Thursday, July 28th 2022
ASUS Reveals the All-New Zenfone 9
ASUS today revealed the all-new Zenfone 9 smartphone at a virtual launch event. Zenfone 9 is a totally redesigned compact 5.9-inch device with high performance and exciting new features. Powered by the latest flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, it's the most powerful Zenfone ever released. This latest generation Zenfone 9 has been totally redesigned to give it a premium, sleek look and feel, with four eye-catching new colors, a tactile new high-grip texture, and IP68 certification. The modern design features a massively upgraded dual-camera system with a 50 MP Sony IMX 766 main camera featuring a new 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer, electronic image stabilization (EIS) and ultrafast autofocus technology for sharp, shake-free photos and videos. There's also a 12 MP IMX 363 ultrawide camera, and a 12 MP IMX 663 punch-hole front camera for crystal clear selfies and video chats.
As Zenfone 9 fits perfectly in one hand, the ASUS ZenUI 9 (Android 12) interface has been optimized for one-handed use. There's also the unique ASUS ZenTouch, a multifunction side-mounted power button incorporating a fingerprint sensor for hassle-free unlocking and support for convenient gesture controls. The new Connex Case accessory allows users to attach the Connex Card Holder or Connex Smart Stand, and there's also a new Smart Backpack Mount for safely attaching Zenfone 9 to a backpack's strap.
Compact Size. Big Possibilities.
The 5.9-inch Zenfone 9 is incredibly compact, and incredibly powerful. It's powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 ROM storage to deliver smooth and responsive performance, for any task.
Zenfone 9 also runs cooler—and faster—than ever, with a totally revamped cooling system. It now uses a high-tech vapor chamber instead of heat pipes, and there's an advanced heheatspreaderhat uses copper, graphite sheets and thermal paste.
With its upgraded 4300 mAh battery and power-efficient components, Zenfone 9 lasts longer than ever. It charges quickly too, thanks to its powerful 30-watt HyperCharge adaptor and fast-charge technology.
The advanced 120 Hz AMOLED display offers incredible Delta E < 1 color accuracy and ultra-smooth scrolling, along with a wide 115% sRGB and cinema-grade 112% DCI-P3 color gamuts for ultravivid colors in any conditions. Collaboration with leading visual-processing company Pixelworks brings the excellent visuals even further with world-beating color accuracy. The gorgeous display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, so it shrugs off unexpected knocks and scratches to keep it looking good for longer.
Big on personality
We've created four eye-catching new colors for Zenfone 9: cool Moonlight White, exciting Sunset Red, gorgeous Starry Blue and classy Midnight Black. The feel of the phone is truly amazing, thanks to a newly-developed textured surface material that's really tough and comfortable yet grippy. This advanced material additionally helps reduce the weight of the back cover by 36% compared to the previous-generation Zenfone.
For worry-free use indoors and outdoors, Zenfone 9 is also IP68 certified for protection against dust and water ingress.
Big on photography
Zenfone 9 has a massively upgraded 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera that lets users take perfect photos in even the darkest places. The brand-new 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer keeps everything blur-free and shake-free, even when the camera is moving. This fantastic new gimbal OIS monitors Zenfone 9's every movement, in every direction, and uses that information to adjust the whole camera module in real time. It can compensate for shifts of up to +/- 3 °, so it can help smooth out even the wildest action, without optical distortion or 'ghosting'. Combined with the ultrafast autofocus technology—which focuses quickly and reacts smoothly to changes—and new EIS anti-shake algorithms, Zenfone 9 delivers super-smooth, professional-looking action shots, whatever the subject.
There's a new Light Trail (Beta) mode in addition to the Night, Pro, Panorama, Slow Motion and Timelapse modes, so users can be sure of perfect shots and video under any conditions.
Audio recording is taken to the next level in Zenfone 9. Audio HDR lets users capture every sound from the quietest to the loudest, just like the human ear. 3D Surround captures breathtakingly accurate spatial sound in natural-sounding high fidelity. And outdoors, the Wind Noise Reduction feature captures crystal-clear recordings in less-than-ideal conditions. Zenfone 9 is still equipped with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, so users don't need to worry if they don't have wireless headphones.
