Asus Zenfone 9 Review | One Month Later...

[@TechSpurt]

Thanks for watching my Zenfone 9 review, sorry it took so long! My updated round-up of the best compact phones of 2022 is coming soon, once I can be bothered to actually edit it...

[@marianrose1259]

Bring on those compacts!👏👏👏

[@Tom-lp6eo]

kevin, perry and techspurt go large 🙂

[@marcmassari3820]

I didnt catch that telegram handle

[@jfoxalen2740]

Updates just slow your phone , reduce chipset performance etc... Update only and only if u have some real problems.

[@Handynutzer]

DC dimming available on the Zenfone 9?

[@AMH_ADAM]

If only it has the 3 years software update and 4 years of security update like the rivals, I think it'd be perfect

[@nahidrahman6456]

Exactly

[@HAPPYMEGALO]

Better than one os update of Chinese phones

[@stevencen4076]

I personally didnt even need update if the version already stable. All of the update is useless just update security thing that we dont even know what that for

[@HAPPYMEGALO]

@@stevencen4076 NSO group will take the job anyway with thier virus or tool called pegasus but security updates are so important to fix the vulnerabilities against hackers and zero day attacks

[@HAPPYMEGALO]

@@stevencen4076 Pixel and Hmd nokia phones are the best when it comes to updates

[@KK-fi6ms]

After spending a couple of years with Samsung Galaxy's infernal rounded edge to edge displays, I have learned to appreciate chunky bezels.

[@TechSpurt]

Ha, that's certainly fair enough!

[@czkmeister]

Yeah, human hands weren't built for edge to edge screens. The amount of mistouches I get on my S21U is ridiculous. I hate curved and bezel-less screens now.

[@ReinoldFZ]

I got the S20 FE for that reason, it has bezels, it has a plastic body and at last I can use a smartphone without worrying about a case. It is not perfect but being able to use the screen with my hands is a priority.

[@raffyarceus99]

If the Zenfone 10 next year has symmetrical bezels, and more years of support, it's gonna be my choice

[@ullasbabu1732]

Like all years. Atleast thats my case.

[@TechSpurt]

Already looking forward to number 10!

[@paulusapfel]

The thing is, sadly you can never be sure if there will be a next year version of compact phones. So I bought the Zenfone 9 and hope I'm getting 3years security updates and that would be fine by me. I thought the asymmetric bezels would bother me, but surprisingly it's not the case at all.

[@raffyarceus99]

@@paulusapfel nice, anyway I think Asus is gonna do it, it's the second year their flagship i a compact phone

[@paulusapfel]

@@raffyarceus99 Hopefully, cause then they could make the absolute perfect compact phone. But I'm looking for a more compact phone since over a year now and finally there is a good one, so I won't wait for another year😄

[@pavichokche]

I love that because of his videos Spurt's kid is always going out and spending time with dad, going to cool places and having fun. Very wholesome

[@neneseal5182]

I got the zf9 the first day it was release, even waiting outside the store for 45min for the stock to arrive, proberly one of the first person to got the phone besides reviewers here in Hong Kong. This is a phenomenal phone and I love it but the weakest part of this phone is easily the software. I have encountered quite a few bugs where if I swipe up to go back to home screen it just shows a blank page. I have to swipe up again to actually go to home screen. Another super weird bug that I encountered is when I am using my galaxy buds pro and someone calls me, the phone emite a super weird noise that sounds like it is about to explode. It only does this when i am using my TWS though. Overall this thing is just amazing with some problem that need to be iron out. One of the best phone of the year along side the OP10t.

[@Flubberkoekje]

I've had the ZenFone 9 for 2 weeks now, and aside from the update policy it genuinely is the best smartphone I've ever used. From the size to the software experience it's just very lovely. Screen and sound are fantastic, cameras are more than good enough for me. I do miss wireless charging, but still I'll gladly recommend this phone to anyone.

[@gladbulz1]

How s the battery life holding up ?? I wanna give a shot too..

