In an era where smartphones are increasingly becoming large, feature-laden slabs, compact phones are almost a rarity. Asus has held its ground by releasing a pair of high-performance, small-form-factor smartphones— the Zenfone 8 and its successor, the Zenfone 9. Both phones represent Asus’s attempt to appeal to users who crave power in a pocket-friendly size. But how do they compare, and which is the better option in 2024?
TLDR
The Asus Zenfone 9 improves on the Zenfone 8 in nearly every aspect—performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and even design. It retains the same compact footprint while adding more power and efficiency through Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The Zenfone 8 is still a competent performer but feels slightly outdated compared to its successor. If budget isn’t too much of an issue and you value longevity, the Zenfone 9 is the better pick.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 9 embrace the minimalist, compact philosophy but vary significantly in their build and aesthetics.
- Zenfone 8: It features a sleek glass back with Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, offering a premium look and feel. The curved edges make it comfortable to hold with one hand. Its dimensions are extremely manageable at 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm.
- Zenfone 9: Asus took a different route with the Zenfone 9, opting for a more rugged, textured polycarbonate back that’s resistant to fingerprints. While it sheds the glass-back classiness, it gains significantly in grip and durability. It’s also slightly more compact at 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm.
Both phones are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, a rarity among compact Android phones.
Display
Surprisingly, both devices have nearly identical displays.
- Zenfone 8: 5.9-inch AMOLED, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080), 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ compatible.
- Zenfone 9: Also 5.9-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120Hz, and HDR10+ support — but with increased brightness (up to 1100 nits vs 1000 nits on Zenfone 8).
In daily use, both screens are vibrant and sharp, making them great for multimedia despite their smaller size. However, colors tend to appear more accurate and vivid on the Zenfone 9 thanks to improved tuning and calibration.
Performance
This is a key distinguishing factor between the two devices.
- Zenfone 8: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, it delivers snappy performance for most tasks, though it does get warm under heavy load.
- Zenfone 9: Equipped with the upgraded Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, it not only delivers significantly better performance but is also more power-efficient and thermally optimized.
The difference in day-to-day usage may not be massive for casual users, but for gaming and multitasking, the Zenfone 9 clearly has an edge. Additionally, the new processor means longer support for updates and better optimization in future Android versions.
Camera System
On paper, both phones have similar setups—dual rear cameras and one front shooter. However, Asus didn’t just rest on its laurels with the 9.
- Zenfone 8:
- Main: 64 MP Sony IMX686, OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12 MP Sony IMX363
- Front: 12 MP Sony IMX663
- Zenfone 9:
- Main: 50 MP Sony IMX766, 6-axis hybrid gimbal OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12 MP Sony IMX363 (same sensor)
- Front: 12 MP, same sensor but better image processing
The 6-axis gimbal stabilization on the Zenfone 9 provides a noticeable improvement in video stabilization and low-light photography. Image processing has also been refined, delivering more natural colors and better dynamic range.
Battery Life
One of the pain points of compact phones is usually battery life, but Asus has managed to tackle this challenge quite effectively.
- Zenfone 8: 4000 mAh battery with 30W wired charging.
- Zenfone 9: 4300 mAh battery with 30W wired charging.
While the increase in battery capacity may seem minor on paper, the more efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 makes a big difference. The Zenfone 9 easily lasts 6–7 hours of screen-on time, compared to around 5–6 hours on the Zenfone 8. Neither phone supports wireless charging, which is a drawback at this price range.
Software and Updates
Both smartphones use Asus’s ZenUI, a lightweight skin based on Android that stays close to stock. This means minimal bloatware and smooth performance.
- Zenfone 8: Launched with Android 11, upgradable to Android 13.
- Zenfone 9: Ships with Android 12 and is expected to receive updates up to Android 15.
If software longevity is a priority, the Zenfone 9 is the safer bet simply due to being released a year later and coming with newer support windows.
Audio and Haptics
Both phones excel in audio quality thanks to stereo speakers that are loud and well-balanced. They also retain the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack, which audiophiles will appreciate.
Haptic feedback has been slightly improved in the Zenfone 9 with a more precise vibration motor, but if you’re not paying close attention, the difference might not be noticeable in daily use.
Price and Availability
Pricing is where decisions may become more complicated. At launch:
- Zenfone 8: Starting at $599 (now often found at a discount)
- Zenfone 9: Initially priced at $699
Given the overall improvements, the $100 difference is justified if you’re buying new. However, with discounts and renewed listings, the Zenfone 8 might offer better value for budget-conscious buyers.
Which One Should You Buy?
The answer depends on your priorities. Below is a quick comparison to summarize:
| Category | Zenfone 8 | Zenfone 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Camera | 64 MP, basic OIS | 50 MP, gimbal stabilization |
| Display | 120Hz AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED, brighter |
| Durability | Glass back | Polycarbonate, grippy |
| Software Support | Up to Android 13 | Up to Android 15 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re upgrading from an older phone and want something compact yet modern, the Zenfone 9 is a clear winner. It offers a more refined experience across all fronts—be it performance, camera, battery life, or durability. However, if budget constraints are a top priority and you can find the Zenfone 8 at a significantly discounted price, it still holds up as a strong contender for compact phone lovers.
In a market rapidly moving toward 6.