Zenfone 9's hand-friendly size and lightweight design make it effortless to use for any task, anywhere.
The new side-mounted ZenTouch multi-function power button makes everything easy—with just one hand! As well as one-touch unlocking with the built-in fingerprint sensor, it allows users to swipe their thumb up, down or double-click for different functions including voice-to-text, open notifications, refresh a web page, move to the top/bottom of the page, and media control.
The latest ASUS ZenUI 9 interface for Android 12 is better than ever, and has been fully optimized for one-handed use. The camera tool panel allows easier navigation of basic phone settings, and there's also an Edge tool that lets users find their favorite apps easier. A double-tap on the back can be configured to take a screenshot, open the camera, illuminate the flashlight, turn on the sound recorder, open Google Assistant, or control media playback. There's also a zoom bar scale that makes zooming in and out faster and easier.
New smart accessories
Zenfone 9 is the first phone to use our brand-new Connex modular case system. Users can start with the Connex Case, and clip Connex accessories to the pegboard-like lower half—there's a Connex Smart Stand with a kickstand that launches an app or game of your choice when you open it, and there's also a Connex Card Holder for business cards.
The Smart Backpack Mount secures Zenfone 9 to a backpack shoulder strap at the perfect height and angle for use as an action camera. Users can pop their phone in or out of the magnetic holder in just a second—there's a safety cord too—and just like Zenfone 9 it's optimized for single-handed use.
Source:
ASUS
As Zenfone 9 fits perfectly in one hand, the ASUS ZenUI 9 (Android 12) interface has been optimized for one-handed use. There's also the unique ASUS ZenTouch, a multifunction side-mounted power button incorporating a fingerprint sensor for hassle-free unlocking and support for convenient gesture controls. The new Connex Case accessory allows users to attach the Connex Card Holder or Connex Smart Stand, and there's also a new Smart Backpack Mount for safely attaching Zenfone 9 to a backpack's strap.
The 5.9-inch Zenfone 9 is incredibly compact, and incredibly powerful. It's powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 ROM storage to deliver smooth and responsive performance, for any task.
Zenfone 9 also runs cooler—and faster—than ever, with a totally revamped cooling system. It now uses a high-tech vapor chamber instead of heat pipes, and there's an advanced heheatspreaderhat uses copper, graphite sheets and thermal paste.
With its upgraded 4300 mAh battery and power-efficient components, Zenfone 9 lasts longer than ever. It charges quickly too, thanks to its powerful 30-watt HyperCharge adaptor and fast-charge technology.
The advanced 120 Hz AMOLED display offers incredible Delta E < 1 color accuracy and ultra-smooth scrolling, along with a wide 115% sRGB and cinema-grade 112% DCI-P3 color gamuts for ultravivid colors in any conditions. Collaboration with leading visual-processing company Pixelworks brings the excellent visuals even further with world-beating color accuracy. The gorgeous display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, so it shrugs off unexpected knocks and scratches to keep it looking good for longer.
Big on personality
We've created four eye-catching new colors for Zenfone 9: cool Moonlight White, exciting Sunset Red, gorgeous Starry Blue and classy Midnight Black. The feel of the phone is truly amazing, thanks to a newly-developed textured surface material that's really tough and comfortable yet grippy. This advanced material additionally helps reduce the weight of the back cover by 36% compared to the previous-generation Zenfone.
For worry-free use indoors and outdoors, Zenfone 9 is also IP68 certified for protection against dust and water ingress.
Big on photography
Zenfone 9 has a massively upgraded 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera that lets users take perfect photos in even the darkest places. The brand-new 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer keeps everything blur-free and shake-free, even when the camera is moving. This fantastic new gimbal OIS monitors Zenfone 9's every movement, in every direction, and uses that information to adjust the whole camera module in real time. It can compensate for shifts of up to +/- 3 °, so it can help smooth out even the wildest action, without optical distortion or 'ghosting'. Combined with the ultrafast autofocus technology—which focuses quickly and reacts smoothly to changes—and new EIS anti-shake algorithms, Zenfone 9 delivers super-smooth, professional-looking action shots, whatever the subject.