[@ycdwtv7017]

Hey man, does it announce call recording to the other person on call?

[@Lizy1337]

Gonna be honest it's one of the worst cameras I've ever had on my phone. Battery is amazing though. Lasts me two days.

[@SsoulBlade]

what do you mean by the software policy? How is the battery? Do you get by without an SD card? I am looking at the this phone, Xiaomi 12s and Sony 10 IV to replace my Xiaomi Mi A3

[@atwitinthephilippines9370]

@@SsoulBlade me too, looking to replace my Mi A3, don't seem to be any good cheap small phones currently.

[@EvilHulk]

I've had mine for a month also and still absolutely love the compactness of the device. The battery is insanely good! The screen, sound and call quality is perfect. I have had 0 issues with the phone so far. I don't use wireless charging anyways so not a big deal to me.. Maybe a SD card would of been nice. Otherwise I'm very happy with ASUS!!

[@ycdwtv7017]

Hey dude, when we record calls, does it announce the call recording warning to the other person on phone?

[@hulkhogansgianttaint9451]

Does it have front facing speakers?

[@veryinterestingpersonaliti8321]

@@hulkhogansgianttaint9451 Yes. AUSU always got it

[@veryinterestingpersonaliti8321]

@@ycdwtv7017 you need to ask ASUS

[@MrBOURBONKID2]

At 2:30 I think you mixed up something. The zenfone 9 gets 2 years of Software Support in total. And thats one of the worst software support policies in the smartphone world.

[@Angel-HC]

This would be a potential upgrade for me sometime next year when prices come down. My first Android smartphone was a Zenfone 2 back in 2015 and I loved that thing. I don't think I properly enjoyed a clean-ish Android OS again until maybe 2018 when I got my first OnePlus and I've been on the OP train since then. I figure it might be this or the OP10T next year. Software support I couldn't care less about until I find an Android phone that genuinely is improved by an OS update. So far that hasn't really been the case for me with any of my phones. They all seem to work the best for me with whatever OS they launched on.

[@Potenti4lz]

2 years having a phone is about time to upgrade it any way.

[@JayneAFK]

I was fancying the Zenfone 9, but got tempted away by the Xiaomi 12 that was on a nice deal. I'm chuffed with it, but I'm sure the Zenfone is great too.

[@Thenesrookie]

I almost did the same, but no IP rating for Dust or Water killed it for me

[@TheLurch99]

I had both of them. And sold the Xiami 12.

[@warnacokelat]

Would be great if Asus change the update policy to something like 3 years OS updates and 4 years security, minimum.

[@TechSpurt]

Yeah, that would be a great move, especially with some others like OnePlus and Nothing now offering extended support

[@ShardCollector]

And when we consider that "two major versions" mean it will be out of cycle after next year, since it already launced with a year old version 😕

[@Potenti4lz]

2 years having a phone is about time to upgrade it any way...

[@baverfjant]

@@Potenti4lz Why? I had an LG G7 from 2018 and it worked perfectly fine. Unfortunately I lost it, if I hadn't I could have easily continued using it until it died.

[@DigBickOfaGod]

Is it possible to change the length of update support

[@yvan2218]

In my opinion, this phone is good as long as the support for the software lasts. However, custom roms and OS options help make it last just a bit longer

[@Potenti4lz]

2 years having a phone is about time to upgrade it any way.

[@ASMROW]

Yes but the removed the best 2 features from the zenfone 8; the sd card slot and the LED indicator.

[@tooplanx]

Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be available anywhere on contract in the UK.

[@timbob1145]

Yep, lunacy to try to sell a phone in the UK and not work out some deals with the carriers 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I've had mine for just over a week now and I love it. The only thing I preferred in my old ZF6 was the back mounted fingerprint sensor.

[@OptimusMonk01]

Does it support auto on/off with flip covers?

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@OptimusMonk01 I have no idea, I've never used flip covers on any of my phones.

