perfect sweet spot. As far as camera performance, one could possibly download a Google Camera APK to improve the performance a bit more! I would consider buying it!
How about the Sony Xperia 5? Similar size and money (£650 in the UK), has headphone jack and expandable storage.
@@fuzzyduck5668 stop spamming the comments, bozo
@@pambinobequeno5062 Just responding to people's comments. No need for name calling, we are not kids (unless you are).
I want the Asus Zenfone 9, but my last 2 phones lasted me 4 years each so the Zenfone's two years of updates is a deal breaker for me. Such a shame. Add one more year and I am sold. I hope Asus is reading the comments and do something about it
I think Asus might have actually stated that if the phone sells well, software support could be extended. At least I read this somewhere.
My friend was using Asus Zenfone 8 .The phone was nice and compact but the only problem with that was the positioning of that selfie camera .If it was shifted a bit slightly towards the corner or like the one in pixel 5a it would have been awesome.Though you get used to that in a couple of days .
Probably the image sensor module is bigger as it has Autofocus built in too hence shifted slight left.
Was he satisfied with the main camera?
@@viacheslavspitsyn2995 To be honest it's not a superb camera like s22 ultra.But it does the job and good for some family or nature pics .
@@viacheslavspitsyn2995 Use GCAM tho.
@@veryinterestingpersonaliti8321 Does it up Zenfone to top level?
You had me at sub 6 inch screen. I have looked at the 8, but will definitely buy this one. Great review!
I wish things would go back to the time when headphone jack and replaceable battery was the norm .
dust and water resistance in a smaller form factor is the main practical reason the replaceable battery had to go away
This is first time for me watching your video,I am impressed because your way of review is very impressive
Holy... that fluid display at 1:54,... I know it's still youtube's 60fps but I can definitely tell how smooth the screen is
I just ordered a 16/256 model. It’s the first brand new phone I’ve purchased in the last five years. I’m pretty excited.
ASUS always rolls out many camera firmware improvements shortly after release. The early reviews aren't really indicative of the actual camera quality. There might be 2 or 3 updates before you can even buy this phone.
presumably it will also be able to use the Google pixel camera app thing
@@subspaceanomaly gcam? Nice if so, debating between One Plus 10T but loss of OP alert slider is a bummer
@@kiddcisco asus can. Most of the snapdragon phones can use gcam. I use gcam in my rog2
Considering that phones are fast approaching $1,500, this is a good option.
They're not approaching 1500. Gs22 is $800 and lower with trade in and same at best buy.
@@RealShaktimaan Yeah, sure. But they're trying to sell the Ultra to compete with the iPhone Pro Max. Next year's versions of those will be $100 more, and the year after and so on. The Sony XPerias are going in the same direction.
Bruh only the top end phones are 1500 u don't have to get that. Samsung apple and Google all have options from 500 which are actually worthy of getting
@@mpumelelogumede6557 This phone is not on competing with ultra and iPhone pro max. It's competing with regular iPhone, s22, pixel 6 pro etc
@Carl Gunderson Try South African rands, it's five figures. LOL!
I've got the Zenfone 9, and I love it!
Added the GCam mod recent developed for the Zenfone 9 and it takes the already good camera system to a different level 👌 (asus' own photography software is shite, especially the selfie functions and low light photography!!! Definitely recommend that people use the GCAM mod!)
My biggest problem when looking for a new phone, is the size. I still use a pixel 3 and I don't want anything bigger than that, so this phone excites me! I would love for more manufacturers to make smaller, high end phones.
How about the Sony Xperia 5? Similar size and money (£650 in the UK), has headphone jack and expandable storage.
@@fuzzyduck5668 Sony pulled it's phones from the Aussie market several years back, so Xperia phones aren't available here. Looking at the size of the Xperia 5 using Phone Arena's size comparison tool, it looks like the Xperia 5 is much taller than the Zenfone 9 and Pixel 3 anyway.
this is the perfect size phone, I literally bought it on the spot for this very reason, the short comings can be overlooked and replacing the camera app made a significant improvement in photo quality. I wish they had pixel quality photos but the perfect size phone outweighs camera quality
Wait... it has the JACK!!! Good job Asus for keeping the jack in a flagship phone
So do the Sony Xperia 5 and 1. They also have expandable storage. The 5 is a similar size and money.
@@fuzzyduck5668 and it's also 3 years older
@@fuzzyduck5668 Xperias are very hard to find in my country. Also, I'm not really a fan of their very slim 21:9 screens.
