Based on our overall comparison score, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra rates higher at 79/100 versus 69/100 for Asus Zenfone 9 — a 10-point lead. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Asus Zenfone 9
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads Asus Zenfone 9 overall by 22 points (81 vs 59 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out on Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Storage capacity: 256 GB, Display Size: 6.8 in.
- Best value: Asus Zenfone 9 (from $699) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
81
Asus Zenfone 9
59
Why it stands out
- Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Display Size: 6.8 in
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Aug 2026.
Our site rates the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at 79 and the Asus Zenfone 9 at 69. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice for power users, offering a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and high-end capabilities. Meanwhile, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the ideal option for people who prefer a compact phone, as it is significantly smaller and lighter than the Samsung device. Ultimately, the Galaxy S23 Ultra leads in processing strength, while the Zenfone 9 wins on comfortable, one-handed usability.
- Portability and Ergonomics
- The Asus Zenfone 9 wins easily in this category, weighing just 169 grams compared to the much heavier 233-gram Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Its compact height of 146.5 mm makes it far more pocketable and easier to use with one hand.
- Processor Performance
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the lead in hardware performance. It features the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy system-on-chip, which surpasses the older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found inside the Zenfone 9.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an S-Series flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics, released in February 2023. It features improvements over previous models and includes support for a bundled stylus (1).
Best for photographyBest for productivityBest for flagship users
Pros
- Features a high-resolution main camera of 200 megapixels, which allows for better low-light photos and cropping without loss of resolution (4).
- Supports pressure sensitive stylus use, and the stylus tucks into the phone (2).
- Has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection (2).
- Includes multiple telephoto lenses: 3x, ultra-wide, and a 10x optical telephoto lens (4).
Cons
- The camera array design has visible rings that may collect dust (3).
- The performance of the 10x zoom varies, and close-up images or videos might not be as sharp as anticipated (4).
Asus Zenfone 9
The Asus ZenFone 9 is a compact flagship smartphone within the ZenFone series. It maintains a small form factor, making it easily portable despite housing advanced specifications. The device is suited for users who prefer smaller screens and pocketable hardware without sacrificing performance.
Best for PortabilityBest for Single-hand useBest for Users preferring smaller smartphones
Pros
- Features a compact 5.9-inch display with a fast refresh rate and anti-fingerprint coating
- Equipped with a large 4300 mAh battery capacity
- Includes features such as IP68 rated dust and water resistance
- Utilizes a fast charge of up to 30W
- The design is generally considered comfortable for extended single-hand use.
Cons
- The previous model's polymer back panel was described by one source as feeling rubbery.
- Some sources noted that the display collected visible scratches over time, common to Gorilla Glass Victus screens.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Asus Zenfone 9
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra1,287,951
Asus Zenfone 91,099,826
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra5,000 mAh
Asus Zenfone 94,300 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraAsus Zenfone 9
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 64 g (38%) heavier than Asus Zenfone 9.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Asus Zenfone 9 comparison
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Asus Zenfone 9 are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 79/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and 69/100 for Asus Zenfone 9.
At launch, Asus Zenfone 9 was the more affordable option ($699) versus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (79/100 vs 69/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (79/100) edges out Asus Zenfone 9 (69/100). But if Asus Zenfone 9 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.
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