Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Asus Zenfone 9
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2022-09-15 | The Asus Zenfone 9 is significantly newer, likely featuring more recent technologies and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, not foldables. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is much smaller and more pocketable. The Zenfone 9 is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 135g | 169g | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.4" | 5.9" | The Zenfone 9 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays, but the slight difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 476 PPI | 445 PPI | The iPhone 12 mini's display is slightly sharper, though the difference may not be noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies provide excellent contrast and colors. Differences are marginal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Zenfone 9's display is much smoother for scrolling and gaming, providing a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | The iPhone 12 mini is slightly brighter, which may be beneficial in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Zenfone 9 has a newer and more powerful chip, offering better performance in demanding tasks and gaming, also more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,232,500 | The Zenfone 9 demonstrates better benchmark performance, which translates to faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Both GPUs are capable, but the Adreno 730 in the Zenfone 9 is generally more powerful for graphically intense tasks and modern gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm pixel size | The Zenfone 9 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light performance than the iPhone. The iPhone has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm pixel size | Both have similar resolution, but the iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture. The Zenfone 9 has larger sensor and larger pixel size |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel size | None | The iPhone 12 mini offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel size | The Zenfone 9 has a wide angle lens that can also take macro shots, useful for capturing close-up details. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | The Zenfone 9 has higher video resolution and electronic image stabilization (EIS), capable for more professional-quality video recording. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Main: 117, Photo: 128, Video: 129 | - | The iPhone 12 Mini scored 117 overall in DXOMark which is pretty decent, the Asus Zenfone 9 has no score yet. |
| DXOMark Selfie | Main: 132, Photo: 127, Video: 140 | - | The iPhone 12 Mini scored 132 overall in DXOMark which is pretty good, the Asus Zenfone 9 has no score yet. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4300mAh | The Zenfone 9 has a much larger battery, likely leading to significantly longer battery life compared to the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Zenfone 9 charges faster than the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Wireless Charging | Non-removable | The iPhone 12 mini supports convenient wireless charging options, while the Zenfone 9's only advantage in battery is its faster charging and larger capacity for longer use. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 12 (Upgradable to Android 14) | iOS and Android provide different user experience, based on the ecosystem preference. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, dual band, Wi-Fi MIMO | Wi-Fi 6, dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MIMO | Both have the most recent WiFi technology, the Asus has additional features for wifi sharing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, AVRCP, HID, LE, OPP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The Zenfone 9 offers newer Bluetooth technology with higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone 9 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The iPhone has an extra feature of eSIM for convenience. |
| Storage | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The iPhone offers higher storage capacity up to 512GB which is great for content creators, but both do not offer expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/16 GB | The Zenfone 9 provides significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking, especially for gamers. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Asus has features for more advanced audio and noise cancellation. |
| Security | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Asus has a fingerprint sensor, which is better for security. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone has a higher durability screen with corning gorilla glass victus. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Both have comprehensive sensor suites but the Zenfone has fingerprint sensor as additional biometric feature, the iphone has a barometer for air pressure sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size and Light Weight: Significantly smaller and lighter, offering exceptional portability and comfortable one-handed use. Ideal for those who prefer small devices.
- Slightly Higher Display Brightness: Better visibility in direct sunlight, which is useful for outdoor use.
- MagSafe and Qi Wireless Charging: Offers more convenient wireless charging options for those in the Apple ecosystem.
- eSIM Support: Convenient digital carrier switching and easy management of dual SIM functionality.
- DXOMARK scores: Camera scored high on DXOMARK, while the Asus has no scores, however, its important to note these scores are subjective and dependent on user preference.
- Higher Storage Options: Maximum internal storage options can reach 512GB
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers significantly better performance in demanding applications and gaming.
- Smoother 120Hz Display: Provides a more fluid experience for everyday use, particularly noticeable when gaming or scrolling.
