If you are looking to change your phone, but prefer small formats, here are two smartphones on offer, the iPhone 13 mini and the Asus Zenfone 9, which represent the best in this area. However, between Android and Apple, which one to choose? We will try to answer it in this comparison.
Today, it is more common to find large-format phones with 6 to 7-inch screens on the market. For fans of compact smartphones, it is not easy to find what you are looking for. There are still some references, which will probably please you. We have unearthed two interesting models for you, one from Apple with the iPhone 13 Mini and another from Asus with the Zenfone 9.
They are very good smartphones that have obtained a score of 8/10. A note that we attribute to Frandroid, when the qualities of the product make it a good deal for almost all user profiles. They are not without their flaws, but the assets are so numerous that these floors are not prohibitive. It remains to be seen which of the two best meets your needs and which experience appeals to you more between iPhone or Android. We will try to enlighten you in your choice through this comparison.
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Successful finishes in a small format
Whether it’s the iPhone 13 Mini or the Asus Zenfone 9, lovers of compact smartphones will be delighted. Its small size provides a good dose of comfort of use. Being the last existing model of the Californian firm, the 13 Mini will please the smallest hands with its dimensions of 64.2 × 131.5 × 7.65 mm and its featherweight of 140 g. On the Zenfone 9, even with larger dimensions (68.1 × 146.5 × 9.1mm), it slips easily into your pocket and is completely unnoticeable thanks to its featherweight 169g. Aesthetically, both in one and the other, the finishes are neat with flat edges on the sides, for a better grip in the hand. On the back, the two competitors reveal two photosensors.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
Source: Frandroid – Brandon Lopes
The configuration of the iPhone 13 Mini is as follows, a 12-megapixel wide-angle and an ultra-wide angle, while the most premium of its generation adds a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and the famous LiDAR sensor. Despite this, it offers good shots whose sensors are 92% larger than the previous generation, with the aim of capturing more light, and therefore showing more detail. For the Zenfone 9 we are entitled to a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle. Far from being a bad photophone, it is difficult to praise its merits in his photographic performances too withdrawn. The sensors are correct, but nothing else.
Notch or punch? iOS or Android?
Once turned on, the viewing experience is not the same for the two manufacturers. On one, there is a small punch located at the top left and the other has a notch in the middle. Apple has also been heavily criticized for this rather unsightly notch for some and for others. However, for those equipped with an iPhone with the TouchID button, the front of the 13 Mini will be more pleasing to the eye with its slim bezels. Its 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen offers excellent contrasts and vivid colors. The Zenfone 9 is also of high quality Amoled and FHD+, but offers a larger surface area with its 5.9-inch diagonal. Added to this is an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth everyday browsing. We would have liked to see a higher than 60Hz refresh rate on Apple’s phone, but that’s exclusive to the Pro model.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
In terms of user experience, you have iOS 16 or Android 13 with Asus’ ZenUI interface. For people who already have a device from the Curpertino company, they will not be disappointed. Apple masters its operating system to perfection: a fluid interface, very complete and easy to learn. Released under iOS 15, it now works under iOS 16. Enough to take advantage of the latest software innovations from the brand. The Zenfone 9 is based on the Android-based ZenUI home interface. It is inspired by the Pixel interface, both in design and in the ergonomics of the parameters. Overall, the software experience is extremely smooth, with neat and clear animations. However, there are some bugs to watch out for, especially in terms of notifications or limited customization. Nothing prohibitive, however, by switching to Android 13, the Zenfone 9 takes a hit in terms of autonomy.
Powerful and durable enough to last a day.
For its two small phones, performance hasn’t been neglected. As for the Zenfone 9, we are entitled to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, a powerful chip from Qualcomm. Everything runs smoothly, whether you’re multitasking, browsing your favorite apps, or playing demanding games. The only small drawback concerns the heating that occurs quickly in Fortnite after a few minutes of gaming. With its A15 Bionic chip, the 13 Mini is capable of handling any type of task without slowing down. Of course, the user experience is perfectly smooth with the latest version of iOS.
Generally, compact smartphones are not known for their endurance, since they cannot accommodate a very large battery. Battery include:
- 2438mAh for iPhone 13 Mini
- 4300mAh for Asus Zenfone 9
With a smaller battery for Apple’s phone, Asus’s seems to be more durable. However, the two rivals manage to offer similar autonomy. For the iPhone 13 Mini, if its predecessor disappointed on this point, this version corrects this defect by providing a larger battery. More reassuring than before, it easily manages to last all day. Against the background of more intensive use, the battery may well require a short pit stop from time to time during the day.
And the Zenfone 9 then? It also has a bigger battery and runs better than the Zenfone 8. It can last for a day and a half effortlessly. Even with heavy and intense use, the device will not let you down in the middle of the day. We also appreciate the presence of a 30 W charger that allows you to go from 9% to 57% in 30 minutes. Still, a decent result, especially since the iPhone offers slower charging (20 W). And, if you’re used to using an induction charger, it supports wireless charging unlike the Zenfone 9 which doesn’t.
iPhone 13 Mini or Asus Zenfone 9, which one to choose?
A difficult choice? It is true that qualities are not lacking on either side. Not least because each offers a successful software experience, but there are differences to keep in mind.
If you are a user used to Apple, then opting for the iPhone 13 Mini will be the most appropriate. The ecosystem makes it so simple which devices to connect andthe constructor is reputation of offering tracking software for a period of 5 years. Then comes this model. It erases one of the main defects of its predecessor, by offering better autonomy, but it is limited to slow charging. For its small size it turns out to be a good photophone, and a powerful device.
Where to buy
Apple iPhone 13 mini at the best price?
The Zenfone 9 will appeal more to those who are more comfortable with Android and who prefer a customizable interface. It has advantages that should not be overlooked, such as its 120Hz refresh rate, which is not found in the iPhone 13 Mini. For anyone looking for a small, high-end smartphone that is both very powerful and durable, the Asus Zenfone 9 is a smartphone to consider. Between its day and a half of use and a processor capable of running it all, it does better than some of its competitors. On the other hand, you won’t have to be too fussy with the photo, it lacks versatility and doesn’t shine on this point.
Where to buy
Asus Zenfone 9 at the best price?
Therefore, it is difficult to decide for you since, depending on the profile, just one of the small details mentioned here could tip the balance in one direction or another.
To go further, you can find our complete and detailed reviews at:
The other compact smartphones to discover
If the Asus or Apple brand smartphone has not convinced you, there are other compact models. To discover them, we invite you to consult now our guide to the best 5 to 6-inch phones in 2023.
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