Can't Decide between iPhone 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13, ASUS Zenfone 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23

Chewie on 10/02/2023 - 22:09
Last edited 11/02/2023 - 16:53 by 2 other users

I'm looking to upgrade from my Asus Zenfone 8 as it seems the USB-C port is loose as it sometimes disconnects from Android Auto in the car, and also when charging overnight on the nightstand. 2 different cables so I don't think it's that. - yes, I know that the Zenfone 9 doesn't have wireless charging again but I actually like the software.

I read that to somewhat future-proof a mobile phone purchase, that one should aim for a phone with at least 12gb of RAM, which I find generally the Chinese (and Taiwanese) phones have. Especially when I prefer a smaller phone to use one-handed - I type using swype one-handed all the time instead of the traditional "typing" on the phone keyboard. I am concerned about the size of the battery in the S23 though.

I do want IP68 on it as well as I do sometimes get it wet (life with a 8 month old) which all of them have. However, I'm starting to get concerned with security/vulnerabilities of the phone especially with the more frequent publicising of hacks and data breaches (yes, I know it happens more than I know of). Would Apple be less prone for data breaches?

I didn't include the PIxel 7 as I've read about the cracking of the lens, etc, so I'm not sure about the phone. Plus, it seems that the other Android phones have the newer(-ish) chip thus further futureproofing it…?

Open to suggestions of other phones as well if it's around the same size, etc.

Thanks!

Poll Options

  • 31
    Apple iPhone 13 Pro
  • 8
    Asus Zenfone 9 (16gb RAM)
  • 24
    Samsung S23
  • 4
    Xiaomi 13 (12gb RAM)
  • 4
    Other - listed it in the comments.
Mobile Apple ASUS Mobile Phone Samsung Xiaomi Android

Comments

  • jv on 10/02/2023 - 22:47
    -3

    iPhone

  • jjjaar on 10/02/2023 - 22:57
    +3

    Nokia 3310

    • Chewie on 10/02/2023 - 23:20
      +2

      I was more an Ericsson T39 person. But I did have the Nokia 3210.

    • here4dealz on 13/02/2023 - 13:31

      r/BuyItForLife

  • AustriaBargain on 10/02/2023 - 22:59

    You know you need the iPhone in your life.

    • Chewie on 10/02/2023 - 23:21
      +3

      I did have the 3GS but then the battery expanded and warped the case while in the overhead locker in the plane.

      • ThithLord on 13/02/2023 - 09:21
        +1

        They're recommending the iPhone 13 Pro, I think

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/02/2023 - 23:00

    iPhone, but 14 pro ✨✨✨

    You deserve it, kid.

    • DAT on 16/02/2023 - 05:24

      Very similar to trust me bro

  • AwesomeAndrew on 10/02/2023 - 23:09
    +4

    You can't use Android Auto with iPhone. Also iPhones do not use USB C, which is a much better port as it has higher speeds, supports faster charging, and you can share cables with your other devices. Would suggest you go for an older phone unless you want a slightly better processor, as phone companies have not really innovated much in the last few years. Maybe Samsung S21 or Samsung S22.

    • Chewie on 10/02/2023 - 23:22

      Yeah - the car does Apple Carplay as well.

      Agreed with the points re: the cable but I note that the S22 is a worse battery then the S23… I had an S20+ which I gave to my wife (bloody heated Exynos).

  • Richardc on 11/02/2023 - 02:03
    +2

    try oppo

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2023 - 08:00
    +2

    Zenphone 8 is less than 2y old. Have you considered repairing it via a warranty claim or at an authorised repair centre? Might end up much cheaper than buying a brand new top tier mobile.

    • Chewie on 11/02/2023 - 08:51

      Checked the warranty on the Asus website and it says "Outside of Manufacturer Warranty". I might call around for repair places

  • ForkSnorter on 11/02/2023 - 08:12

    Where would you buy iPhone 13 Pro? Is there some deal going?

    • Hamish125 on 11/02/2023 - 10:32

      I was thinking the same. Only option seems to be to buy refurbs/second hand

  • JoeBogan on 11/02/2023 - 08:36
    +1

    Samsung or apple which boils it down to the age old debate of android or iOS. I chose these two because of the software support, while having more RAM is useful, software support from the manufacturer is a MUCH bigger factor in the longevity of a phone imo.

  • Hugh G Rection on 11/02/2023 - 10:24
    -3

    just get an 1 TB iPhone 14 pro max

  • Xizo on 11/02/2023 - 10:59

    Is price an issue?

    I'd limit the choice to Samsung S23 or Iphone, however I'm not sure an iPhone 13 pro is the best value. It's older and too expensive for what it is. If you're willing to consider an iPhone, then either get a 12 Pro (if you get it for a good price) or a 14 Pro.

    Personally, I can't stand Android OS and always buy Apple, but in this case you're comparing a new Samsung pre-order phone (with some good deals,eg at JB- HIFI https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/samsung-galaxy-s23-5g-256…) vs an older iPhone that is out of stock and still overpriced.

    So, after all is said and done, it's either S23 or iPhone 14 pro. Personally I'd choose the latter, but the former remains a great option.
    BTW, iPhone's cameras are great, but get completely and utterly trashed by Samsung's zoom cameras if that's a factor

    • ForkSnorter on 11/02/2023 - 11:34

      BTW, iPhone's cameras are great, but get completely and utterly trashed by Samsung's zoom cameras if that's a factor

      That’s true, although iPhone’s Proraw feature (especially on 14 pro) is the most incredible photography feature I’ve ever seen on a phone. Haven’t used it myself, but seen in store and demos online.

