The Asus Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 are strikingly similar, leading many to question whether Asus forgot to innovate with their recent flagship. While improvements exist, the lack of significant changes may make it difficult for consumers to justify an upgrade. This article explores the various aspects in which these two models compare, shedding light on whether the Zenfone 10 brings enough to the table to outweigh its predecessor.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Asus Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 share a nearly identical look. The dimensions are almost the same, and both models feature a sleek, modern aesthetic with a robust construction. However, the Zenfone 10 does offer a marginal improvement in materials, moving from a plastic frame in the Zenfone 9 to an aluminum frame in the newer model. Despite these subtle differences, the overall look and feel have remained largely unchanged.
Display Comparison
The display is another area where the Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 show minimal variation. Both devices boast a 6.1-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels. The display quality across both phones is excellent, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. One noticeable upgrade in the Zenfone 10 is the improved refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the 90Hz refresh rate on the Zenfone 9. This enhancement provides a smoother user experience during gaming or scrolling through social media.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Zenfone 10 does offer some notable advancements over its predecessor. The Zenfone 10 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, while the Zenfone 9 runs on the Snapdragon 888. This upgrade results in better performance and efficiency. Both devices come with the same RAM and internal storage options, but the Zenfone 10 includes enhanced cooling systems to manage heat better during intensive tasks.

Camera Capabilities
On the camera front, the Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 appear to be closely aligned. Both feature a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. These cameras produce high-quality images with accurate color reproduction and good low-light performance. One area where the Zenfone 10 edges out is in the software enhancements. The newer model comes with additional AI capabilities and updated software algorithms that help in producing slightly better photo and video quality.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for smartphone users, and both the Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 perform admirably in this department. Each device houses a 4,500mAh battery, capable of lasting an entire day of moderate use. The Zenfone 10 does introduce faster charging technology, supporting up to 65W quick charging compared to the 30W fast charging on the Zenfone 9. This means that the Zenfone 10 can reach full charge in almost half the time, which is a substantial improvement for users on the go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Asus Zenfone 10 does bring some upgrades over the Zenfone 9, they are relatively minor and might not be enough to justify an immediate upgrade for current Zenfone 9 owners. The design, display, and camera capabilities remain largely similar, with noteworthy improvements mainly in refresh rate, processor, and charging speed. Potential buyers should consider whether these incremental changes align with their needs before making a decision.
FAQs
Is the Asus Zenfone 10 significantly better than the Zenfone 9?
Not significantly. The Zenfone 10 offers improvements in processor, refresh rate, and charging speed, but the overall experience remains quite similar to the Zenfone 9.
What are the main differences between the Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9?
The main differences include a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs. 90Hz), a newer processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs. Snapdragon 888), and faster charging capabilities (65W vs. 30W).
Is the camera better on the Zenfone 10?
Yes, the Zenfone 10 has updated software algorithms and AI capabilities that slightly improve photo and video quality, although the hardware remains largely the same.
How does battery life compare between the Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9?
Both devices feature a 4,500mAh battery, providing similar battery life, but the Zenfone 10 supports faster charging.
Should I upgrade from the Zenfone 9 to the Zenfone 10?
Unless you specifically need the improvements in refresh rate, processor, and charging speed, the upgrades might not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade from the Zenfone 9 to the Zenfone 10.