@@fuzzyduck5668 size? Are you sure? They are taller, really much tall than this.
@@pambinobequeno5062 the mark iii series is not 3 years old and also they might drop another one this year.
This phone appreciatable.Nice,Compact and Balanced
One of the reasons I watch your videos is because, as am I you are in the UK. I was very disappointed you couldn’t be bothered to give the price in British £££’s but making the effort to price in dollars and euros.
Just love watching your review tech chap,I mean u re just one of the best,always straight to what we really want to watch and hear,love you
i just bought this phone in 2024, it got updated to android 14, performance and battery is so badass, this phone is almost perfect to me, it'll be perfect if the front camera have a good resolution, te front camera is succ
Is this phone still worth it in 2024? Or do you think I should get a Samsung S23 instead? I really like the Zenfone 9 size, but it will no longer receive new updates. What has your experience with this phone been like?
@@denishoffmann6533 Samsung S23 will be much better, it have better performance and camera
Like your channel. Your style is amazing :)
I typically cant stand smaller phones but Asus has done an outstanding job with this one. Very nice.
I remember the day that 4 inch screen was the standard size while galaxy mega with 5.8 inch screen considered as huge.
you're forgetting screen to body ratio here.
I get your point. However, screen to body ratio makes all the difference. Back then 5 inch phones were bigger than most 6 inch phones today.
Another compact phone from ASUS!
So cute. I really like the design, proportions and hardware.
Coming here after MKBHD blind camera test, it is confirmed that the Zenfone's photos are incredible. We can already see it here, where the iPhone's photos are oversaturated and flat, while the Zenfone's are more accurate. The flower shot is the one where you can see this best.
Dang.... wow, so smooth UI, that animation transition and everything..so damn smooth..my next phone. Thanks for the review btw. 👍
I'm considering buying the Zenfone 9 or a iphone 13 mini, have you taken raw photos with both of the phones? (The iphone using some third party app) Have you tested the slowest shutter speed you could get without shake thanks to stabilization in the main cameras?? I want a small phone with a good camera and I'm torn between the zenfone9 and iphone 13 mini. I don't care about jpeg quality but I really want a good raw main camera
I'm looking to replace my Pixel 4a and this looks like the perfect phone. Unfortunately, the 2 year software support is a bit of a deal killer.
What about the Pixel 6a?
I just love this phone, nothing like it. Will be my next phone for sure
It actually reminds me of the Pixel 5 that I have now a bit, which I am afraid to move on from with all the glitches 6 is having.
So they dropped the flip phones completely? Those were amazzzing! Speaking from personal experience.
Sometimes companies design products that are remarkable and unique but if there isn't enough demand or appreciation for them they sadly drop them.
@@brainactivity737 It was very popular, in fact, never in stock. I don't know why ASUS drop that unique design.
Headphone Jack
I am getting it. 👍🏽
Where is the best place to buy this in the UK? Thanks 👍
Gosh ... I am in love with the size 😍😍
Ayooo😬😬
Off topic, videography-related question: This video is in 60 fps. Did you shoot it as native 60 fps? What shutter angle (exposure time) did you use?
Just 2 years of OS updates and they've launched just before 13 comes out. So this phone will go to 14 and that's it. You'll get more support from a midrange Samsung!
S23 will come with 13 and will get 14, 15, 16 and 17 (3 more) plus a year of security....
I've had several zenfones over years, currently have zenfone 7pro, it has upgraded to android 12 thus far and 2 generations old now
Agreed. I really want to like this phone enough to buy it now! But the very limited OS and security updates are holding me back!
and an exynos....oh wait id rather go with the non Crapsynos phone
@@Faraonqa Unless your gaming , these basically no difference
Great review. Love the spec. Fantastic size. I still use my compact digital camera for serious photos so I'm not really bothered about the weak camera performance. I'm buying. Nice one Asus.
Look so attractive in that smaller dimensions i like it especially in silver color looks dope
when this comes out (in india) what should i pick up s22 or zenfone 9 assuming they have the same pricing. my priorities are screen,camera,battery, performance that is good enough for everyday usage (mostly not for gaming), ui should be smooth and customization options are appreciated
great video btw 😄
Get the zen9, s22 battery is proper shit. Or wait until s23 releases and see if they improve on battery. You also got to remember that battery life gets worse over time, so it’s better to start with a superb battery compared to just a decent enough one.