  • payless69 on 11/02/2023 - 13:18

    Some time ago I went from Taiwanese quality to Samsung bloatware. Useless navigation but more advanced screen and camera.
    Then I tried the same generation Iphone. What a heap of junk!
    Now the S23 got soft window glass on front and hard one on back. What on earth did they think? No case, even a house key in your pocket will ruin it.
    Good luck searching..

  • Ghost47 on 11/02/2023 - 18:27
    +1

    How long do you want to be able to use the phone for? If you want a "future proof" phone (i.e. good longevity) you probably want to go with an iPhone.

    From what I've heard iOS is a bit more secure than Android but you probably need to research that yourself more. Last year Apple did increase privacy in iOS which allowed you to opt out of apps from tracking you for advertising or something along those lines.

    I don't know if RAM is the only thing you should care about, the CPU/SoC is also important in phones these days. On top of that it's also how well developed/optimised the OS is for your phone.

    I would say if you take care of it an keep the battery charged at an optimal level (e.g. between 40% and 80% at all times) an iPhone should be able to easily last 4 years before requiring a battery replacement, that's how long my iPhone 8 went before I went to Apple to change the battery.

    If you like doing stuff like playing emulators on your phone it won't be possible with an iPhone though (unless jailbreaks still exist), and be wary that you could end up getting sucked into Apple's ecosystem (e.g. buy an Apple Watch, iPad etc.)

    Nothing beats Live Photos on iPhone though. Last I saw Samsung had a feature called Motion Photos, but simply being able to long press on your screen to see your photo come to life and hear what was happening at the moment you took the photo is just a really good feature on iPhone. When it was first announced I thought it was quite gimmicky but I've really come to love it. If you're taking photos of your kid a lot it could be worth it just for that I reckon.

  • DAT on 16/02/2023 - 05:26

    Saw the word futureproofing somewhere - Sorry I doubt there's such a thing honestly, at least when it comes to mobile phones.

  • Chewie on 16/02/2023 - 07:22

    Just checking the specs for each phone - and hit a snag somewhat.

    I can't get the local Samsung S23 or iPhone (anything) unless I change Telco providers since I use 2 physical nano sim cards. Neither Aldi or Mate do eSIM.

  • pumpkinspice on 20/02/2023 - 12:56

    Be careful with the Zenfone 9.

    My Zenfone 8 died after 14 months.
    ASUS haven't fixed a RAMDUMP issue that's been affecting their phones for years, and the only fix is to replace the motherboard, so you lose everything on your phone.

    I only found out about the issue after my phone fell victim to it. I never would have bought an ASUS phone if I knew about it.

    • Chewie on 20/02/2023 - 15:58

      My current Zenfone 8 is out of warranty and it's become so sluggish even after removing some apps. Clean the cache but it still stalls sometimes. And the charging port seems to be a bit finicky now.

      The issue is that the Australian sold models of the Samsung S23 and iPhone are only dual Sim with one nano SIM and the other being an esim. With being on Aldi and Mate (both on the Telstra network), neither of them do esims.

      So i either go with a telco which will cost me more per month or import a phone from HK which seems like the place to get dual nano SIM phones. Pricier though than local equivalents….

    • limucat on 21/07/2023 - 15:09

      Hi, I just saw a glowing review on zenfone 10 saying it's nearly perfect

      Ive always used Motorola phones for years mainly because it's stock android, cheap-ish, using hand gestures for torch and camera.

      However, I've learn to live with the horrible cameras.

      Would you recommend Asus done? Ive never even considered it until I saw that YouTube video (saying the cameras are great)

      Thx

      • Chewie on 22/07/2023 - 12:02

        I was holding out for the Zenfone 10 based on the leaks before it came out. With the new phone adding wireless charging, it sealed the deal for me.

        However, I was on holidays and taking photos and I dropped my phone in a heated spa (don't ask…) and it fried the phone charging port, so I'm now using the Pixel 7A since I needed a cheap phone that was readily available while on holidays. I'll probably get the Zenfone 10 in 12 months or so if nothing else comes in a small standard using almost stock Android.

  • DesolateApophic on 23/02/2023 - 22:24

    Have you tried clearing the lint build up from the USB C port? I do mine every so often and it always clicks in better afterwards.

    • Chewie on 23/02/2023 - 22:26

      I did that the other day. I've also bought a new USB cable and it seems like it's got a thicker "head", so it's currently charging better.

      The issue now is that it seems to be non-responsive sometimes- like it's RAM is full or something.

      • DesolateApophic on 23/02/2023 - 22:27

        Damn sucks it isn't a simple fix. Happy upgrading. I'm waiting for a 14 pro sale. My Pixel 6a has been disappointing.

        • Chewie on 23/02/2023 - 22:28

          I might try and hobble along with this phone and hold out for the Iphone 15 pro in September or something… (if it lasts that long). Should be USB-C rather than lightning port by then….

      • Sean8802 on 14/03/2023 - 23:14

        Just buy the part off Aliexpress and take it to your local kios to install (obviously check with them prior to purchasing) just incase they won't work on your phone with the part you supplied. The part is modular so it isn't too pricey to buy between 17-$20

        https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003730044482.html?spm=a2…

        https://youtu.be/KYsoHRDHnR4?t=198 - Video showing how to replace the part

  • mikezillakind on 20/11/2023 - 19:57

    No Deals on the Xiaomi 13 Pro ?

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