If the phone’s dimensions are microscopic, it is clear that the screen has to fit the packaging provided by the phone. And it is appreciated: the 5.9 inches of the Super AMOLED panel that the Zenfone 9 mounts are enough and are left over to offer the best Android experience. And they make good use of the front of the mobile (90.02% according to Asus); pity that the hole for the camera seems more extensive than usual due to the contained diagonal.
The screen looks great, even in the direct midday summer sun. Full HD + resolution that maintains excellent sharpness and detail (445 PPI), very high contrast, immediate response to the touch, and offers a high refresh rate of up to 120 Hz (60/90/120 Hz). It does not include an LTPO panel, and it could be the icing on an excellent visual cake that I do not find more drawbacks than a certain saturation (even though it is customizable from the settings, I did not finish finding a 100% natural coloration) and certain jumps in the displacement menu vertical.
The Asus Zenfone 9 has IP68 protection
The screen flows like silk in the transitions; it gives an extreme sensation of speed, the automatic brightness adapts perfectly to the environment’s lighting, and the minimum brightness becomes slightly annoying in complete darkness. For the rest, it is a perfect screen for consuming all multimedia content: the reduced dimensions do not have to detract from its visual appeal. It also goes to taste, of course.
Sound: a premium range full of quality and possibilities
Don’t let the size deceive you: the Asus Zenfone 9 is a premium range with all the laws. Top-level hardware, an enviable construction, a screen that lives up to high expectations, and a sound that rounds off the outstanding multimedia, expanding the phone’s possibilities without losing quality. It is surprising so much capacity in mobile is so tiny in dimensions.
A headphone jack is not standard in its range, and it denotes the care that the brand has put into the device. Not only does it allow you to keep your old wired headphones, but it also offers a host of software add-ons to personalize your listening. And it has two drawbacks: it does not offer analog audio output through USB C (headphones with an external DAC are needed) and does not output video through that port (screens or TVs cannot be connected using the cable).
The power button has not only that function but also the capacitive fingerprint reader (the Asus Zenfone 8 had an optical scanner under the screen). This reader works like a charm, unlocks the phone instantly, and I find it much easier to use than under-screen scanners. In addition, Asus turns it into a multifunction key: it allows you to execute actions even by making gestures on the button. Another customizable extra includes a double tap on the back of the phone. And facial unlocking with the front camera (less secure than with the fingerprint scanner).
The always welcome headphone jack on the top edge, absolute cleanliness on the left side (except for the antennas), and the bottom area where the dual nano SIM tray is housed (there is no space for an SD card), the USB C and one from external speakers. The mobile offers IP68 protection against dust and water, and the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus glass.
Design: size is one of its central values
Asus zenfone 9
Have you ever asked the Kings for a powerful Android mobile with a good camera and content in its dimensions and weight? Well, the Asus Zenfone 9 is just the answer to those wishes; it will be my recommendation whenever someone asks me for a mobile governed by these three premises. It has made me reconcile with manageable sizes.
It’s so small, compact, and light that it’s hard to believe everything it houses inside. And as far as the exterior is concerned… The truth is that it is undeniable: it looks like an iPhone 4 seen from the side. Regarding its rear face, Asus changes the glass and metal to bet on a pleasant touch finish that resembles rubber.
The rear face of the Asus Zenfone 9 offers a kind of texture with a sure touch of very soft sandpaper that not only facilitates grip but also avoids any fingerprint. It reminded me of the OnePlus “sandstone” covers (even the first OnePlus One). The finish can also retain stains from wearing it on jeans, and my Asus Zenfone 9 presents a faint blue coloration in the contours.
Don’t let the size deceive you: the Asus Zenfone 9 is a premium range with all the laws. Top-level hardware, an enviable construction, a screen that lives up to high expectations, and a sound that rounds off the outstanding multimedia, expanding the phone’s possibilities without losing quality. It is surprising so much capacity in mobile is so tiny in dimensions.
A headphone jack is not ordinary in its range and denotes the care the brand has put into the device. Not only does it allow you to keep your old wired headphones, but it also offers a host of software add-ons to personalize your listening. And it has two drawbacks: it does not offer analog audio output through USB C (headphones with an external DAC are needed), and it does not output video through that port (screens or TVs cannot be connected using the cable).