Asus Zenfone 9 vs Google Pixel 7: The Ultimate Showdown

The smartphone market is packed with options, but the Asus Zenfone 9 and Google Pixel 7 stand out as compelling choices. Both offer premium features and unique strengths, but cater to different user preferences. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pocket.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Zenfone 9 boasts superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and impressive battery life. However, the Pixel 7 shines with its exceptional camera software, clean Android experience, and brighter display. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: power and compact size versus camera prowess and software.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus Zenfone 9 Google Pixel 7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 - A version1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML3
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 77, 78 - A version1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GQML3
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/211 Mbps, 5G 4.5/0.9 GbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 - C version1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GVU6C
Launch
Announced2022, July 282022, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 15Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm (5.77 x 2.68 x 0.36 in)155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight169 g (5.96 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~445 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)
Size5.9 inches, 84.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, gimbal OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 113° (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.5, 28mm (standard), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4 5W reverse wired20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Ion 4355 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Blue, Moonlight White, Sunset Red, Midnight BlackObsidian, Lemongrass, Snow
ModelsAI2202-1A006EU, AI2202, AI2202_BGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5
Price£ 619.99€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 108h Endurance rating 96h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.7 LUFS (Good) -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 1083092 (v9) GeekBench: 4338 (v5.1) GFXBench: 89fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Asus Zenfone 9

  • Exceptional Performance
  • Compact and Ergonomic Design
  • Long Battery Life
  • Customizable Android Experience
  • 30W Fast Charging

  • Camera Not as Strong as Pixel 7
  • Less Polished Software Experience Compared to Pixel
  • No Official IP Rating

Google Pixel 7

  • Outstanding Camera Performance
  • Clean and Intuitive Android Software
  • Bright and Vibrant Display
  • Guaranteed Software Updates
  • Wireless Charging

  • Slower Performance Compared to Zenfone 9
  • Slower Charging Speeds
  • Larger Size

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 974 nits, significantly brighter than the Zenfone 9's 831 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), resulting in vibrant colors and deep blacks. While both are OLED panels, the Pixel 7's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The Zenfone 9's smaller size might be preferable for one-handed use.

Camera Comparison

Google's Pixel 7 excels in camera performance, thanks to its renowned image processing algorithms. While the Zenfone 9's camera is capable, the Pixel 7 consistently produces more natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range and detail. The Pixel 7's software features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are also significant advantages. Both offer excellent video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Zenfone 9's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers a noticeable performance advantage over the Pixel 7's Tensor G2. While the Tensor G2 is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers faster processing speeds and better gaming performance. Expect smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times on the Zenfone 9.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 9 demonstrates impressive battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 108 hours, surpassing the Pixel 7's 96 hours. While both offer all-day battery life for most users, the Zenfone 9 provides a bit more breathing room. The Pixel 7's 20W wired charging is slower than the Zenfone 9's 30W, and both lack exceptionally fast charging speeds overall.

Buying Guide

The Asus Zenfone 9 is ideal for users who prioritize raw performance, a smaller form factor, and a customizable Android experience. The Google Pixel 7 is perfect for those who value a top-tier camera, seamless software updates, and a clean, intuitive Android interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Google Pixel 7 offers guaranteed software updates and a cleaner Android experience directly from Google.
❓ Is the Zenfone 9 worth it if I'm a heavy gamer?
Yes, the Zenfone 9's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset makes it a better choice for demanding games.