[@VelcroSnake93]

I don't know if I would call just 2 years promised of OS and security updates 'pretty bloody good' in comparison to what other companies are offering for their phones in the same price range. Heck, I think Samsung offers 4 years of both OS and security? I can probably live with just 2 years of OS updates since Android has been getting worse after Android 10 anyway (IMO), but not promising more than 2 years of security updates isn't great considering the hardware of that phone will last far longer (I know it's 2+, but that could still just mean 2).

[@ChrisHaupt]

It could just mean 2, but given that they're basically just using stock Android, updating to the latest OS is extremely low-effort on their part so I'd imagine they'll keep it up for quite a while. it's odd they didn't make a longer guarantee though, seems a bit scammy

[@jorismak]

2 years of security updates , AFTER it receives the last major version of will receive . So 2 years of security updates once we get android 14 on the device.. time will tell if they honor that.

[@leonhingston7511]

Where have you been ? First time watching one of your reviews it’s world class

[@saddamemirpratama2660]

Thank you sir for your review. I found it really helpful. Cheers from another 156/Silence fan! 🤘

[@ashdoestech]

Love the design of this phone, and the compact size makes it a great option. It’s always refreshing whenever I go back to using a phone with a smaller form factor. Great video as always 😁

[@venomtailOG]

How did you get that colour and 16GB of ram? On Asus version only boring black colour comes with 16GB of ram. Colour choices are available at 8GB models. Is there some other selection?

[@bob_smite]

As long as the C model Zenfone 9 works well with T-mobile Wifi calling, this will be my next phone. Despite the short, limited security updates, I will vote with my wallet and hope that ASUS will extend the updates. The Samsung S7, my current phone, was hugely popular and received updates for 4 years, so maybe ASUS could do the same.

[@stevenswall]

If it gets Lineage OS you may get updates for a decade.

[@Potenti4lz]

2 years having a phone is about time to upgrade it any way.

[@Mau105]

I think the carrier determines support for WiFi calling, T mobile not problem, ATT definite no

[@bob_smite]

I'm not a man of my word 😭 I got an S22 cuz I wanted a a small phone and my S7 was dying. I should've gotten the ZF9 or S23. I wasn't sure if the ZF9 was full featured on TMobile.

[@luffyuzumaki3680]

Still watching reviews with my poco f1 and it still does a fine job overall. I guess my upgrades got to be the zenfone 9. Thanks for the great review.

[@ravindranbaskar8666]

We are sailing in the same ship😂i to had poco f1 it's been 3 and half years i may switch to this phone

[@iluvcakes19]

Still needs expandable storage and this would be an insta-buy.

[@lukenycz7967]

I wish the notifications on the pull down panel werent so big. They take up so much space especially on such a compact device.

[@RealMTBAddict]

I have one in the mail right now. Upgrading from my S9 Plus, should be much better! As for people complaining about 2 years of updates nobody is going to hack you. My S9 hasn't been updated since 2020 and no hacks. Everyone needs to relax.

[@Voidkitty_]

Small+headphone jack=literally the only phone that fits my needs (i can't wait my a13 cries everytime i open a browser)

[@trilexi]

Been using this phone for 2 weeks, so far I love it but i've got quite a lot of bugs, and that's my only complain (pocket mode doesn't work great, always call random people when in my pocket)

[@sloppynyuszi]

I still don’t know why Google can’t find an independent and easy way for people to upgrade their OS and security patches. Hypothetically the last few LG flagships should still run the latest Android pretty easily based on specs, but it’s now basically E waste, because LG has no incentive to update them. This would be profitable for Google since people use their services

[@artofverity8791]

Just bought it. 5.9" would be great except the 20:9 aspect ratio is really tall so it's about as wide as a old 5.5" screen. I regret not getting the s23, because Samsung don't use the dumb new giant quick settings buttons, as in stock Android 12 & 13

[@LeahUK]

This would have easily being my next buy, but that 2 year update is such a letdown.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Nobody is going to hack you

[@duderRechthat]

@@RealMTBAddict But after a couple years some apps dont support older android versions anymore

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@duderRechthat More like 8 years.