The next model needs to have better battery and more software updates and I'll consider it my next phone. So rare to find jack with top line chipset.
Only the 2year software update promise is a bit disappointing.... I am happy to compromise with not having a telefoto lens at this price range ! All in all can't wait to get my hands on this phone
Asus can’t stop putting out bangers this thing is an absolute beast compared to the garbage competition like scamsung
the s22 is an actually pretty good phone, only problem is it's battery, beside that it has a better camera, wireless charging, a better display, 4 years of android updates and some other stuff you don't have on the ZenFone
@@rafflbraun95 my brother used that abomination of a phone and it overheats even when idle, has the worst performance when compared to similarly specd phones including when being used for gaming or emulation, very unstable, build quality is junk and it’s very expensive so value for money is bad
@@HoodHussler wtaf, i have the exact same phone right here on my desk, i never had such problems with it, software is super stable, camera is pretty good, it's overheating a bit, but not as terrible as you're telling me, the build quality is top of the line, both sided gorilla glass victus+, aluminium frame and ip 68 rating, since i got the phone i just love it
@@HoodHussler but i'm from europe, so i actually have the exynos processor inside, maybe it's the reason for more stable os and less overheating
@@rafflbraun95 he refunded it and got the ROG phone difference was day and night except the camera but performance, battery life, etc…was a pure monster especially in emulation and gaming I don’t think he’s ever going to return to scamsung
Totally unrelated but may I know what brand shirt are you wearing?
Just ordered the phone and I can't wait 😃. I wouldn't call it a compact phone but to me it's just the ideal size not too small & not too big. Tbh the only drawback for me is the 2 year software updates which I hope they change in their later models 😩
It looks so goood! Compact phones are the future!
how warm does it get to the touch? especially out in the sun...
My experia 1ii and samsung s10e are so hot I cant hold them without a case.
sometimes even the glass is too hot for me...
does it not have navigation buttons? that is such a big minus for me but i would still love to get my hands on this
Very nice introduction !
The SD8+1 was a mistake imo. It bumped up price and I think extra performance is wasted because it's a small phone, and as a small phone user myself I don't really use it for games or demanding tasks, I love the phone but paying as much as an iPhone or S22 is not worth it. It would've been stellar with a 700 series SoC at around 500$
Everything was fine if it had great cameras
Everyone say the same when nothing phone released with midrange chipset, they demand for high end flagship chipset with SD 8 series, but now when they got good phone with high end chipset, then they ask for midrange chipset 😂
@spc3mky The S22 has more compact body despite the bigger screen thanks to it's smaller bezels.
It'll be great next year when the price is lower
Can you unlock the phone with the button on the left? As a lefty this might get on my nerves if the unlock button is on the right
How have you got an early release of this in the UK
Hey if you do another monitor comparison video, could you do the gigabyte m32u vs Phillips momentum 32?
anybody know how/where to get this in the US?
Thanks for the review I would say it’s a go except for the cameras and that’s because the price is a flagship price but the cameras are mid range which depending on what you use your phone for maybe it won’t matter but
Yeah It's OnePlus-level of camera (and also price)
I use Android but my work phone is an old (2015) iPhone 6S. Its had 6 major OS updates and continues to get security updates with its 7 year old CPU and 2GB of ram. It cost £600. Conversely my OnePlus with its 12gb of ram and a snapdragon 855+ has struggled to get ONE major update, but fortunately some clever people release ROMS so I updated it myself to latest Android. Personally I prefer everything about Android, except for a total lack of long term commitment from manufacturers regarding software updates. OnePlus update frequency is SHOCKING.
How is the Instagram performance like?
I actually prefer the Zenfone 9 photos compared to the iPhone 13 mini, mainly the ones with people.
Same, I also thought the zenfone handled lighting way better.
Me too
Great review as always :)
I hope you or someone with the Zenfone 9 sees and answers this. But does the Zenfone 9 have the optional navigation bar like what is on Samsung's devices? In other words, a home, back and app selection button at the bottom.
Yes There is optional for classic 3 navigation buttons in settings
Finally an option if my S10e gets broken! No reason to upgrade at this point!
8:32 I thought there was a problem with the network, so I checked right away video resolution
and what about the quality of reception ... after all it's a phone, isn't it 😜
and what about wifi calls, can we activate them in the settings ?