There's a new Light Trail (Beta) mode in addition to the Night, Pro, Panorama, Slow Motion and Timelapse modes, so users can be sure of perfect shots and video under any conditions.
Audio recording is taken to the next level in Zenfone 9. Audio HDR lets users capture every sound from the quietest to the loudest, just like the human ear. 3D Surround captures breathtakingly accurate spatial sound in natural-sounding high fidelity. And outdoors, the Wind Noise Reduction feature captures crystal-clear recordings in less-than-ideal conditions. Zenfone 9 is still equipped with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, so users don't need to worry if they don't have wireless headphones.
Zenfone 9's hand-friendly size and lightweight design make it effortless to use for any task, anywhere.
The new side-mounted ZenTouch multi-function power button makes everything easy—with just one hand! As well as one-touch unlocking with the built-in fingerprint sensor, it allows users to swipe their thumb up, down or double-click for different functions including voice-to-text, open notifications, refresh a web page, move to the top/bottom of the page, and media control.
The latest ASUS ZenUI 9 interface for Android 12 is better than ever, and has been fully optimized for one-handed use. The camera tool panel allows easier navigation of basic phone settings, and there's also an Edge tool that lets users find their favorite apps easier. A double-tap on the back can be configured to take a screenshot, open the camera, illuminate the flashlight, turn on the sound recorder, open Google Assistant, or control media playback. There's also a zoom bar scale that makes zooming in and out faster and easier.
New smart accessories
Zenfone 9 is the first phone to use our brand-new Connex modular case system. Users can start with the Connex Case, and clip Connex accessories to the pegboard-like lower half—there's a Connex Smart Stand with a kickstand that launches an app or game of your choice when you open it, and there's also a Connex Card Holder for business cards.
The Smart Backpack Mount secures Zenfone 9 to a backpack shoulder strap at the perfect height and angle for use as an action camera. Users can pop their phone in or out of the magnetic holder in just a second—there's a safety cord too—and just like Zenfone 9 it's optimized for single-handed use.
35 Comments on ASUS Reveals the All-New Zenfone 9
At least Asus managed to finally add USB 3.0 support.
Might as well just get a used OnePlus since no near-flagship or flagship has the long-lost feature set once considered necessity for a mobile.
hope they didn't make a gazillion of them right off the bat :D
We get slightly better cameras, faster processors, but hotter processors that seems to use more power to do pretty much the same things.
There hasn't been anything revolutionary when it comes to phones in years.
I recently got a Pixel 6, before the rumours of this, as I had a Zenfone 6 prior to that. Wasn't interested in the 8 due to lack of USB 3.0 support, which is a must if there's no memory card slot.
Doesn't really feel all that different in daily use, the only good thing is that Google promises decent software support for their kit, which other companies don't always. Asus has been so so software support wise.
Plus it lacks MicroSD card slot and only has up to 256GB onboard storage. 256GB is decidedly midrange these days.
An odd pairing with top of the line SoC.
At 799 euros I would expect ASUS to release Android 17 for this device, and we both know lucky if you get two years out of it.
My Galaxy S10+ Exy version is practically worthless these days. It's a laggy mess that resembles a low end phone and it's practically abandoned now.
Shame because I really like this phone, but if it starts at 799 euros I can easily see it costing about the same as an iPhone 13 Pro here in Brazil, the configuration with 16 GB of RAM is going to be unacceptably priced, even more so considered it is an Android device with extremely poor software maintenance support. I don't wanna blow a stack on a phone and rely on homebrewed ROMs from the XDA forums.
How do you know the 9 will only get two years of updates?
Asus delivered two OS updates and in general monthly security updates for my 6, but then they just dropped the ball at one point. Nothing wrong with the device as such.I don't get wireless charging. It's inefficient and slow. Is it really that hard to plug in a cable?
I just like to leave it on the charging pads in the office, at home, at night. Whenever I need to be out and about, it's always topped up. Saving 3 seconds finicking with cables 5 times a day really adds up.