Asus Zenfone 9: what we understand and what we wish to see

If you’re a fan of little phones, then the Asus Zenfone line of Android mobiles is most likely currently on your radar. The next one we’re anticipating is the Asus Zenfone 9, and it might be occurring at any time now.

This is the awaited follower to the Asus Zenfone 8, which we saw in May 2021, and it might likewise come along with a Flip edition like that mobile did.

We’ve begun to hear Asus Zenfone 9 reports, however they’re not coming thick and quickly like the iPhone 14 leakages are, so it’s unclear whether it’ll be coming right away or in the more remote future.

We’re gathering all the leakages and reports we become aware of the Zenfone 9 in the meantime, and you can discover them listed below, together with a wish-list of all the important things we wish to see in the approaching Android.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next flagship Android from Asus
• When is it out? We do not understand – ideally quickly
• How much will it cost Likely around$629(approximately ₤425/ AU$769)

Asus Zenfone 9: release date and cost

We do not understand when the Asus Zenfone 9 will go on sale – that’s because, while a lot of mobiles get released yearly, the Zenfone 9 is late to that schedule.

The Zenfone 8 household released in May 2021, though it took a couple of months to go on sale. We ‘d have anticipated the Zenfone 9 by this point if it was sticking to a rough yearly schedule.

The Zenfone 8 expense $629(around ₤425/ AU$769), and we would not anticipate the brand-new variation to come at much of a various rate. Possibly the 9 might be a touch more affordable or more expensive, however not by much.

If you’ve got more cash to burn, we might see a Flip variation too which would be more costly and have a turning electronic camera service – we’ll need to see.

Asus Zenfone 9: leakages and reports

We’ve just actually heard one significant Asus Zenfone 9 leakage – however it’s an enormous one, as a marketing video for the phone has actually dripped out.

So obviously the phone has a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, a 4,300 mAh battery, 2 rear electronic cameras (among which has a gimbal function), a side-mounted finger print scanner, a 5.9-inch 120 Hz screen, a 3.5 mm earphone jack and an IP68 ranking for defense. Oh, and it’ll obviously can be found in red, black, cream and blue tones.

It’s an odd video – the music is so uncomfortable that we can’t assist however seem like it’s a rough cut or comparable – however this offers us great deals of details about the phone.

Asus Zenfone 9: what we wish to see

Here’s what we wish to see in the Asus Zenfone 9 in order for it to be a good upgrade.

A telephoto lens

Despite the high rate, the Asus Zenfone 8 didn’t have a flagship selection of electronic cameras – mostly, it does not have a telephoto zoom lens.

This indicates that, if you wish to focus when you’re taking an image, it does so with digital zoom, or cropping. It’s a weak spot in the Zenfone’s photography chops that suggests it can’t take on some same-price competitors.

A lower cost

The Zenfone 8 had a cost that abstained in between mid-range and top-end, however its specifications definitely fell under the previous – its battery and cam specifications particularly felt more like a mid-range phone.

We hope the Zenfone 9 repairs that, either by bumping up the specifications so the phone is more top-end, or by having a lower cost so that it’s a competitive mid-ranger.

Improved battery life

We discovered the Asus Zenfone 8’s battery life crappy, as its 4,000 mAh power pack didn’t keep the gadget lasting for long.

If the previously mentioned leakage is proper, the Zenfone 9 will get a 4,300 mAh battery – however likewise a more extensive processor, so that bigger battery may not cause a longer battery life.

We ‘d like to see an even larger battery than 4,300 mAh, or possibly some other optimizations, to ensure the phone lasts enough time.

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Tom’s function in the TechRadar group is to focus on phones and tablets, however he likewise handles other tech like electrical scooters, smartwatches, physical fitness, mobile video gaming and more. He is based in London, UK.

He finished in American Literature and Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. Prior to operating in TechRadar freelanced in tech, video gaming and home entertainment, and likewise invested several years working as a mixologist. Beyond TechRadar he operates in movie as a film writer, director and manufacturer.