I'm a fan of the Zenfone (I use a Zenfone 8), but I noticed that everyone raves about it's compact size, yet the S22 is the exact same size, while having a bigger screen (thanks to very slim bezels). Why isn't anyone raving about the S22 being an amazing compact phone? (if you don't live in Europe, because if you live in Europe you can forget the S22/Pro/Ultra even exist).
That's their marking strategy. It's a sub 6 inch display so compact phone, but in reality it's the same dimensions as s22. But the real usp of Zenfone is the jack and bigger battery, the small display is just the icing on the cake.
I live in Europe, that's why I bought in february Zenfone 8, not s22. Battery and Snapdragon.
It is SUCH a disappointment that there's no flip version for this phone 3:38 😭 my zenfone 6 flip finally gave up on me a month ago and am frantically on the lookout for the zenfone 9 flip; worst case scenario might have to settle for this non-flip version.
I've got a pixel 5 & want to upgrade. I'm not a fan of massive size but camera is important. Do you think this is a worthy upgrade or not?
Great vid - spotted the box in the beginning & got confused 🤣
Worthy it’s fast
pixel still have the better camero tho
Compact flagship phones reviews we want!
How is it compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22, since they both are of similar size?
Asus actually guarantees the software updates to be "minimum 2 years" seeing the sales from Zenfone 8 is quite poor, the updates will likely be more than that if Asus sells enough of the Zenfone 9 to continue the series production
Amazing video!
I like how to have their own case with a retractable connector to your book bag.
I like the Zen 9. I don't like paying flagship price for any phone that isn't assured of at least 5 years of OS and security updates, however. Its a big risk to me to pay over $600 (700-800) for a phone that may be obsolete or subpar in only 2 yrs! I wonder, what will the Zen 9 likely cost after the start of 2023???
And again, what is the likely cost (rough estimate) of the Zen 9 after the Zen 10 is released? I'm trying to decide whether to look more at the Pixel 6, or 6a, to buy now, or wait for the Zen 9 to be discounted. We are getting close to a new year, after all. I'd just buy the Pixel 6 now if it had similar battery life as the Zen 9. Battery life is definitely a priority for me, especially with camping and boating on the river. I don't game at all, and I rarely take pics. I read lots of news articles, watch informative videos like this one, listen to a little music, take a few pics, and talk and text with a phone.
What sim card does the phone use and what wirless company does it support? I know it doesn't support Verizon but can it support mintmobile etc...
I appreciate the size comparison to the other phones. I can't help but feel like the S22 is a pretty solidly better buy. Better camera, double the software support, and actually slightly bigger screen even though the phone is about the same size. Also even though the S22 is $100 base price, it's been out for so long that you can get a couple hundred $ off especially if you buy used.
The S22 is a great phone and in much comparisons better than the Zenfone.
But with exactly one big problem: The battery. And so it is no alternative for a lot of people.
And the Asus has everything I want: Headphone Jack
if you're busy being a wall hugger by the electrical outlet? how useful is the phone? that's the problem with the S22.
That's a very good point. I forgot how much of an issue that was.
better my ass with its mediocre battery life
It’s really the software that is the differentiator for me. The closer to stock the better.
The LG Wing also has a video gimbal
ASUS zenfone 9 or Oneplus 10t??
1 question. Is there an option to choose whether the finger print scanner unlocks the phone as soon as u tap it or only after actually pressing the button? I have an Xperia 5 and it's so annoying that it unlocks every time my finger brushes against it.
Bought for my brother for his prepaid sim card from MyWorldPhone.
who is selling in US? cant find in Amazon.
How's the haptic feedback???
Do you know how to activate the 3 button navigation in the Zenfone 9? I cant find it.
I'm planning on buying this primarily due to the 3.5mm headphone jack. Please for the love of God Asus, if you're reading this, don't give up on 3.5mm.
Coming from a Pixel 3, this would be a perfect replacement if it weren't for the lack of wireless charging
I want to buy this!❤❤❤
Where would the telephoto fit? There's no space for it. The iPhone 13 doesn't have a telephoto lens and it costs more
I hate the fingerprint scanner on my Pixel 6 so much. I'm stuck between the ZenFone 9, or switching to iPhone.
Will this be available in the UK? I can't see it anywhere.
yep! should be available in the next couple of weeks.
Whats the problem if your finger is on the camera? Is that an issue??
How does the battery life compared to the iPhone 13 mini
better
The real question is, where did you get that shirt from? :P (Genuine question)