Alright, let's dive into a detailed showdown between the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. As a tech journalist with a bit of an engineering bent, I'm always keen to see how the numbers translate to real-world use. Here’s my take:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-15 | 2024-04-08 | The Edge 50 Pro is much newer. Expect potentially longer software support and newer features, but the Zenfone might be more budget-friendly now. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, no foldables here. |
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm, 169g | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm, 186g | Zenfone 9 is significantly smaller and lighter; much easier to use one-handed. Edge 50 Pro is larger and heavier, offering a more immersive display but sacrificing portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Pro’s larger screen is better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. The Zenfone 9 is more pocketable and manageable for users who prefer smaller phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Pro offers sharper, more detailed visuals, contributing to a richer viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 445 PPI | 446 PPI | Both are very similar, meaning both look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use quality OLED tech, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Pro has a smoother refresh rate, potentially making scrolling and animations feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | Edge 50 Pro is far better for outdoor viewing on sunny days. Zenfone 9 is still good, but not as bright. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 9 with the 8+ Gen 1 offers substantially faster processing and better graphics performance than the Edge 50 Pro which has a mid-range chipset. This is important for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,232,500 | 866,863 | Confirms Zenfone 9's much higher performance. Expect faster app loading and smoother operation overall on the Zenfone 9. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 720 | Zenfone 9 has a more powerful GPU, making it better for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm) | 50MP (f/1.4, 2.00µm) | Edge 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance and larger pixels for better light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm) | 50MP (f/1.9, 0.64µm) | Edge 50 Pro offers much higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in much sharper selfies with better low light performance despite small pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.0, 1.00µm) | Edge 50 Pro includes a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom which the Zenfone 9 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Edge 50 Pro has dedicated wide-angle lens for ultrawide photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm) | None | Zenfone 9 has wide-angle capabilities with macro. |
| Video | Up to 8K/24fps | Up to 4K/30fps | Zenfone 9 has much better recording resolutions, supporting 8K for professional video needs. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Gimbal, RAW, PDAF | OIS, RAW, PDAF, Time-Lapse, Triple camera, Optical zoom, Dual capture, Night mode | Zenfone 9 has a unique gimbal stabilization, whereas Edge 50 Pro comes with Optical Zoom, Triple Cameras and other interesting features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4500mAh | Edge 50 Pro has a slightly larger battery. Should result in a little more on screen time. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Edge 50 Pro has drastically faster charging, which is a huge benefit if you need to quickly top up your phone. |
| Other Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Edge 50 Pro offers convenient additional features like reverse and wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 14) | Android 14 (Up to 17) | Edge 50 Pro comes with a newer Android version and should receive updates longer into the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro offers the latest Bluetooth standard, providing slightly faster and more reliable connections. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Pro has eSIM which is useful for international travelers, whereas Zenfone 9 has two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Edge 50 Pro has more internal storage options. Zenfone 9 maxes at 256GB. |
| RAM | 8/16GB | 12/16GB | Both are great for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage via a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Zenfone 9 excels in audio, while Edge 50 pro uses Dolby Atmos for immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 9 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both use the same high-end Gorilla Glass for screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite including Gravity and Hall | Basic sensors | Zenfone 9 has more sensors offering additional functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 9 Strengths:
- Compact Powerhouse: Its standout feature is its incredibly small form factor, coupled with a flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This makes it a great option for those who want top-tier performance in a pocketable device.
- Unique Camera Features: The gimbal stabilization system for its main camera provides unmatched smoothness in videos, making it a clear choice for content creators focused on handheld video capture. The macro functionality on the ultrawide lens is also nice for detailed shots.
- Excellent Audio: Hi-Res Audio support paired with good speakers makes for a compelling audio experience.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- More Sensors: Includes the basic sensors along with gravity and hall sensors
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Strengths:
- Immersive Display: The larger, brighter, and smoother display is a clear advantage for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, providing a visually rich experience.
- Faster Charging: 125W fast charging is incredibly convenient, enabling rapid battery top-ups. This can be a game changer for users who are always on the go.
- Versatile Camera System: The addition of telephoto and wide-angle lenses offers more flexibility in photography, allowing you to capture a variety of shots without moving much, the wider aperture in the main camera also captures great images in low light.
- More Software Support: Comes with a newer version of Android and should receive updates much longer than the Zenfone 9
- eSIM: Supports the latest eSIM Technology.
- More Storage Options: Has higher storage variants (1024GB).
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: A great convenience feature.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 9 trades the larger screen and fast charging of the Edge 50 Pro for a compact design and gimbal stabilized camera.
- The Edge 50 Pro provides a larger screen and more flexible camera system, but doesn't quite match the pure processing prowess of the Zenfone 9
- The Zenfone 9 lacks the telephoto lens, but makes up for that with the gimbal.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 9 is Ideal For:
- One-Handed Users: Those who prefer small, pocketable phones.
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who need top-tier processing performance.
- Content Creators Focused on Video: Individuals who value excellent video stabilization and high-quality audio.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate high-fidelity audio playback with good speakers
- Advanced Users: Users who value the added benefit of comprehensive sensors
- Price Conscious Users: The phone is cheaper, now that it's older
Motorola Edge 50 Pro is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: People who primarily use their phones for watching videos, movies, and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems.
- Heavy Users on the Go: Those who need fast charging and long battery life.
- Users who like the latest technology: Those who value a newer version of android, wi-fi, bluetooth and eSIM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How much do you value a large display vs. portability? If you need a smaller phone that's easier to carry and use with one hand, the Zenfone 9 is ideal. If you prefer an immersive viewing experience and don’t mind a larger device, go with the Edge 50 Pro.
- How important is raw processing power vs. versatile camera and features? If you need a top performer for demanding tasks like gaming, the Zenfone 9 is the better pick. If you value more camera versatility, fast charging and wireless charging, then go with the Edge 50 Pro.
- What's your budget, and how long do you plan to use this phone? The Zenfone 9 is more budget friendly due to its age. However the Edge 50 Pro is more future proof with the latest version of Android, newer connectivity standards and more storage options
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Traveler: The Edge 50 Pro with its fast charging and versatile camera is better suited for travel. The eSIM support also makes it easier to switch between carriers.
- The Gamer: The Zenfone 9, with its flagship chipset, offers a superior gaming experience.
- The Casual User: If you are a casual user, the Zenfone 9 would be ideal, due to its small size, but if you're someone who consumes content then you'd be better suited with the Motorola Edge 50 Pro.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd have to lean towards the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. As someone who consumes a lot of media, I really appreciate the larger and brighter display. The faster charging is a big convenience for my always-on-the-go lifestyle. While the Zenfone 9 is a marvel of engineering in its compact size and has much higher raw performance and more comprehensive sensors, I think the versatility offered by the Edge 50 Pro in terms of the screen, camera system, fast charging and overall user experience makes it a better daily driver for me personally. The Edge 50 Pro's newer software and connectivity technologies also ensure a longer lifespan and future proofing. However, I can understand why other users may prefer the smaller size and raw power of the Zenfone 9.