- Much Larger Battery: Offers substantially longer battery life, reducing the need to frequently recharge.
- Faster Charging: Charges more quickly, reducing the downtime for charging.
- Higher Camera Resolution and Sensor Size: Captures more detail with its 50MP camera and performs better in low light conditions.
- Wide Angle + Macro: Offers versatility in photography with its wide angle and macro capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports higher video resolutions for professional-quality content creation.
- More RAM: Ensures smoother multitasking, particularly noticeable when playing graphic-intensive games.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better audio fidelity with newer codecs.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers quicker biometric security.
- Better screen protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size: The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and lighter, which is good for portability but not ideal for media consumption. The Zenfone 9 has a larger screen, better for media, but not as easy to use one handed.
- Battery Life: The iPhone 12 mini has much smaller battery and less battery life compared to the Zenfone 9.
- Display Smoothness: The iPhone 12 mini is restricted to a 60hz refresh rate while the Zenfone 9 is 120hz.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize compact size and portability: Those who want a small phone that fits comfortably in a pocket and is easy to use with one hand.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem who appreciate seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Users who value a smooth user experience with an easier UI: Users who prefer the simplicity of iOS and don't require high spec performance from their phone.
- Those who need wireless charging options: Users who like to take advantage of Apple's ecosystem with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for convenience.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 mini:
- Easy and quick communication: Ideal for quick calls and texts due to its portability.
- Light tasks on the go: Suitable for browsing the web, checking emails, and social media while commuting.
- Simple photography: Perfect for casual photography and quick snaps, especially with the wide-angle lens.
Asus Zenfone 9 Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other intensive tasks.
- Media Consumers: Those who prefer a larger screen for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games.
- Power Users: Users who need long battery life to last through a full day without needing to recharge.
- Those who value better video: Ideal for users that are into mobile content creation.
- Users who like features: Ideal for users who prefer more settings and features on a device.
Specific Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 9:
- Gaming: Its 120Hz refresh rate and powerful processor make it excellent for mobile gaming.
- Content Creation: The 8K video recording, combined with stabilization, is great for video production.
- Heavy Multitasking: Ample RAM for running multiple apps simultaneously, great for work.
- On-The-Go Entertainment: Ideal for users who enjoy streaming movies and shows due to its large battery and high refresh rate.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is your priority: Portability or Performance?
- If portability and one-handed use are crucial, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice.
- If you need the highest performance and don't mind a slightly bigger device, the Zenfone 9 is superior.
How important is battery life for you?
- If you need a phone that will comfortably last a full day with heavy use, the Zenfone 9's much larger battery is essential.
- If you are okay with charging frequently or have a lighter usage pattern, the iPhone 12 mini might suffice.
Which ecosystem are you more invested in?
- If you heavily use other Apple products and services, the iPhone 12 mini provides better integration.
- If you are open to Android and want more customization options, the Zenfone 9 may be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the commuter who prefers light use: Choose the iPhone 12 mini for its portability and easy one handed use.
- For the mobile gamer or content creator: The Zenfone 9 is the better choice due to its performance, video and features.
- For the person who wants the newest tech: Choose the Zenfone 9 as it is the newer phone and has superior technology in some categories like refresh rate, and processor.
- For the person who values a phone that lasts all day: Choose the Zenfone 9 because of its large battery capacity and better battery life
Personal Recommendation
If I had to choose, I would go with the Asus Zenfone 9. While I appreciate the portability of the iPhone 12 mini, the significantly better battery life, smoother 120Hz display, more powerful processor, and superior camera features of the Zenfone 9 are more important for my typical usage. As a moderate gamer, someone who enjoys watching videos on my phone, and someone who uses my phone all day, the Zenfone 9's strengths align better with my needs and preferences. Also, while the iPhone has a good DXOMARK score, the Zenfone 9 having no score could be an indication of a better camera, this is, however subjective. The size difference is also not too dramatic and is something I can get used to over time.
