Asus Zenfone 9 vs Galaxy S24

Asus Zenfone 9
Asus Zenfone 9
See options
Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$614.00

Versus A$1,841.10 new

See options

The Asus Zenfone 9, released in 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in early 2024, are both Android smartphones designed for users who appreciate a more compact form factor. While the Zenfone 9 emphasizes a unique gimbal camera system and a traditional headphone jack, the Galaxy S24 offers a more advanced display, a versatile triple-camera setup, and an extended software support policy. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a familiar user experience with their respective manufacturer customizations.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key differentiators.

  • Release Timeline: The Asus Zenfone 9 was released in September 2022, making it a two-year-old device at the time of this comparison. The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in January 2024, benefits from being a more recent model. [1, 4, 20]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 offers an extensive software commitment, promising seven years of operating system upgrades and security updates, ensuring it remains current through Android 21. [1, 13, 15, 24, 28] The Zenfone 9, while upgradable to Android 14, typically receives fewer major OS updates compared to Samsung's flagship commitment. [20, 27]
  • Repairability and Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. [6, 19, 26] The Galaxy S24 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display, an upgrade from the Zenfone 9's Gorilla Glass Victus, potentially offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. [1, 4, 19]

Release year

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Asus Zenfone 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though they utilize different generations of internal components.

  • Processing Power: The Zenfone 9 is equipped with a powerful processor from its release year, capable of handling intensive games and applications smoothly. [23, 31] The Galaxy S24 features a newer, current-generation processor, which provides a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency for everyday tasks, complex computations, and graphic-intensive gaming. [1, 7, 9, 35]
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both phones offer ample RAM configurations, with the Zenfone 9 available with up to 16GB and the Galaxy S24 typically with 8GB, ensuring smooth transitions between multiple open applications. [4, 9, 19, 33] The Galaxy S24 utilizes UFS 4.0 storage, which offers faster read and write speeds compared to the Zenfone 9's UFS 3.1, contributing to quicker app loading and file transfers. [9, 23, 35]
  • Battery Behavior: The Zenfone 9, with its 4300 mAh battery, is noted for its impressive battery life for a compact device, often lasting a full day or more under typical usage. [2, 14, 18, 29] The Galaxy S24, with a 4000 mAh battery, also provides reliable all-day power, benefiting from the efficiency improvements of its newer processor and display technology. [10, 11, 30, 32]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant and clear, though the Galaxy S24 incorporates more recent display advancements.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks and vivid colors. The Zenfone 9 has a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2400x1080 pixel resolution. [4, 19, 26] The Galaxy S24 sports a slightly larger 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2340x1080 pixel resolution, providing a sharp and detailed viewing experience. [1, 3, 6, 33, 35]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24's display can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it exceptionally visible in bright outdoor conditions. [1, 8, 9, 36, 41] The Zenfone 9 offers a peak brightness of 1100 nits, which is also good for outdoor use. [2, 19, 23, 34] Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions, but the Galaxy S24's LTPO technology allows its refresh rate to scale down to 1Hz for improved power efficiency. [1, 8, 19, 34, 36]
  • Screen Protection: The Zenfone 9 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. [4, 19, 23] The Galaxy S24 features the newer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches. [1, 3]

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080x2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Zenfone 9 features a dual-camera setup, highlighted by a 50MP main sensor with a unique 6-axis gimbal stabilization system, which helps in capturing steady photos and videos, particularly in motion or low light. It also includes a 12MP ultrawide lens. [2, 12, 16, 19, 20, 25, 34] The Galaxy S24 boasts a more versatile triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP wide-angle main camera with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios. [1, 6, 7, 9, 33]
  • Photography Performance: The Zenfone 9's main camera generally produces detailed images with good low-light performance, though some users have noted occasional inconsistencies in image processing. [2, 12, 16, 21] The Galaxy S24's camera system delivers consistent results across its lenses, with its telephoto lens being a significant advantage for zoomed shots. [9]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of high-resolution video recording, with the Zenfone 9 supporting up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 120fps, and the Galaxy S24 also offering 8K at 30fps. [4, 7, 12, 19, 20] For selfies and video calls, both phones feature a 12MP front camera, with the Zenfone 9's offering autofocus. [1, 12, 19, 20, 21, 33]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of the Zenfone 9 and the Galaxy S24.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6/6E), ensuring fast wireless data speeds. [19, 26, 31, 35] A notable difference is the Zenfone 9's inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature absent on the Galaxy S24. [2, 19, 23, 26, 34] Both use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, though the Galaxy S24 supports the faster USB 3.2 standard compared to the Zenfone 9's USB 2.0. [4, 31, 35]
  • Biometrics and Design: The Zenfone 9 integrates its fingerprint sensor into the power button on the side, which also supports customizable gestures. [2, 19, 23, 34] The Galaxy S24 features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for unlocking. [1, 3] In terms of physical design, the Zenfone 9 has a polymer back, while the Galaxy S24 uses a glass rear with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to a different in-hand feel. [3, 19, 27]
  • Dimensions and Handling: Both are considered compact phones. The Zenfone 9 measures 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm and weighs 169g, making it slightly thicker but still very manageable for one-handed use. [4, 19, 20, 31] The Galaxy S24 is marginally larger and thinner at 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 168g, offering a sleek profile. [1, 3, 6, 35, 38]

Weight

169 oz

167 oz

Screen size (in)

5.9

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Asus Zenfone 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 cater to users seeking a compact smartphone experience, yet they offer distinct advantages. Users frequently praise the Zenfone 9 for its truly pocketable size, excellent battery life for its dimensions, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. [2, 14, 18, 29, 34] Its unique gimbal stabilization system on the main camera is also a common point of appreciation for video recording. [12, 16, 19, 25] However, some users have noted that its camera processing can be inconsistent, and it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. [2, 16, 21, 25]

The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the other hand, is widely lauded for its industry-leading software support, promising seven years of updates, which is a significant factor for long-term ownership. [1, 13, 15, 24, 28] Its brighter, more advanced display, versatile triple-camera system with optical zoom, and faster charging capabilities are also frequently highlighted as strong points. [1, 8, 9, 30, 36, 41] Some criticisms have revolved around its charging speed not being the fastest compared to some competitors, and certain camera aspects in specific conditions. [10, 32]

Users prioritizing a highly compact device with a headphone jack and unique video stabilization may find the Asus Zenfone 9 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value extended software longevity, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, a brighter display, and the latest processing power will likely lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S24. Both devices represent strong choices in the compact smartphone segment, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed purchasing decision.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons