Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Asus Zenfone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | OnePlus 9 is larger overall; Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 169g | Zenfone 8 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 5.9" | OnePlus 9 offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming; Zenfone 8 is more suitable for those preferring smaller phones. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of detail; Sharpness difference is minimal in real-world use. |
| Pixel Density | 402 ppi | 446 ppi | Zenfone 8 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, though the difference is often subtle to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both displays are adequately bright for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | Both offer flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 891,700 | Near identical real-world performance. Any difference will be negligible for most users. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Same graphics capabilities, equal performance in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX686 | OnePlus 9 has larger sensor, better light capture in low-light, Asus Zenfone 8 has higher resolution, potentially more detail. |
| Rear (Wide) | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Rear (Wide+Macro) | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX363 | Asus Zenfone 8 provides an ultra-wide lens with macro capabilities. |
| Rear (B&W) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated monochrome sensor for artistic effects. |
| Front (Selfie) | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution; Zenfone 8 has larger pixel size on the sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-quality video recording; Asus has OIS and EIS; OnePlus has EIS. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 116 (Mobile), 120 (Photo), 118 (Video) | Asus Zenfone 8's camera performance is well-rated, no data for OnePlus 9. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | OnePlus 9 has a larger battery, likely better battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster and includes wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Both receive the same major software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC, A2DP | 5.2, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC, AVRCP, HID, OPP | Both support high-quality audio codecs and standard protocols, Asus offers slightly more Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 8 has more satellite support for potentially better accuracy, especially in urban areas |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB | Zenfone 8 offers more RAM options (including 16GB) for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both offer high quality audio, OnePlus has Dolby Atmos, Asus has Hi-Res certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Asus Zenfone 8 offers superior scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 8 has added gravity and hall sensors for more capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.55" screen provides a more immersive experience for media and gaming.
- Larger Battery: The 4500mAh battery offers longer usage between charges.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The 65W charging and 15W wireless charging significantly reduce downtime.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated lens for high-quality ultra-wide shots.
- Monochrome Camera: Dedicated black and white camera lens.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size & Lighter Weight: More comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Higher Pixel Density: Slightly sharper display.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 64MP sensor allows for more detailed photos.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and shatter protection.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Additional Sensors: Gravity and Hall sensors open more functionality.
- Better GPS: Offers more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy.
- Better Video Stabilization: Has Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Provides additional shooting options.
- DxOMark: Offers professional testing scores
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Larger size may be less convenient for some users; lacks OIS and additional sensors, and an official camera rating.
- Asus Zenfone 8: Smaller display may be less immersive; smaller battery and slower charging, lacks wireless charging; lacks dedicated monochrome lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want fast charging and wireless charging.
- Users who need long battery life and good performance.
- Users who value a dedicated ultrawide camera.
- Users who like a dedicated black and white camera.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Long days out without easy access to charging.
- Landscape and ultra-wide photography.
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a compact phone that is easy to handle and carry.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality camera with macro functionality.
- Users who need extra RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Users who want a screen with better scratch protection.
- Users who prioritize better GPS location
- Users who value a professional video rating and better stabilization.
Use Cases:
- One-handed operation and portability.
- High-resolution and macro photography.
- Multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
- Rugged environments where screen protection is needed.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Size Preference: Do you prefer a larger screen or a compact phone?
- Battery Needs: Do you prioritize long battery life or faster charging?
- Camera Priority: Is ultrawide or macro functionality more important to you? Do you need top rated video capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Gaming:
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The larger display and battery make it better for long sessions of video and gaming.
Scenario 2: On-the-Go Productivity:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8, Its compact size and better RAM allow for a better on-the-go experience.
Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 if macro and video are crucial. If a dedicated ultrawide and black and white camera is needed then OnePlus 9.
Scenario 4: Durability and One-Handed Use:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 8 due to its Gorilla Glass Victus screen and compact size.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While the OnePlus 9 has a larger screen and battery, the Zenfone 8's compact size, superior screen protection, added sensors, and better rated camera system are more important to my daily use. I value a phone that's easy to handle, durable, and has a versatile camera. While I appreciate fast charging, I find that a day of normal usage is more than enough with the Zenfone 8. The added benefit of macro photography, while not always needed, makes the camera more flexible and fun to use. The additional RAM can improve daily multitasking, and the superior GPS can be helpful on my travels.
