ASUS has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, a device that represents a big advancement in the company’s mobile technology. While the Zenfone series has consistently introduced new features, the 12 Ultra differentiates itself with a refined design, powerful performance, and an increased focus on artificial intelligence. Notably, ASUS’s decision to exclude the US market from its initial launch raises questions about its broader global strategy.
Designer: ASUS
Design and Display: A Premium Aesthetic with Thoughtful Refinements
Moving beyond the gamer-focused aesthetic of the ROG Phone 9, the Zenfone 12 Ultra adopts a more polished and professional design. Its sleek and minimalist form maximizes screen real estate with ultra-thin bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The front houses a subtle hole-punch camera, while the rear features a clean, understated design with the Zenfone logo positioned above the streamlined camera module.
The device is available in Blush Pink, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black, with each color carefully selected to appeal to a broader audience. At 8.9mm in thickness and weighing 220g, it balances a premium in-hand feel with comfortable handling. The frame is made from recycled aluminum, highlighting ASUS’s focus on sustainability while maintaining durability.
The 6.78-inch Samsung Flexible AMOLED display is at the core of the user experience, featuring an FHD+ resolution and LTPO technology. This allows the refresh rate to dynamically shift between 1Hz for static content and 120Hz for everyday use, with an optional 144Hz mode for gaming. This adaptive refresh system extends battery life while delivering smooth visuals. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, offering increased resistance to scratches and impacts. ASUS has opted for a high-quality panel known for accurate color calibration and strong visibility in bright conditions.
Performance and Hardware: A Powerhouse Engineered for Efficiency
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an eight-core processor capable of clock speeds up to 4.32GHz. This ensures rapid performance across demanding applications. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device is equipped for seamless multitasking and storage-heavy tasks. Advanced thermal management helps maintain performance during extended use.
The 5,500mAh battery is designed to support extended usage without frequent recharging. It supports 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, allowing for rapid power replenishment when needed. The inclusion of IP68 water and dust resistance adds durability, while the retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack—an increasingly rare feature—caters to wired audio enthusiasts. With WiFi 7 support, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is optimized for the next generation of wireless connectivity.
Camera System and Stabilization: Precision in Every Frame
The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s camera system is a highlight of its feature set. The primary 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor delivers impressive image quality and dynamic range. What sets it apart is the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer, a system that enhances video stability by combining hardware-based stabilization with advanced software correction.
Supporting the primary sensor is a 13MP ultra-wide camera for expansive shots and a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front-facing 32MP camera records crisp 1080p video, making it well-suited for selfies and video calls.
The rear camera setup can record 8K video at 24fps, capturing intricate details with precision. AI-powered features, such as AI Magic Fill, AI Unblur, and AI Panning Shot, further refine the photography experience, enhancing motion shots and improving clarity in challenging lighting conditions. The camera software includes fine-tuned color grading tools, allowing users to adjust temperature and saturation for precise control over image aesthetics.
AI Features and User-Centric Enhancements
ASUS has placed significant emphasis on AI capabilities, all of which are processed on-device for enhanced privacy and security. The Meta Llama 3 8B language model powers AI-driven tools that improve productivity and usability.
AI-enhanced features include subject-tracking for videos, portrait video effects with customizable bokeh, real-time noise reduction for clearer voice recordings, and AI-powered transcription for meetings. The phone also includes document summarization and real-time translation for calls. Additionally, Google’s Circle to Search simplifies instant searches by allowing users to highlight content on their screens. These AI-powered tools align with ASUS’s goal of improving real-world usability and efficiency in daily tasks.
A Flagship with a Defined Vision
With a launch price of €1,099 (approximately $1,145), while the Zenfone 12 Ultra won’t be available in the US, it remains a competitive offering in regions where it is launched. Its refined design, high-end performance, AI integration, and camera capabilities position it as a flagship device worthy of attention. ASUS’s evolving market approach will determine whether it expands its reach further, but for now, the Zenfone 12 Ultra reflects the brand’s focus on premium experiences and advanced mobile innovation.
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