[@azurpazur]

I love your funny but still professional reviews

[@Aaptronym]

The USBC port being USB 2.0 is a deal breaker for me.

[@reasonitician]

Thanks, this really helped me

[@TatianaBalashova]

thank you for the review!

[@kane2369]

I think the roaming issues you were having is because Rome is in Italy, not Germany 🤣 But srsly been looking to this specific review for a while. Thanks spurtle, I choose you!

[@nfsdanz]

I do generally prefer this to the Samsung S22 but it is a shame that it doesn’t have a telephoto camera.

[@krisgormley621]

Thanks Chris! I was typing "it's between this and the Xperia 5..." when you went and mentioned that the Xperia has issues. Hmm. Will you be reviewing it at some point?

[@AdxmTS]

Yeah for me it's between this and the Xperia 5 IV, but as mentioned it does indeed suffer with cooling problems. That as well as having the slower less efficient cpu compared to the Zenfone 9 however the Sony might be able to fulfill camera needs a bit better and it can wireless charge

[@michalksi2377]

@@AdxmTS watch mrmobile review of sony

[@mistersoeciale2817]

I’ve been using the ZenFone 9 for almost a month now. “It’s a great phone and I love it. However what annoys me the most about this phone is that somehow it tends to unlock itself while in my pocket and ends up changing my settings even though I have pocket mode turned on. I’m not sure why this happens, could be a software bug. Ive already had to go revert my settings back to what I had set before. I think Asus needs to improve on the pocket mode.

[@wilsonjr5763]

My Zenfone 8 has the same problem, sometimes it has made calls in my pocket or messed with the settings, this is ridiculous! I thought about replacing it with Zenfone 9, but your review made me see that it remains uncorrected and the problem is not just on my unit. Thinking of switching to the Iphone 13 mini, unfortunately it is the only compact that I could adapt to.

[@mistersoeciale2817]

@@wilsonjr5763 I have disabled face unlock in the hopes that this will solve the problem, but that didn't work. I realise that the phone always unlocks itself when it goes to magnification mode (triple tap), so I conclude that somehow Asus' software allows the phone to unlock itself in my pcoket during magnified mode. Asus, if you're listening, please fix this problem. I've butt called many friends, had my background n important settings changed unknowingly, really annoying. This is a true setback from an otherwise almost perfect phone.

[@wilsonjr5763]

@@mistersoeciale2817 it's disappointing as Asus doesn't fix the issues, don't expect too much from them. I like the phone a lot, but these problems made me let go of it. Do you happen to think about getting the 13 mini?

[@mistersoeciale2817]

@@wilsonjr5763 the iPhone 13 mini is a great phone. My wife is using one but the battery life on this phone is quite bad. So it depends on your needs. Personally I like small phones but I use certain widgets a lot and the iOS widgets just don’t allow me to use the widgets well. So for me it has to be android for now.

[@wilsonjr5763]

@@mistersoeciale2817 Gosh, now I'm sad about that. How many screen hours does your wife's iphone 13 mini have screen?

[@Scorpic13]

What about the wear on the back? Marques had some really bad wear and tear after just a few days. Did the white one do any better?

[@gabrielpopov607]

Does it have something like dual apps or anything similar so you can run two instances of one app at a time?

[@YouAreBreathing]

I don't know if it's because Asus bodged the Zenfone 9's U.S. release, or it's because of the global pandemic and all it's problems, but it's taken me about two weeks from purchasing the Zenfone 9 on a third-party website to go from purchased to shipping (today I got a tracking number). This phone better be worth the wait.

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Good review as always, seems like a capable little phone.

[@marianrose1259]

So wish there were more petite phones on the market. This is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous👍

[@TechSpurt]

Definitely, it's a rather slender selection if you want a phone around 6-inches

[@kykki506]

really cool how they still kept the headphone jack though-

[@MrSwiss313]

The bezel and update policy bother me, still thinking about getting it once the price drops.

[@wscott9779]

I can accept only two OS updates. However anything less than three years of security updates is a deal breaker.

