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Asus Zenfone 9 5G 8GB RAM 128GB Storage $539.10, ROG 6 $899.10 + Delivery ($0 C&C) @ JB Hi-Fi

1160
CLICKOCT23

All time low, 46% off RRP$999. Combine with 10% off Ultimate GC to get it for $489 (only Moonlight has stock at stores). This phone has been very popular in the past.

Zenfone 9 Specs:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • 5.9" FHD 120Hz AMOLED screen with HDR10+
  • 50 MP main (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP selfie. Supports 8K video @ 24FPS
  • 4300mAh battery with 30W wired charging
  • Ships with Android 12, upgradable to 13
  • Dual-sim (both nano)
  • 30W charger included in box (very rare) and a case as well
  • NFC and Headphone Jack
  • IP68

ROG Phone 6:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • 6.78" FHD 165Hz 1ms AMOLED screen
  • 50 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 5 MP macro + 12 MP selfie
  • 6000mAh battery with 65W wired charging
  • Ships with Android 12, upgradable to 13
  • Dual-sim (both nano)
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • 65W charger included in box
  • Gamecool 6 cooling system

Original Coupon Deal

Related Stores

JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi

closed Comments

  • +22

    Great price, even better with Gift Cards.
    The phone itself is a good phone, however has some downfalls.
    Battery life is second to none - easily lasts a full day without needing a charge during the day (like the Pixel 6a or 7 Pro, S21 etc). Lack of wireless charging isn't a thing given the battery life is so good.
    Screen and form factor is great.
    Night time shots of the camera aren't as bad as people make out. It is very passable for a phone of this price.
    Day time shots have been very good (as with most cameras with decent light) and the OIS is actually very very good.

    Downsides for this phone however are poor placement on a very poor ambient light sensor which can keep the phone on in your pocket and also when holding the phone on your ear can keep the screen on (alot of face dialling in my experience) .
    Bluetooth pairing with motor vehicles keeps bringing up a nag screen which is noted for non-Pixel devices again in my experience.

    Hope this helps!

    • +3

      Sorry for asking, would you happen to know if it has inbuilt call recording?

      • I would love to know that as well if possible. Thanks.

      • +1

        Yup it definitely does.

        It is a good feature, I had to send my phone back for new firmware when I first got it as the phone insisted on using the Google Dialer instead of the Asus one.

        EG you can't use the Google Phone application you need to use the Asus Phone Application (which has its pros and cons).

        • Does it announce to the other side that you're recording tho?

          • +2

            @Bunnyburger: It does not. However, I did find the Asus phone application altered the voice of people I was talking to.

            This isn't a deal-breaker talking to people you don't know as you've no expectation as to how they should sound. When talking to friends, however, and they don't sound like the person you know it's incredibly disconcerting.
            Sometimes I would have hang up and call back 3-5 times before they sounded normal again.

            • @BinaryPirate: Wow that's some weird bug alright

              • @Bunnyburger: Yup. I could tolerate it on a ROG phone b/c it's not bought for making calls but not sure how I'd go on a non-gaming device.

        • Do you need to manually click record or does it auto record? Mine hasn't recorded anything and I can't find any option to set "auto record".

          • @tikei: You need to be in the Asus Phone App not the Google Phone App.

            Once there and you make a call it then works.

          • @tikei: What are you using auto record or record for ? Sting operation?

            • @BusMan247: I have hearing problems and like to playback to make sure I heard the details right.

    • +7

      poor placement on a very poor ambient light proximity sensor

    • +4

      omg I thought it was just me or my face is doing something weird, the screen stays on during calls and in pocket. I would often open my phone and discover random settings have been switched on/off, and icons moved or deleted. Other than that, it is basically a 10/10 phone.

      • +4

        same with Zenfone 8, its a nightmare

        • +2

          Did some Googling and can see it's widespread on ZF8 and ZF9 - does anyone know if it's an issue on the ZF10?

          I''ve been considering buying a ZF for a while but I've had this issue with another phone in the past and it was so annoying that it would be a deal-breaker in to find in another phone.

        • +2

          Another 8 owner here. I've managed to pocket dial 000 a couple of times. I would certainly reconsider another Zenfone if this issue hasn't been resolved.

      • +1

        Yep. I have sent many pocket emails and messages with this phone too. It's getting kind of embarrassing

      • +3

        Another OzBargainet clues me into the app "Call Proximity Sensor Fix" and it's solved it for me.

      • What's the camera like for this?

      • +2

        You guys don't lock your phone before putting it in your pocket?!

    • +1

      Hmm, phone on in pocket - I thought it was just my setup because of how i place my thumb on the phone when putting it in my pocket if fingerprint unlock is enabled. I've now changed that so it doesn't unluckily unlock and it seems to have fixed it for me.

