The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is here to capture the attention of smartphone enthusiasts who crave sophistication without the gaming flair of the ROG Phone 9 series. Showcasing a tasteful design revamp, the Zenfone 12 Ultra flaunts a sleek and contemporary look in a stunning range of colors and boasts internal features that position it firmly within the flagship category. However, potential buyers may find themselves disappointed with its software support.
Sitting alongside the brand’s ROG gaming lineup, the Zenfone series has long catered to those seeking a less game-focused experience without compromising on high performance. Following the success of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, Asus has decided to continue with just the ‘Ultra’ version for this iteration. Notable design tweaks to the Zenfone 12 Ultra include a refined camera island, bidding farewell to the geometric patterns of its predecessor. The back is made from glass, featuring an elegant matte finish. Emphasizing sustainability, Asus has constructed the frame from 100% recycled aluminum, while the screen incorporates 22% recycled glass. It retains the highly coveted IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and is available in colors like Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White.
The phone is equipped with a 6.78-inch FHD+ Samsung AMOLED LTPO display, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for everyday use and extending to 144Hz for gaming sessions. With a peak brightness of a dazzling 2,500 nits, this display is poised to impress. Under the hood lies the robust Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, complemented by 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a hefty 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s formidable camera setup. It features a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 camera supported by Asus’s advanced 6-axis hybrid gimbal system version 4.0, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP telephoto lens with optical image stabilization and 3x optical zoom. The front hosts a 32MP RGBW camera ideal for selfies and video calls.
Asus has positioned the Zenfone 12 Ultra at the cutting edge with Android 15, introducing groundbreaking AI features. It’s billed as the world’s first smartphone incorporating the Meta Llama 3 8B language model, and there’s an assurance that all AI functionalities remain firmly on-device for enhanced data protection. Yet, Asus has continued its limiting software support pattern, offering merely two major OS upgrades. On a brighter note, security updates are pledged until 2030.
Battery life is another strength, with a robust 5,500mAh capacity supporting 65W fast charging and Qi 1.3 wireless charging. While there’s no word on a bundled charger, historical patterns suggest it might be absent. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is still equipped with an audio jack, stereo speakers, dual nano-SIM slots, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology.
Available for purchase starting at €1,099 in Europe, early adopters can avail of a €100 launch discount valid until February 28th, making it an enticing proposition for those keen on a premium smartphone experience.