[@veryinterestingpersonaliti8321]

You buy more they update more…

[@WavyyyWonder]

just subscribed! zenfone 9 or z flip 4?

[@shycreation9418]

"Happier than a dog hungerly chowin down on its own ass". Such a poet

[@AlexLectures]

Thanks for making this video! I thought about buying this phone until I heard you say that ASUS would only guarantee software updates for two years. What a joke.

[@floshi6519]

A world of tech KZbinrs and none of them make a battery drain test on the Zenfone 9.

[@Venryx]

GSM Arena does standardized battery drain tests for tons of phones, and the Zenfone 9 is one of them. (spoiler: it scores well!)

[@floshi6519]

@@Venryx Very helpful, thank you my friend.

[@gerardoquintero6304]

Awsome love compact phones i hope to see more

[@fotodivision]

No way if signal coverage is poor. What do you think ?would you choose the pixel 7 or the Zenfone 9? Great review 👏👏👏👏

[@johannesziaether3916]

I am lost I don't know what to buy lol but ig imma go for the Pixel for longer software support and better cameras

[@ZeroStako]

Few years back, I made the bad choice of getting the Xperia 1II instead of the Zenfone 8. I'd decided to wait out the 9 before I decide how to move on further. I think I'm done with Sony for awhile after this video. Not only a great phone, but one that comes in blue. Brilliant. Thanks a lot for the vid!

[@Yellowredstone]

To be honest, the headphone jack is what sold me. It is such a ridiculous decision to remove it and I will buy it based on that alone. It may even be by first premium phone, it has everything I need and it's not much bigger than my current phone.

[@wajahattaj]

Video is good, but you missed the macro mood camera, 😞

[@Andyhandle]

Only 2 years of OS updates? It's such a shame that it's so poor. Apple gives 6-7 years, Samsung 4 years for some flagships. I'd go for an Asus phone if they they at least did 3 but ideally 4 years of updates.

[@jimsta131]

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

[@jeffpovey8168]

Cheers spurt-chops...I caved and bought one. It arrived yesterday. Possibly the best phone I have owned. Just wish there was a bigger range of cases and accessories available. I have slapped a screen protector on it, and bought a condom case (the included case doesn't offer much protection IMHO)

[@mrgrumpyjinx]

The big disgusting back cameras design ruine this for me! I really miss phones with a good small back camera

[@atmaanu4825]

Isn't it funny that ASUS made the chonkiest smartphone with their ROG phone, but also made the most compact smartphone with their zenfone.

[@jvm-tv]

They target niche market rather than competing with the big boys over mainstream specs

[@MrSaeedted]

No SD card slot? That is very sad

[@paulusapfel]

I don't know if this are stock android features but there are some pretty nice additions in the software like the music gestures (back, forth, play/pause) on the turned off display or the outdoor volume control. So this could be my most favorite android "ui" at all.

[@makeshmadhu4480]

Used zenfone 3, 6z and most durable and smooth phone ever i used in my life. Now watching this video on my 6z. Quality is always there when it comes to asus.

[@stanleyipkiss7133]

I don't think Xperia 5 IV is comparable to this. Based on the price range, this should be compared to 10 IV maybe?

[@LosPompadores]

The Asus software is always buggy. Only two years of updates is really not acceptable though. That's a real shame

[@vibingwithvinyl]

Apparently they will prolong that.

[@tonosama410]

I've had my Zenfone 9 for about 3 weeks and now I've gone back to the Zenfone 8 for these reasons. The "9" has inferior speakers, no FM radio and no notification LED. Could you run a couple of side by side tests on speaker quality and battery life for me please and give me your opinion. Thanks very much.

[@veryinterestingpersonaliti8321]

The speaker is better. And the battery life is MUCH better.