      • +1

        Yeah this was my issue too, I had made one too many facebook calls to my group chats whilst it was in my pocket that I had to call it and turn off my fingerprint reader completely.

        Otherwise 10/10 phone I dont see myself replacing for a long time.

    • +1

      This app fixes the proximity sensor issue.

      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ml.proximi…

      That one particular issue was getting on my nerves tbh.

      • Can I confirm that you've used this and it fixed the issue?

  • +1

    It's a shame they don't have any more of the 256GB ones left. I would have strongly considered it, based on my Zenfone 8 (looks like they still have the 8 in stock, as well as the new 10).

  • Looks like bootloader unlocking isn't available any more 😢

    • Isn't that for ZenFone 10? This is ZenFone 9

    • Dont take the post by the 1 star 1 post account as gospel, lol.

      ASUS have been quite public about rewriting the unlock and flash tools, asking for some patients.

      Sure they could still NOT do it, its not a guarantee. But they havent said 'no' yet.

      The "discontinued" notice is correct, and without context bots are spamming it everywhere; we're all just waiting on the new one.

  • Either worth an upgrade from a pixel 6a?

    • I went from a 6a to the Asus 256GB and it was night and day.

      • Of course, it's not even a like-for-like comparison.

    • +1

      Depends what you want. The camera on the Pixel is much better, and it will get longer support.

  • How long's the software support ?
    Asus ZenFone looks good!

    • +2

      Hardware is good. Software support is only good from Samsung, Google or Apple.

      • -5

        Scratch Google from that list:
        https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/173011j/androi…

        Android 14 update bricked my Pixel 6 and I've lost heaps of data! Screw you Google!

      • Following the footsteps of Oppo, Samsung and OnePlus, Xiaomi has just announced that they will be offering four years of major Android updates as well as five years of security patches for the upcoming Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro.

    • 2 years total OS/security. Weak.

  • +1

    I bought this phone during the last time it was posted here. I had to return it due to some really bad calling and signal issues, I wasn't able to make phone calls from my house even though I had full 5G signal but it would disconnect and drop the call as soon as I tried ringing a number. I am with Boost Mobile for reference.

    Besides that, I was trying to switch away from Samsung with my S22 and in general the phone felt great in the hand, the material on the back is grippy and doesn't feel fragile. Everything else about the Zenfone was great except for those calling issues and the camera didn't take great photos, the 50MP function uses too much post processing and the artifacts it made were ugly if you zoomed in.

    • Can't see any difference in camera quality between this phone and an old Samsung s10e. Pass

      • You do know this phone came 3rd in MKBHD's 2022 blind phone image testing. Not far behind Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 Pro.

        • Was it a Twitter/Instagram voting test? If so it’s completely meaningless. Just means the images are more saturated and brighter.

    • I had a similar issue on a ZenFone 8 Flip, was solved through a dial code, I forget the specifics, something to do with VoLTE. Works perfectly now. I think it was also patched properly in a recent update

    • How did you return. Walk into JB and asked for your cash back?

      • I had screenshots of error messages and I just explained the issues. Thankfully I didn't have to push too hard this time.

        The best evidence would have been a screen recording but a phone call cancels the recording.

  • +1

    Feel like that ROG 6 is a good deal. Just paid $750 for a used S22 ultra 256gb that's 16 months old.
    World has gone mad, rip Note 10+ 512gb (broke screen)

    • +3

      I paid $400 for a Note 20 Ultra 6 months ago, then >$500 for a new screen & back glass a month later.

      The ROG Phone 6 price is good deal, plus it's Australian stock with Australian warranty in case the model has similar QC issues to the ROG 5 & Ally. If I was in the market for a new phone I would pull the trigger on that.

      I learned from experience that grey imports of ROG phones (and probably most others) are worth buying only if the total price is cheaper than Australian stock after you add the optional insurance cover available through eBay.

      I had the ~$900 value of my ROG 2 paid out and the device returned to me as the insurer couldn't get the screen repair done by Asus. I bought a new OEM screen & installation with the insurance payout, leaving $500 from the payout left over.
      In the end the phone effectively cost me just $500.

      I didn't take the insurance for the ROG 5 (forgot, d'oh). Within 3 months I had to get the phone replaced under warranty due to a widespread & well-known motherboard fault with that model. They replaced my WW ROM device with a used Chinese ROM version, which I subsequently bricked during the WW ROM flash.

      With insurance I would have been able to get it fixed with the WW ROM installed or would have been paid out the purchase price less insurance cost.
      Without insurance it's been a very stylish paperweight :'(

  • +3

    This is the phone I would go for if I moved to Android. Love a good small phone.

      • +1

        That's a cool site. Zenphone still looks pretty sweet. and bigger than I thought. I thought it was similar to an iphone 13 mini

        • Yeah it’s my first site I check whenever a new phone is unveiled. I hate large phones so it’s an easy way to rule phones out.

