Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Zenfone 11 Ultra. These two phones represent different design philosophies from Asus, and while they share a brand name, they're aimed at different user segments. I'll break it down with a focus on what really matters: how these specs translate into your day-to-day experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, complete with the real-world implications for users:
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Zenfone 9 is significantly more compact; 11 Ultra is noticeably larger, might be harder for one-handed use |
| Weight | 169g | 224g | Zenfone 9 is much lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. Zenfone 11 Ultra is heavier, could be a potential strain |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.78" | Zenfone 9 excels at one-handed usability, the 11 Ultra for immersive media and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer crisp, sharp visuals, though the higher pixel density on Zenfone 9 should provide slightly better sharpness |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 445 | 388 | Zenfone 9 will have a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors, excellent contrast, deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | 11 Ultra will feel marginally smoother in animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 2500 | 11 Ultra is dramatically better for outdoor visibility, even under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 11 Ultra offers noticeably faster processing and improved gaming and multitasking performance; |
| Antutu Score | 1,232,500 | 1,532,000 | 11 Ultra is significantly more powerful, resulting in smoother operations and faster app loading |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | 11 Ultra will handle more graphics intensive apps with ease |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.9, IMX890 | Zenfone 9 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance; 11 Ultra uses a newer, potentially better sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, IMX663 | 32MP, f/2.5, OV32C | 11 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera, though Zenfone 9 may still perform better with larger sensor |
| Telephoto lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | 11 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens, offering better zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 IMX363 | 13MP, f/2.2 | 11 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle lens; Zenfone 9 has a combination wide angle + macro lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Similar high-quality video capabilities on both. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile (125) | Only 11 Ultra was tested |
| Features | Dual Camera, Gimbal | Triple camera, Ominidirectional PDAF | 11 Ultra features a more versatile camera setup, with dedicated lenses |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5500mAh | 11 Ultra should have significantly longer battery life; 28% larger battery capacity |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 65W fast charging | 11 Ultra will charge much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 15W | 11 Ultra offers additional wireless charging options |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 16) | 11 Ultra will have access to new Android features longer than Zenfone 9 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | 11 Ultra has latest Wi-Fi standards resulting in faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | 11 Ultra has latest Bluetooth version |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | 11 Ultra has more internal storage options |
| RAM | 8/16 GB | 12/16 GB | Both phones should have no issues with multitasking |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Strengths:
- Compact Size: Its primary strength is its highly pocketable and one-hand-friendly design.
- Sharp Display: Offers a noticeably sharper display due to a high pixel density for its screen size.
- Good Audio: Features high-quality audio playback with a 3-microphone array for better call clarity.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Quick and reliable biometric security.
- Competitive Advantage: The most powerful compact phone on the market, appealing to those who prioritize portability and one-handed usability without sacrificing performance.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller display for media consumption and productivity tasks.
- Lesser battery capacity, so you may need to charge more often.
- Lacks a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Large, Bright Display: Ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, with outstanding brightness for outdoor use.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a significant boost in speed and efficiency.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated lenses provide a more flexible photography experience.
- Longer Battery Life: Large battery capacity, supplemented with fast charging and wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantage: The all-rounder phone, excelling in display, performance, camera and battery life, appealing to a broader audience.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly larger and heavier, which is less comfortable to handle and less pocketable.
- Lower pixel density compared to Zenfone 9
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Zenfone 9 is best for:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Those who prefer a smaller, more discreet device.
- Individuals who need a powerful device for daily tasks but don't want a large phone.
- Users who want excellent audio quality in calls.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra is best for:
- Users who want a large, immersive display for gaming and media.
- Power users who require top performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatility and better zoom capabilities in a camera.
- Those who value longer battery life and faster charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider before making your choice:
- What is your priority for display size and portability?
- If small and pocketable: Choose the Zenfone 9.
- If immersive screen is priority: Choose the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- What are your primary use cases and priorities for performance, battery life and camera?
- If the priority is daily use, long battery, versatile camera: Choose the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- If the priority is portability with a less demanding phone: Choose the Zenfone 9.
- What level of camera versatility are you looking for?
- If a versatile camera system is a priority: Choose the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- If a single main sensor is adequate: Choose the Zenfone 9.
My Choice and Why
Personally, if I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Here's why:
- Performance: As a tech journalist and analyst, I regularly use my phone for heavy multitasking and testing demanding applications. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the 11 Ultra will be noticeable and valuable for this.
- Display: I enjoy watching videos and playing games on my phone, and the larger, brighter display of the 11 Ultra is just fantastic.
- Camera Versatility: Having a dedicated telephoto lens is essential for my use-case of capturing images from different distances, and a wide-angle is also quite useful to have.
- Battery Life: A larger battery and fast charging are essential for my workflow, where I may not always have access to a power outlet.
While I do appreciate the Zenfone 9’s compact design and portability, the 11 Ultra's improvements in performance, display, and camera capabilities, along with battery life, are far too beneficial for me to ignore. I would be willing to trade the smaller size for the extra benefits it provides.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Both phones offer excellent features and are well-made, but they cater to different users.
