The market for compact “smart” mobile phones is very limited. Most manufacturers opt for devices with large diagonal screens, which makes difficult to find proposals smaller than six inches comfortable to use with one hand. The first that usually comes to mind is the iPhone 13 mini, or the iPhone SE, but there is a newcomer that expands the small catalog.
The ASUS Zenfone 9 seeks to gain a foothold in this sector with a terminal that stands out for its dimensions and elegant design without sacrificing power or photographic section. Which is better? We put it face to face with Apple’s mini model to compare its features.
Features iPhone 13 mini and ASUS Zenfone 9
specs | iPhone 13mini |
asus zenfone 9 |
---|---|---|
Dimensions |
131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm and 141 grams |
146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1mm and 169 grams |
Screen |
5.4-inch 60Hz Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10 Dolby Vision, 1,200 nits peak brightness, and 1,080 x 2,340 pixel resolution |
5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED at 120 Hz with HDR10 +, maximum brightness of 1,100 nits and resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. AOD function and Corning Gorilla Glass protection |
Processor | RAM | Storage |
Apple A15 Bionic | 4GB RAM | 128, 256 and 512GB |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 8 or 16GB RAM | 128 and 256GB |
cameras |
Dual rear camera (wide angle and ultra wide angle) 12 MP | 12 MP TrueDepth front |
Dual rear camera 50 MP (wide angle) and 12 MP (ultra wide angle) | 12 MP front |
Drums |
2,438mAh |
4300mAh |
Operating system |
iOS 15 |
Android 12 with the ZenUI customization layer |
Others |
Wi-Fi 6, 5G, Bluetooth 5.0, MagSafe, Qi, Face ID |
Wi-Fi 6e, 5G, Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX HD support), USB-C, wireless and reverse charging, fingerprint sensor |
Price |
From 809 euros |
From From 829 euros |
Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB) – Blue
- Dimensions and weight: the ASUS Zenfone is a phone slightly heavier and larger than the iPhone 13 mini, simply because its screen is somewhat larger and the two terminals have very small edges, so there is no more to cut from. If you want the device to be as small as possible without worrying about other features, Apple’s proposal is the option to choose.
- Screen: The iPhone 13 mini bets on a 5.4-inch OLED screen, and the ASUS Zenfone 9 is 5.9-inch AMOLED. Although its resolution is practically identical, it should be noted that the panel of the ASUS (from Samsung) has refresh rate at 120 Hz and HDR10 +, while that of the iPhone stays at 60 Hz, although with Dolby Vision.
- Processor: both smartphones they have the best of each house, the A15 chip in the iPhone, developed by Apple, and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip in the ASUS, developed by Qualcomm and which is what most Android manufacturers use in their high-end devices. Both start from 128 GB of internal storage, although the ASUS RAM is 8 or 16 GB. This should not be a reason for choice, because iOS manages it differently and with 4 GB it performs very, very well.
- cameras: two rear cameras, in the case of the iPhone 13 mini of 12 MP each, and of 50 MP the main of the ASUS Zenfone 9 and 12 MP the ultra wide angle. Both models offer 12 MP front. This is where software image processing comes into play to deliver good results. The ASUS comes with gimbal stabilizer for more stable images.
- Drums: Apple has done a good job of optimizing its latest iPhones regarding battery consumption, but the 2438 mAh of the iPhone 13 offer what they offer, and if the device is used more extensively we will end up needing the charger, it may be before the day is done. The ASUS Zenfone 9 is 4300 mAh, and it shows. In the analysis that our colleagues from Xataka have made, they have managed to hold a a day and a half with heavy use, or more than two days with moderate use.
- Operating system: As always when talking about an Apple smartphone against another brand, the operating system plays a fundamental role for many people. You love iOS or you hate it. Same with android. It also depends a lot on whether you have more devices from the bitten apple and are immersed in the ecosystem, or if you prefer the services and possibilities that Google offers.
- Price: your recommended retail price It’s very similarand both devices can also be found discounted at an almost identical cost, although it varies depending on the configuration you want.
iPhone 13 mini or ASUS Zenfone 9, which one to buy?
Leaving aside if you prefer iOS or Android, the iPhone 13 mini is smaller than the ASUS Zenfone 9. Not much more, but maybe enough to make a difference and become the reason for purchase. On the other hand, the ASUS Zenfone 9 has a good battery for its size, ideal if you want it to last as long as possible without having to go through the charger.
Price is also not a deciding factor because both move in a very similar price range, and the photographic section also goes to tastes. Of course, the ASUS Zenfone 9 has a gimbal stabilizer to offer more stable images.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini (128GB) – Blue
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