Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | OnePlus 9 is larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. Zenfone 10 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is significantly lighter, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 5.92" | OnePlus 9 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Zenfone 10 is more compact, easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same sharpness; visuals will be very similar. |
| Pixel Density | 402 ppi | 445 ppi | Zenfone 10 has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays will offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 will feel slightly smoother in animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both will be easily visible under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Zenfone 10 is significantly faster, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers substantially better performance; quicker app launch and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a much more powerful GPU, better for graphically intensive games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | OnePlus 9 has slightly larger battery; minimal practical difference. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster; convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse Wired | Zenfone 10 can charge other devices wirelessly; useful for accessories like headphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Zenfone 10 captures slightly more detailed images. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | OnePlus 9 performs slightly better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Standard Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 captures more light with larger sensor, generally better low-light performance. |
| Standard Lens Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.00 µm | OnePlus 9 captures more light with larger pixels, generally better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | Zenfone 10 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Selfie Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.5 | OnePlus 9 performs slightly better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Lens Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/3.2" | OnePlus 9 has slightly larger sensor, better light capture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | OnePlus 9: 50MP | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, more versatile for landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Lens | None | Asus Zenfone 10: 13MP | Zenfone 10 has a wide-angle camera for macro shots, more versatile for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | OnePlus 9: 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor, more versatile for artistic photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording; Zenfone 10 has electronic image stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OnePlus 9: Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | Asus Zenfone 10: Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, PDAF Omnidericional, RAW | Zenfone 10 has Optical Image Stabilization and Gimbal, better for video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 has newer OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 has newer standards for faster, more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has slightly improved connectivity range and stability. |
| GPS | Various systems | More systems, including NavIC | Zenfone 10 has more accurate location tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have Dual SIM capabilities for using two networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Zenfone 10 offers more storage options; useful for large media libraries and files. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 10 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither can expand storage; select sufficient storage at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers immersive audio with Dolby Atmos; Zenfone 10 offers improved clarity and fidelity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 has superior scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 10 has a more complete sensor set, useful for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows for quicker top-ups.
- Wider Camera Apertures: Slightly better low light performance for both the main and selfie cameras.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle lens: More versatile for landscape and group shots.
- Dedicated Black and White lens: Adds artistic capabilities for photography.
- Dolby Atmos: More immersive audio experience.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a massive performance leap.
- More Compact and Lighter Design: More pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Higher Pixel Density: Sharper display.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother display.
- More RAM: Better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Optical Image Stabilization and Gimbal: Better video quality with less shakiness.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced scratch resistance.
- Wider Range of WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS standards: More up-to-date connectivity.
- Reverse wired charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Newer Android OS: Longer software support and updates.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512 GB for larger media libraries.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient fingerprint reader location.
- Additional Sensors: Including Hall and Gravity sensors, better for gaming and advanced features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 trades performance and modern features for a larger display and faster charging speed.
- Asus Zenfone 10 sacrifices battery capacity and a wider display for a compact design, significantly better performance and a more versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large display for watching videos and browsing.
- Users who need Fast Charging: People who often need to top up their phone quickly during the day.
- Photography hobbyists: Users looking for a great all-around camera experience, specifically those who value a dedicated wide-angle lens and black-and-white mode.
- Budget-Conscious: Users looking for good features at a potentially lower price point.
Ideal Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Playing casual games.
- Quickly charging before leaving the house.
- Taking a variety of photos using different lenses.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed.
- One-Handed Users: People who prefer a compact phone for easy use.
- Travelers: Users needing a compact, feature-rich phone for photography and videography, with better battery efficiency.
- Users who value future-proofing: Those wanting the latest specs and software.
- Video Recording: Users who value optical stabilization and gimbal-like features for improved video quality.
Ideal Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Taking high quality stabilized videos.
- Navigating using GPS.
- Using it with the latest WiFi standards.
- Carrying a powerful device that can fit comfortably in a pocket or small bag.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or display size? (Zenfone 10 excels in performance, OnePlus 9 has a larger screen.)
- Is compact size and one-handed use important to you? (Zenfone 10 is more compact and lighter.)
- Do you value newer technologies and future-proofing? (Zenfone 10 has more recent specs and software updates.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer who prioritizes performance. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10
- Scenario 2: You primarily watch movies and browse social media, preferring a larger display. Recommendation: OnePlus 9
- Scenario 3: You value a compact phone with good battery life and excellent performance. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10
- Scenario 4: You need to top up your battery quickly multiple times a day. Recommendation: OnePlus 9
- Scenario 5: You enjoy taking photos and want a device that is as versatile as possible, and don't mind the slightly larger size. Recommendation: OnePlus 9
- Scenario 6: You want a phone that is as up to date as possible with the latest features, and plan on using it for years to come. Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. While I appreciate the larger display of the OnePlus 9, the massive performance difference offered by the Zenfone 10's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and the superior camera video stabilization are simply too compelling to ignore. The compact size also makes it much easier to carry and use one-handed. Furthermore, the added long-term support and future-proofing of the Zenfone 10 makes it a better choice in my opinion.
