Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Samsung Galaxy A35. I'll break down the specs, offer some key insights, and give you a clear idea of which phone might suit you better.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for everyday users:
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Zenfone 9 is significantly more compact, ideal for one-handed use. A35 is larger, better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | Zenfone 9 is much lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and pocket-friendly. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer robust screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.6" | A35 offers a larger display, great for media, gaming, and multi-tasking. Zenfone 9 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both are sharp, but differences in density are negligible to the eye. |
| Pixel Density | 445 ppi | 390 ppi | Zenfone 9 has higher pixel density, resulting in a slightly crisper, more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Zenfone 9 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions. A35 info is missing which is a big deal breaker. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Exynos 1380 | Zenfone 9 offers significantly faster processing, suitable for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,232,500 | 578,500 | Zenfone 9 has a huge lead in performance, better for multitasking, gaming and heavy app use. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Zenfone 9's GPU ensures smoother gaming performance at higher settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8 | Zenfone 9 has a larger sensor and larger pixels, likely to provide better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A35 has slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies; potentially better in low-light. |
| Wide/Macro Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 (combined) | 8MP, f/2.2 (Wide), 5MP f/2.4 (Macro) | A35 offers dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses; Zenfone 9 combines both into a single lens and resolution for wide angle is higher. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Zenfone 9 can record higher-resolution video, great for professional-grade content creation. |
| DXoMark Score | N/A | Main Camera: 104 | A35 has a good score, but Zenfone 9 has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | Gimbal, OIS, EIS, RAW | OIS, EIS, Night Mode, RAW 12-bits | Both offer robust image stabilization; A35 has more AI features and more post-processing features; Zenfone 9 offers a physical gimbal for very smooth video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Zenfone 9 offers slightly faster charging speed. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | A35 ships with a newer version of Android and is promised a longer software support life. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both provide high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 has a more recent Bluetooth version for potentially more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Zenfone 9 offers more precise and comprehensive positioning with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options; neither supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB | Zenfone 9 offers more RAM for better multitasking and gaming; 16GB option is a big plus. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Zenfone 9 has better audio recording and noise cancellation. A35 has more immersive experience thanks to Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 9 offers a more advanced side mounted biometric sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Zenfone 9 has compass and a more conventional proximity sensor. A35 has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 9:
Strengths:
- Compact and Lightweight: Incredibly pocketable and easy to use with one hand.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Excellent Main Camera: Larger sensor and pixels for better low-light performance.
- Premium Video: Shoots in up to 8K and includes a gimbal for very smooth video recording.
- Brighter display: With 1100 nits you won't have any visibility issues even under the brightest sun.
- More RAM: Option for 16 GB is great for heavy users.
Competitive Advantages: Best for those who prioritize performance, portability, and high quality media capture. The gimbal makes it great for videographers or people who value stability in their videos.
Trade-offs: Smaller display, smaller battery than A35. No dedicated macro or wide angle lens.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
Strengths:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage without charging.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses offer more photographic flexibility.
- Software Support: Ships with Android 14 and is promised more updates, potentially offering better longevity.
Competitive Advantages: Best for users who want a big screen, long battery life, and a good all-around camera. Great for content consumption and photography.
Trade-offs: Significantly larger and heavier than the Zenfone 9; lower processing power. The display has no given brightness rating, which means it might be difficult to see the screen in bright daylight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Asus Zenfone 9:
Best For:
- Power Users: Gamers, creatives, and anyone who needs top performance in a small package.
- People Who Value Portability: Those who want a phone that easily fits in a pocket and can be used with one hand.
- Video Enthusiasts: Users who require high-quality video recording with excellent stabilization.
- Those that need a brighter screen: The 1100 nits brightness will be a very welcomed feature.
Use Cases:
- On-the-go gaming, smooth multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Capturing high-quality video content with great stabilization.
- Using in scenarios that require extreme portability and one handed use.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
Best For:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse social media, and play casual games.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a versatile camera system for everyday photography.
- Battery-Conscious Users: People who need a phone that lasts all day without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer the Samsung ecosystem: The A35 will work perfectly in their ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies, TV shows, and streaming content.
- Taking everyday photos with its triple-lens camera system.
- General use throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your top priority: performance or display size?
- If performance is key, go for the Zenfone 9.
- If you want a larger screen, the A35 is the better fit.
- How important is battery life?
- If you need all-day battery life, the A35 is likely better.
- If you are OK with charging daily the Zenfone 9 will be OK.
- Do you need a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens?
- If yes, go with the A35.
- If you are OK with a combined solution go with the Zenfone 9.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer/Power User: If you're a gamer or a power user who needs top-tier performance, go for the Asus Zenfone 9. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, and option for 16 GB of RAM will handle intense tasks with ease and will keep you gaming longer.
- Scenario 2: The Media Lover: If you value a large display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better option. Its larger screen and battery will suit your media needs.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User: If you need a phone that is compact and has a premium feel with a solid battery and a great camera, the Asus Zenfone 9 is a fantastic choice and won't let you down with its flagship performance.
- Scenario 4: The all around user: If you are a user that values all-day battery and good camera for everyday photography, the Samsung Galaxy A35 will deliver those needs.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Asus Zenfone 9. While the A35 offers a larger display and potentially longer battery life, the Zenfone 9 is a masterclass in balancing power and portability. Its compact size makes it incredibly pocketable, and its flagship-level performance ensures that it can handle everything I throw at it. The inclusion of the Gimbal for video, along with the high-resolution recording options, makes it a great creative tool. Also, the display brightness alone makes it a winner for me, as I am usually on the go and need to be able to see my screen outdoors, even on the brightest days.
While I appreciate the larger battery and the versatility of the A35's camera system, I can always work around those limitations. The Zenfone 9’s blend of performance, portability, and impressive features is hard to beat. Plus, as a tech journalist, I often find myself needing top-notch performance for testing apps and features. The Zenfone 9 seems like a more enjoyable phone to use for myself.
