Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. This is going to be a fun one, as these two phones represent very different approaches to smartphone design and priorities.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-15 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Pro is significantly newer, meaning more modern tech and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | 162.6 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | The Zenfone 9 is much more compact, better for one-handed use. The Pura 70 Pro is larger and more imposing. |
| Weight | 169g | 220g | The Zenfone 9 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro has a much larger screen, great for media and multitasking. Zenfone 9 prioritizes portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro offers a sharper, more detailed picture. |
| Pixel Density | 445 PPI | 460 PPI | Both have very sharp displays, with the Pura 70 Pro being slightly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, differences are minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Pro is vastly brighter, especially noticeable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Zenfone 9 uses a more modern, more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,232,500 | 869,707 | The Zenfone 9 delivers significantly faster performance and smoother operation for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Maleoon 910 | The Zenfone 9’s GPU provides a performance advantage for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro should offer longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 100W Fast | Pura 70 Pro charges much faster, getting you back to full power quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse, Wireless | Pura 70 Pro offers more versatile charging options (wireless, reverse) |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | Pura 70 Pro has a wider aperture and larger sensor for better low-light performance and more background blur. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.4, Unknown, Unknown | Pura 70 Pro has a slightly better selfie camera on paper with a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | Both offer wide-angle capture, the Zenfone's also does macro but the Pura's does not. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 4K, slow-motion 960fps | Zenfone 9 supports higher-resolution video, but the Pura 70 Pro offers better slow-motion capture. |
| Features | Gimbal OIS | Ultra Stable Video | Zenfone 9 has a gimbal, for a unique stabilization while the Pura 70 has a more advanced system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradeable to 14 | Unknown/likely based on Android | Zenfone 9 uses a standard Android build, Pura 70 Pro uses a proprietary OS based on Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have the same Wi-Fi Standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have the same standard but the Zenfone 9 supports more Bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | Multi-System | Multi-System | Both have excellent GPS systems, however, the Zenfone 9 supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Pura 70 Pro offers much more storage options for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 8/16GB | 12GB | Zenfone 9 offers slightly more RAM for the highest configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Noise Cancelling | Dolby Atmos | Zenfone 9 focuses on audio fidelity, while Pura 70 Pro focuses on spatial audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic Sensor | The Zenfone 9 has a more convenient, side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Zenfone 9 has known reliable glass protection, while the Pura's is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Pura 70 Pro includes an additional RGB sensor for light and color. |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 9 Strengths:
- Compact Powerhouse: The Zenfone 9 is designed for those who value one-handed usability and portability without compromising on performance.
- Exceptional Performance: Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU offer superior processing power and smooth gaming experiences.
- Audio Focus: Hi-Res audio support, a noise-canceling mic, and 3 microphones highlight its attention to audio quality.
- Unique Stabilization: The inclusion of a Gimbal OIS is rare and should offer a unique take on image stabilization.
- Mature Software: Uses a more mature, widely-tested Android OS.
- Proven Durability: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Immersive Display: The larger, brighter display with higher resolution is ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Battery and Charging: Offers longer battery life with a larger capacity and much faster charging, plus wireless options.
- Advanced Camera System: The combination of a larger main sensor, telephoto lens, and wide-angle lens provides greater versatility and better low-light performance.
- More Storage Options: Offers much more storage options for users who want to keep media locally.
- Ultra Stable Video: Offers a more advanced form of stabilization for smoother videos.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Zenfone 9: Smaller screen, lower display brightness, no telephoto camera, potentially shorter battery life, less storage options.
- Pura 70 Pro: Larger, heavier design, uses a less powerful and less efficient chip, no expandable storage, unknown software situation.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 9: Best For...
- Power Users on the Go: People who prioritize performance, responsiveness, and one-handed usability.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality audio for music, calls, and recordings.
- Gamers: Those who want powerful performance in a pocketable device.
- People who prefer a more standard android user experience.
Use Cases: Fast-paced gaming sessions, on-the-go productivity, listening to music with high fidelity, creating social media content with excellent stabilization.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Best For...
- Media Lovers: Users who prioritize a large, vibrant screen for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with excellent low-light capabilities and optical zoom.
- Heavy Users: People who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want more internal storage.
Use Cases: Watching movies and shows, capturing professional-looking photos and videos, using for extended periods without worrying about battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What is your priority: One-handed comfort or display size? If portability is key, the Zenfone 9 is the clear choice. If you love a big screen, the Pura 70 Pro is a better fit.
Do you value performance or advanced camera capabilities? If performance and raw power are your focus, the Zenfone 9 is the way to go. For photography, the Pura 70 Pro's hardware is more versatile.
How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need maximum battery life and the fastest charging, the Pura 70 Pro excels here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Busy Professional: If you need a reliable device for work, the Zenfone 9's performance and portability will suit you.
The Travel Photographer: The Pura 70 Pro is the winner with its versatile camera system, long battery, and high-quality display for viewing photos.
The Casual Gamer: If you're a gamer the Zenfone 9 offers higher performance, but you might also consider the Pura 70 Pro as well for its large screen.
Which one would I choose?
If I were personally choosing, I'd lean towards the Asus Zenfone 9. While the Huawei Pura 70 Pro has a lot of fantastic features, my own usage patterns typically involve quick, one-handed interactions. I also value the consistent and established Android experience, as well as the fact it is a bit smaller in the pocket. The extra performance of the Zenfone 9 would also benefit me, as I'm often running apps and games side-by-side. The gimbal OIS and the hi-res audio are also features that draw my attention as someone who enjoys capturing video and listening to lossless audio.
