Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. We'll get beyond the spec sheet to figure out which phone fits into your life best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, along with what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Asus Zenfone 9 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | Zenfone 9 is much more compact and pocketable. Note 12 Pro+ is significantly larger and may be less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 208.4g | The Zenfone 9 is notably lighter, making it better for one-handed use and extended periods of holding it. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Zenfone 9 offers more scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.9" | 6.67" | The Zenfone 9 is ideal for those who prefer a smaller, more manageable screen. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ gives a larger, more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both displays are sharp with the same pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 445 ppi | 395 ppi | Zenfone 9's display is slightly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and good contrast, with similar quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | The Zenfone 9's brighter screen will be easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The Zenfone 9’s chip offers much higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Note 12 Pro+ is great for everyday tasks and some moderate gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,232,500 | 573,100 | Zenfone 9 is significantly faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 730 is much more powerful, leading to smoother graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | The Note 12 Pro+ boasts a significantly higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. The Zenfone 9’s larger pixel size may mean better low-light performance, but the Note 12 Pro+ is very likely to have overall better results. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures selfies with more details. |
| Wide + Macro | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Zenfone 9 has an additional Wide Angle + Macro camera. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Zenfone 9 offers higher video quality, including 8K. |
| Camera Features | Gimbal, OIS, EIS | OIS, EIS | The Zenfone 9 has a Gimbal which is ideal for video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 120W | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Both will have similar operating systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/16 GB | 8/12 GB | The Zenfone 9 has the edge with a max of 16GB, offering better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer High-Resolution Audio and Stereo Speakers. Zenfone 9 has Noise-cancellation and 3 Microphones |
2. Key Insights
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Strengths:
- Compact Powerhouse: Top-tier performance in a highly pocketable size. This is a rare combination these days.
- Exceptional Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers unmatched speed for heavy apps and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Great outdoor visibility with its 1100 nits brightness.
- Advanced Camera Features: Gimbal stabilization and 8K video recording make it ideal for video content creation.
- Great Audio: Offers better noise cancellation and more microphones.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller Battery: May not last as long as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ on a single charge.
- Slower Charging: Significantly slower charging speeds compared to Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for media consumption and gaming.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery offers better endurance.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: The 120W charging is incredibly quick.
- Versatile Camera System: A very versatile camera setup with dedicated lenses for wide-angle and macro shots.
- Dolby Atmos: Adds depth to audio experience.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset is not as powerful as the Snapdragon in the Zenfone 9, especially for heavy tasks.
- Lower Screen Brightness: Can be harder to see in bright sunlight.
- Less Advanced Camera: Lacks the gimbal and 8k video offered by the Zenfone 9.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Asus Zenfone 9:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance and portability above all else. Gamers, content creators, and people who value a powerful compact phone. Also, users that want the best quality audio experience on a phone.
- Use Cases: Heavy gaming, video editing, on-the-go content creation, users that want a phone with a high level of performance that fits in their pocket comfortably.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best For: Users who value a big screen, long battery life, and fast charging. Media consumers and those who want a versatile camera setup without needing top-tier processing power.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, browsing, casual gaming, general photography and everyday tasks that don't require a powerful chip.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you need the absolute best performance, or is long battery life more important to you?
- Size Matters: Do you prefer a compact, one-hand-friendly phone, or do you want a large, immersive screen?
- Camera Priority: Do you need a gimbal camera with 8k recording and better audio or a versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lenses and a good high megapixel main camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you are a mobile gamer or video editor, the Asus Zenfone 9 is your pick.
- The Media Lover: If you watch a lot of videos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with its large display and long battery is ideal.
- The Everyday User: If you want a capable phone for daily use with some casual photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a good balance of features and performance.
- The Pocket-Friendly Powerhouse: If you absolutely need the most performance out of a phone that easily fits in your pocket, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the only option here.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 9. I value the power and performance that Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 delivers, and I greatly appreciate that it has a very compact design that I know I will appreciate every day. While the smaller battery and slower charging are trade-offs, I can live with those since I'd be getting much more speed, more advanced camera features, and a brighter display. The performance difference in this comparison is vast, and as someone who uses their phone for a lot of demanding tasks, the performance is my top priority.
