Unboxing Asus' Zenfone 9 flagship smartphone and reviewing the camera tech, gaming performance on Genshin Impact, battery life and other bits. I've been using the Asus Zenfone 9 as my full-time phone for a week so here's my early verdict on one of the best compact mobiles - and simply one of my favourite smartphones - of 2022.
UPDATE: The UK price is £699 for the 8/128GB model, £749 for double the RAM and storage.
Okay, the camera tech isn't quite as pro as the Oppo Find X5 series, while there's no wireless battery charging or microSD support. However, the Zenfone 9 is smartly designed, boasts strong media chops, and gamers will adore the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 performance, capable cooling and dedicated gaming mode. Battery life is also incredible for a mini smartphone, beating the Xiaomi 12, Pixel 6 and other rivals.
The Asus Zenfone 9 can still capture great looking photos and up to 8K resolution video using that IMX766 camera sensor. It'll certainly suit most users, with plenty of bonus modes on board. Plus the ZenUI launcher is nice and light, while adding some nifty gesture support and other extra tools.
Asus Zenfone 9 Unboxing and Review Chapters:
0:00 - Oh, woe, Zenfone 8
0:59 - What's in the box?
1:41 - Design
3:57 - ZenUI & features
7:38 - Display & audio
9:59 - Performance & gaming
12:42 - Battery life
13:57 - Cameras
18:07 - Byyyeeeeee
UPDATE: The UK price is £699 for the 8/128GB model, £749 for double the RAM and storage.
Okay, the camera tech isn't quite as pro as the Oppo Find X5 series, while there's no wireless battery charging or microSD support. However, the Zenfone 9 is smartly designed, boasts strong media chops, and gamers will adore the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 performance, capable cooling and dedicated gaming mode. Battery life is also incredible for a mini smartphone, beating the Xiaomi 12, Pixel 6 and other rivals.
The Asus Zenfone 9 can still capture great looking photos and up to 8K resolution video using that IMX766 camera sensor. It'll certainly suit most users, with plenty of bonus modes on board. Plus the ZenUI launcher is nice and light, while adding some nifty gesture support and other extra tools.
Asus Zenfone 9 Unboxing and Review Chapters:
0:00 - Oh, woe, Zenfone 8
0:59 - What's in the box?
1:41 - Design
3:57 - ZenUI & features
7:38 - Display & audio
9:59 - Performance & gaming
12:42 - Battery life
13:57 - Cameras
18:07 - Byyyeeeeee