          It’s funny that basically the smallest phone on the market - the iPhone - is the best selling phone of the year every single year, yet everyone keeps saying people want huge phones.

      • I moved from a zenfone 8 to a s23. If you are looking for a small phone specifically, this is not true. The zenfone feels much smaller.

  • man, if i didn't get the Fold5 for $915, this could be the phone i am going for.

    • +1

      a good problem to have :) and you have made the right choice

  • +2

    Best travel phone peeps. Keep my chunky ass s23 ultra at home and take this for travels

    • S23U for incredible travel photos though

    • Same size as the S23, so if you already have an S23 Ultra having the smaller S23 would be much simpler as it would just be a smaller version of the same software.

    • My s22u with a Spigen tough armour case gives me pinky finger RSI holding it up

  • +1

    Good deal, except that my Zenfone 8 is still going strong. :)

  • From what I understand from whirlpool forums, this phone doesn't support wifi calling or VoLTE. Is anyone able to comment on this? Its the only thing holding me back.

    • +4

      Both are supported out of the box on my ZenFone 9. I have the VOLTE icon on the top and the VO wifi symbol appears when I connect to my home wifi network. Using a Kogan Sim (Vodafone).

      • +1

        Thanks so much for the reply mate!

    • Its working flawlessly

    • I think the wifi calling working is carrier dependent with this phone for whatever reason.

  • it would be better if it was Rog 7

  • P: Netflix app won't work in this phone. (The video will always be blurry).

    • What on the ZenFone 9? Works 100% on mine.

    • Sounds like a Netflix settings issue. Low bandwidth.

      • Just google "zenfone 9 Netflix" and you will understand what i am referring to. May be I am the unlucky one out of many.

        • Never noticed it before (because I don't really watch Netflix on my mobile), but looking at "Playback Specifications" in the App Settings shows mine only supports Widevine L3.

          Maximum Playback Resolution: SD

          Thats annoying. I swear it wasn't always like this.

          (I'm on zenfone 9)

            • @wizko: I just manually sideloaded google play services and it didn't fix it. Any other ideas? Or something I'm missing?

                • @wizko: Did that, it didn't work, so then I went the sideloading route. Oh well.

  • How do you use multiple ultimate cards at JB online?

    • +1

      You have to exchange them for JB gift cards on the ultimate gift cards site.

      • +1

        Cheers I just drove to JB's and got them to swap it.
        Turned 5 giftcards to 1 , but it did cost me delivery cause the closest store sold out while I was fluffing around.

  • Great bang for buck. I'm surprised JB still have stock TBH.

    • Not surprised at all. JB is like the only place Asus is retailing thru, so whatever they have is likely to be what Asus Aus brought to Aus.

      • True, but this isn't the first time this phone has been on sale. I don't think stock has been replenished.

        • Lots of keyboard warriors with opinions, not many actually put their wallet on the line as it's not a mainstream phone brand and basically no resale value on the 2nd hand market.

          Disclosure, I did order one just now so I am biased as I need to justify my purchase.

          • @hippo2s: That's a good point. I swear going by the comments and up-votes, I thought stock would've completely dried up by now.

            Edit: Haha congrats! They're awesome phones :)

  • +1

    Praying for a ZenFone 10 sale sometime soon

  • Does Zenfone 9 support VoLTE and VoWiFi on Telstra?

    • Yes

      • No VoWIFI on Telstra

  • Hopefully, the Zenfone 10 comes down to this level of price at some point.

    • RRP is $1299 for the 10.

      • Tbh, I'm past paying more than 1000$ for new phones, 800$ every 3 years is the sweet spot.

        Currently on an S22 Ultra, but keen for a smaller and much nicer experience.

        • +1

          i'm on a dying 4a right now, holding out for either the s23 or zenfone 10 because i absolutely despise how big phones are getting now..

          • +1

            @Zock On: Big phones are absolutely (profanity) stupid. Every "pro" phone also has the stupid curved screens as well which is a (profanity) huge gripe for me.

            • @tobi: it's a tragedy sony killed their compact line, XZ1C is my favourite phone ever

              • +1

                @Zock On: I would buy one of their new flagships which are huge, but there are a few design flaws that deter me. Would pair up well with my Camera.

    • Considering 10 came out in August? You would have to wait another 10 months still ZF11.

    • In 12 months or so, sure.

  • Tempting. I am running a Rog phone 3. It has been fantastic and I still get a full day+ of usage out of a charge ( I don't really game much, but was very attracted to the huge battery, big screen and snappy performance).

    At this stage I think I will squeeze a bit more out of it. Given this phone's longevity I would happily purchase another Rog phone when this can no longer give me a full day of performance.

  • +1

    How do these phones compare to the new Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro? Obviously the Xiaomi phones are newer but they cost a little more as well.

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