[@misiek_pmt]

double ass tap, love this guy

[@kimlarsen3888]

What's that little Hot Air Balloon icon? Can't seem to find the answer anywhere. Thanks, Kim

[@jsmith498]

All phones should be this size. I've recently returned a Nokia and a Samsung for being just too big to use. I've been using phones one handed for 22 years. I'm not going to stop now because of ridiculous new designs. (Typed on my Xperia XZ1)

[@aquibpeerzade7568]

The sales this phone would have got if only it launched in India.

[@pamelajessup7931]

I'd prefer if they made it more mid range, even if reducing the spec a bit. A $200 knock off would be perfect!

[@omairkhan8189]

Personally I would have preferred the red model because I am a sucker for bright shiny colours.. And hes sat in a black and white room

[@MundoOval]

Thought of selling my Galaxy S22 to get one of these, but at this point I would have to put on some money in addition to what my used S22 is worth. I would do that mainly because the shit battery life on the S22, but guess I will have to stick with it for a couple of years

[@michalksi2377]

Same here. s22 256 exynos. Only thing u win is battery life. U loose in photo big time, get smaller dimmer and worse screen in the same body just bulkier. If Samsung didn't fuck up battery it would have been the full gem.

[@czkmeister]

I fear that he update policy is killing this device for so many people. 2 years of security patches is miserable, even Xiaomi with it's sub-brands can do better.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

ZF9 has apparently been selling quite well though, so Asus is considering extending software support.

[@RenatoFontes]

I'm looking for a phone that does low light selfies as good and as fast as my Huawei P30 used to. Any recommendations?

[@AbeShoots]

Definitely not this one... Might be the worst camera I have ever had on any phone

[@hasnayensalman2697]

Got one brand new for $999.99 at My World Phone.

[@DaveCorbey]

Video looks very over saturated, which is a shame.

[@polodoskyz]

what's your opinion about the cases that are available to it?

[@pysab]

If only it was cheaper...or even a cheaper model like Google does with the Pixels

[@p0licenthieves]

Bucket hats are the most practical hats

[@joyanoy]

Does zenfone 9 have the battery charge limitter in settings like the 8?

[@markusk1144]

It does

[@rafaeltavares6928]

How do you review phones, but don't know how the roaming settings work?

[@YoMateo.]

Whoever's reading this, i pray that whatever you're going through gets better and whatever you're struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen

[@aniTALK47]

Kindly tell me about the app you use for your funky wallpapers

[@alejandroprieto7973]

I have the phone over a month and the only issue is that pictures aren't of the best quality unfortunately. Other than that is ok

[@maximum8414]

This phone is a dream, I've got to test it out and man I wish I could just rob it off. Love the compact design and Aesthetics, with that, the power it contains to just ride everything and juggle games like it was nothing. And I must say, for a compact phone the heating was very well dealt with. And not to say the most blessed thing of all, the headphone jack. The only cons of this device would prolly be it's support of only 2 years... And Asus software as well as it isn't the most polished software out there. The non expandable storage is quite a dissapoinment as youd think something with so much ram and power you would shove in a PC worth of storage. If those were fixed and improved I would absolutely cream over this phone.

[@captainso]

In my opinion the zenfone 5z was the best overall in terms of looks, feel, size and the fingerprint sensor in the back which was super fast. I hope the 10 is similar

[@capuman]

Dude I've been waiting...for a month 😅 for this review! Hoping to get one soon to replace my s22 plus...rubbish battery and over heats too much.

[@michalksi2377]

S22+ still has better battery than my s22. :)

[@yahyabinsarfaraz]

I'm desperately waiting for this phone

[@MartinStrazynski]

Seems like a lot of these issues are software related (even that roaming bit). I'm seeing this as a top LineageOS prospect. But, I don't purchase phones based on 3rd party OS and potential. :-/

[@yohaneschristianp]

I did though, but to be honest just not at this price

[@yastech7183]

I'll be grabbing this in 2 years time for cheap and using lineage. currently on an 10e!

[@twisterNL]

Back at Asus: Hey Mike you want a telefoto in this phone !? Mike: Nope thats twat m8 !

