If you are among those who prefer smaller devices over large ones, then the launch of the ASUS Zenfone 9 was probably a breath of fresh air to you. The device was launched last week showcasing its 5.9-inch form factor that fits snugly into one hand. Unfortunately, no one in this country will be holding it anytime soon, as the company is not bringing the device to our shores.
As Amanz reports, ASUS Malaysia has said that it is not bringing the Zenfone 9 into the local market. As to why exactly, the company did not share its reasoning.
Perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised, considering this isn’t the first time that something like this has happened. While the previous generation device, the ASUS Zenfone 8, was made available in Malaysia, the generation that came before it, the Zenfone 7, did not. Neither did the generation before that, the Zenfone 6. At least, not in an official capacity.
There could be any number of reasons why ASUS is not bringing the Zenfone 9 to Malaysia. Speculation as to what these reasons are will get us nowhere, but what is clear is that the company is putting a lot more emphasis on its gaming line. Which means that the company is banking on the ROG Phone 6 series to do well, and doesn’t want another of its own product competing against it.
Which is probably fair, because despite the apparent demand for compact flagships, the sales figures show otherwise. At least where the iPhone is concerned, but granted that’s not exactly a fair representation of the entire market. Either way, this is another disappointing blow to fans of smaller devices that can fit into hands and pockets comfortably. We can only hope that the company changes its mind somewhere down the line, and hopefully that doesn’t take two generations.
(Source: Amanz)
