Asus was one of the last Android phone makers to offer powerful, compact models for those who don’t want to pack a lot of phones in their pockets or bags. Now, thanks to a video that has surfaced online, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the next generation of these handhelds.
When will the Asus Zenfone 9 be released?
Asus has yet to announce an official release date, but we can take some clues from past generations. Here’s when they debuted:
ASUS Zenfone 8: May 2021
ASUS Zenfone 7: September 2020
ASUS Zenfone 6: May 2019
ASUS Zenfone 5: May 2018
It’s traditionally the launch slot that Asus assigns to new Zenfone models. Obviously, that month has already passed, so we are looking for a later date. Judging by the leaked video below, the device appears to be complete and ready to go. September feels too far away, but Asus is already taking shape in that space, so we predict the new Zenfone 9 will arrive by then, if not a little sooner.
How much does Asus Zenfone 9 cost?
Again, Asus did not confirm pricing. Here’s how past generations line up:
Asus Zenfone 8: $629/£599
Asus Zenfone 7: $749/£569
Asus Zenfone 6: $499/£499
Ticket prices have fluctuated a bit in recent years, but we suspect the cost of the Zenfone 8 should be transferred to the new model, as Asus appears to be going with the compact design and construction introduced with the Zenfone 8.
What features and specs will we see in the Zenfone 9?
While Asus hasn’t released any official details about the Zenfone 9, the company does appear to have accidentally posted a video of the upcoming model on YouTube before hastily taking it down. If the video is accurate, it reveals a lot of details about how the Zenfone 9 will be configured.
On the processor side, Asus has gone with a Snapdragon Gen 8+ 1 chipset, which is on par with the class of high-end phones in 2022. We don’t know about storage or memory allocation, but if the company follows suit by Zenfone 8 expect multiple configurations. We think 6GB/128GB may be retired, replaced by a simplified 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 12GB/256GB, 16GB/256GB options.
The display is a 5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch hole in the upper left corner. There’s no in-display fingerprint sensor, as Asus has placed it in the power button on the right. This also acts as an ersatz trackpad, allowing you to scroll content on the page by swiping up or down.
Cameras have always been an essential element in modern phones, so the improved optics shown in the video look like a step forward, especially when it comes to video. The 50Mp Sony IMX766 sensor used in the Zenfone 9’s main camera is a solid performer that delivers great photos. The Zenfone 9 adds a 6-axis gimbal module for optical image stabilization, so video footage should be rock-solid.
Asus says the dual-camera system has been “massively upgraded.” This makes sense since the Zenfone 8 has a Sony IMX686 on the main camera, while the secondary unit is a 12Mp ultra-wide camera with a Sony IMX363 sensor. Hopefully the ultra-wide on the Zenfone 9 gets the same boost as the main camera. We don’t have any info on the selfie camera, but if Asus decides to up the power of all the lenses and sensors, it should be an upgrade from the 12Mp module in the Zenfone 8. In the video, there’s also a new Light Trail mode, which could be a cool way to take arty photos if you’re out at night.
Audio will come from dual stereo speakers, and a surprising 3.5mm headphone jack is included if you prefer to plug in cans. Everything will be powered by a 4300mAh battery, and thanks to its IP68 rating, the unit will be water and dust resistant.
Asus also showed off a few accessories in the video, a smart backpack stand that may also come with a power pack, and a Connex phone case with a built-in stand and card holder. Details about any of these fees are not yet available.
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