[@FulaniTribesman]

Love this guy. Humor is crazy. 😂

[@ycdwtv7017]

Does it have Google dialer that announce call recording to the other person? Please answer 🙏

[@amaljoe367]

It is compact, but isn't compact enough. Android deserves something like the iPhone mini.

[@michalksi2377]

Had (and still have) s10e. It's perfect compact, still works like a rocket although s22 is my main now

[@RealMTBAddict]

I love it. Better than any Samsung out there. I hate massive phones. This smaller size makes the battery last longer, and it's strong! And it has a headphone jack! You're crying about scratches? Get a glass screen protector. I also love the quick camera access by tapping the power button twice. And that can be changed. Most people don't need a sd card slot, why would you with 128gb of storage? You need to have 50 movies on your phone? And I just got a system update 30 minutes ago. I probably will stay with Asus forever. My main PC is an Asus I built myself as well as my laptop.

[@TheDeathstar2000]

I'm on a galaxy S8 and I have been tempted by the zenfone 9 the past 2 months, and if the second sim slot was interchangeaeble with a micro SD card I probably would order one now. Another phone that almost got me is the Sony Xperia 5 IV which has a micro SD Card reader, a 5000mAh battery, a beautiful screen without a notch, good camera software and even DisplayOut through USB-C(something that the Zenfone 9 lacks). However, I read the Xperia 5 IV has overheating issues after 1 minute of camera usage, and its SoC is the less power efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which may not be an issue for the 5000 mAh battery but causes the performance to drop to an half after a minute. If the Sony Xperia had the 8+ Gen 1 SoC(like the Zenfone 9) or if the Zenfone 9 had and SD card reader(like the Xperia) I would have bought one of the two but I guess I'll wait and see what the Galaxy S23 will have to offer, hoping the compact S23 will have better battery life and more storage than its predecessor. Camera wise all these phones are great but the Zenfone is inconsistent according to your review (and the ones of many other reviewers) and the Xperia lacks a night mode

[@jasperyoung2466]

I’m on this exact scenario. I’d go with the Zenfone 9 tho. The Xperia’s hot chip is a definite no-go.

[@timfagan816]

Madness you still have the s8+. I still have mine too. But I dropped it, and completely smashed the screen, and the power button stopped working unfortunately. I need to get it fixed. I think it's the best looking s phone Samsung made. I also still have my s6 edge. 128gb rose gold one. That needs fixing too. Would be nice to chop and change between my s21 ultra, s8+ and s6 edge from time to time as my dailies. Oh I also have an s10+ too I need to get fixed. The digitalizer stopped working and it won't recognize that I'm pressing the screen.

[@ullasbabu1732]

@@timfagan816 why not switch sides. Not drop proof. But lesser hardware issues expected.

[@th3ch0z3n]

The Xperia also costs about a billion pounds

[@TheDeathstar2000]

@@timfagan816 I have the Samsung Galaxy S8. Not the S8+. I am still using it today and I really like this phone but sadly it can't keep up with everything I am trying to use it for and it slows down and straight up lags and crashes apps if I open too many at the same time, which I need to do. My Galaxy S8 is not going anywhere, I'll buy a Galaxy S23 or S23 Ultra but I'll make sure my S8 doesn't get a fat battery, by checking the charge and turning it on every now and then, and overall I'll make sure to keep it in good conditions. I like its notchless/no-hole punch/no "on screen camera" design and it served me well all those years, and it still does every day up to its limits.

[@seabird2977]

Does this phone come with access to the Google play store unlike some of the other builds?

[@rach-n-lloyd]

where can you get hold of it in the UK? Seen it on Amazon for a grand, I was hoping it would be less than that.

[@SibTiger33]

Direct from Asus website

[@cmooris]

Anybody else in the UK been waiting forever for their zenfone 9 to be shipped to them? I pre-ordered mine on August 22nd from the Asus website and I'm yet to get any update on having the device sent to me and logging into my orders on the website. It's still stating that the order is "processing" My current phone is on deaths door and I honestly didn't think I'd be waiting this long especially when so many others seem to have already received theirs.