Asus just revealed (Opens in a new window) the Zenphone 9, and it looks like a great option if you’re looking for a small phone that doesn’t sacrifice power and performance. It packs the latest flagship chipset, high-end cameras and up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM inside a phone that’s only 5.9 inches tall.
The first spec that catches our eye is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. This is the same processor found in top-of-the-line flagships like the company’s ROG Phone 6. Having the option to choose up to 16GB of RAM should also help performance, though the base model comes with 6GB resizable. Additionally, you can configure the phone with up to 256GB of internal storage.
Gimbal-like cameras are another highlight of the Asus Zenphone. The lenses can be moved to compensate for shifts of up to +/- 3 degrees, which should help create smoother videos and images while in motion. The Zenphone 8 could compensate by 1 degree, so this is a substantial improvement.
Asus includes a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.9 aperture as its primary lens. This lens features OIS/EIS 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer. There’s also an ultra-large 12-megapixel camera that handles macro photo duties as well. Turning to the front of the phone, you’ll find a 12-megapixel selfie camera.
If you’re sick of giant flagships and want something a little smaller, the Zenphone 9’s 5.9-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED panel could be a good choice.
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(Credit: ASUS)
There’s no wireless charging for the 4,300mAh battery, but ASUS included 30W fast charging and an adapter inside the box.
Asus plans to sell the unlocked Zenphone 9 in the US, although the release date is still to be determined. Pricing is also unknown, but the phone will launch in Europe at €799 ($800), so we expect it to be available around the same price in the US.
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