Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Asus Zenfone 9. These are two very different phones, both with their own unique appeal. The Axon 40 Ultra is a big, bold statement in tech, while the Zenfone 9 is a compact powerhouse. Let's break down what that means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Asus Zenfone 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2022-09-15 | Zenfone 9 is 4 months newer, so potentially longer software update support. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is much larger and wider, while Zenfone 9 is smaller and thicker. |
| Weight | 204g | 169g | Zenfone 9 is significantly lighter, which will be much more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 5.9" | Axon 40 Ultra has a much bigger screen for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1080x2400 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution, resulting in a bit more detail but not drastically noticeable in daily usage. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 445 | Zenfone 9 has a sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones will have a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Zenfone 9 has the newer and more efficient processor, translating to better performance and battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 1,232,500 | Zenfone 9 offers a noticeable boost in raw performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both phones have powerful GPUs for intensive gaming and graphics processing, with slightly more optimizations on the Zenfone 9. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a larger battery, promising potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Axon 40 Ultra has a higher resolution but smaller pixels, the Zenfone 9 has larger pixels and a slightly larger sensor and smaller aperture, making it perform better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.45 | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution and a wider aperture for slightly better selfies in certain lighting. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos. |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a TOF sensor for improved depth sensing. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Axon 40 Ultra has a much higher resolution wide-angle, Zenfone 9 has larger pixels for improved low light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Axon 40 Ultra has the capability to record 8k videos at up to 120 fps, while the Zenfone 9 goes up to 24fps. |
| Features | Optical zoom, Laser AF, Under display camera | Gimbal, Continuous AF | Axon 40 Ultra has a more robust zoom system and under-display camera. Zenfone 9 focuses on stability and smoother autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Zenfone 9 will get one more major update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have current gen wireless standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE w/ AptX, LDAC, etc | Zenfone 9 has better support for high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) + More | Zenfone 9 offers better GPS accuracy and faster location lock. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 1TB | Up to 256GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers considerably more internal storage space. |
| RAM | Up to 18GB | Up to 16GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers slightly more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | DTS, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone 9 offers slightly better audio quality and features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic in-display | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side mounted fingerprint sensors are generally faster, while in display is more aesthetically pleasing. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 9 has much better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Zenfone 9 has a compass, enhancing accuracy for direction-based applications. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Massive Display: The large 6.8" screen is fantastic for multimedia consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Brightest Screen: The 1500 nits of peak brightness is unmatched in this comparison.
- Versatile Camera System: The triple 64MP system offers a lot of flexibility and a dedicated telephoto lens. The 8k@120fps video option is great for content creation
- Fast Charging: 65W charging is exceptionally quick.
- Large Battery: 5000mAh should provide solid all-day battery life.
- Huge Storage: Up to 1 TB of internal storage is great for users who store lots of high res photos, videos and more.
- Trade-offs:
- Bulky and Heavy: It's a large phone, which can be cumbersome for smaller hands and might not be the most pocket-friendly device.
- Older Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is powerful, but it's not as efficient as the 8+ Gen 1, meaning it could be less battery efficient.
- Software: Only upgradable to Android 13.
- Basic Fingerprint Reader: Offers limited security features.
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Strengths:
- Compact Design: The 5.9" size makes it very comfortable for one-handed use.
- Excellent Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers top-tier performance and battery efficiency.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation.
- Better GPS: The phone supports more satellite systems, ensuring more accurate and faster location acquisition.
- Improved build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- Software: One additional major android update in comparison with the Axon 40 Ultra
- Advanced Fingerprint Reader: Side mounted fingerprint reader offers more advanced security features.
- Gimbal Stabilized Camera: This leads to less blurry pictures and smoother video footage.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller Display: Might not be ideal for media consumption or those who prefer larger screens.
- Smaller Battery: The 4300mAh battery is smaller and might not last as long for heavy users, despite chipset efficiency.
- Slower Charging: The 30W charging is slower compared to the Axon 40 Ultra.
- Less Internal Storage: Max 256GB compared to the 1 TB offered by the Axon 40 Ultra.
- No Telephoto lens: This makes it difficult to take zoomed pictures of far away objects.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is best for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who love watching videos, playing games, and want a large immersive display.
- Content Creators: Those who appreciate the versatile camera system and the ability to record videos in 8k at 120fps.
- Power Users: People who need a large battery, quick charging, and plenty of storage.
Asus Zenfone 9 is best for:
- One-Handed Users: Those who prefer compact and lightweight devices that are easier to use and carry around.
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who need the most powerful, efficient chipsets.
- Audio Lovers: Users who want an enhanced audio experience, higher quality audio playback and clearer calls.
- Frequent Travelers: The accurate GPS and compact size make this phone perfect for traveling.
- Active Users: The compass is very useful for users that spend a lot of time outdoors and need orientation tools.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize screen size and media consumption or portability and one-handed use?
- If you want a large, immersive screen, go for the Axon 40 Ultra.
- If you want a smaller, more manageable phone, the Zenfone 9 is the better pick.
- Is raw performance and battery efficiency more important or faster charging and larger storage?
- If top-tier performance and battery efficiency are crucial, the Zenfone 9 has a better chipset.
- If fast charging and lots of storage are more important, the Axon 40 Ultra is more appealing.
- What is your use case for camera, stability, zoom, video?
- If you value more flexible zoom capabilities and video features, the Axon 40 Ultra's triple 64MP lens with 8K video and telephoto capabilities are compelling.
- If you require smoother video footage and better stability, the gimbal of the Zenfone 9 is a unique offering
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Movie Buff: If you’re mainly watching movies, you will find the large bright screen of the Axon 40 Ultra is fantastic
- The Gamer: For serious mobile gaming, the Zenfone 9’s performance, efficiency and compact form factor provides a better experience
- The Traveler: The Zenfone 9's compact design and reliable GPS will be a great travelling companion.
- The Photographer: The Axon 40 Ultra's versatile zoom and video capabilities will provide you with all the tools you need.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9. While the large screen and fast charging of the Axon 40 Ultra are tempting, the Zenfone 9's combination of compact size, top-tier performance, better audio, better gps, and upgraded software support makes it a more appealing daily driver for my needs. The one-handed usability is a big win for me. Although the Axon 40 has a better camera system, a telephoto lens, better video capabilities, and much more internal storage, the Zenfone 9's gimbal system and compact form factor are more beneficial for my personal use.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your specific priorities. I hope this detailed comparison has provided the information needed to guide you in making an informed decision!
