ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Review: Design, Specs, Advantages & Disadvantages
After weeks of leaks about its design and specs, ASUS has officially launched its newest Zenfone lineup. The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra arrives with several key upgrades—ranging from performance and AI features to camera improvements—all wrapped in a slightly refreshed design.
Positioned as a more affordable flagship option, the Zenfone 12 Ultra targets gadget enthusiasts who want top-tier specs but don’t necessarily prioritize gaming.
Design & Build
At first glance, the Zenfone 12 Ultra looks quite similar to its predecessor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra. However, ASUS gave it a fresher look with new, brighter color options where the frame and back cover share the same tone. The phone is available in Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White.
It’s also IP68 water-resistant and built with eco-friendly materials—featuring recycled aluminum for the frame and recycled glass for the display.
Performance & AI
Under the hood, the Zenfone 12 Ultra runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, offering a 45% faster CPU and 40% boosts for both GPU and NPU compared to the previous generation.
Thanks to the more powerful NPU, ASUS can pack in more on-device AI features. Interestingly, instead of partnering with Google or OpenAI, ASUS uses Meta’s Llama 3 8B model, enabling AI functions to run locally without requiring an internet connection.
The phone comes in two configurations:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage
using LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for maximum speed.
Display & Multimedia
The front is dominated by a 6.78-inch E6 OLED LTPO display with adaptive refresh rates between 1–120Hz, or up to 144Hz in select games. The screen supports brightness up to 2500 nits, is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and houses a 32MP RGBW punch-hole selfie camera.
Battery & Charging
Powering the device is a 5,500 mAh dual-cell battery, which can fully charge in just 39 minutes with 65W fast charging. It also supports 15W wireless charging.
For audio, ASUS retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, paired with upgraded stereo speakers for a better listening experience.
Availability & Price
The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra will first roll out in Europe and parts of Asia, with a launch price of around €1,000.
ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Specifications
| 📱 Design & Build Quality |
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|---|---|
| 🖥️ Display |
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| 🔧 Performance & Hardware |
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| ⚙️ Software & Sensors |
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| 📸 Camera |
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| 🔋 Battery & Charging |
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| 🌐 Connectivity & Network |
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| 🔊 Audio & Multimedia |
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Advantage of ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra
Premium and durable design
- Sleek flagship look with IP68 water/dust resistance.
- Built using eco-friendly materials: recycled aluminum frame & recycled glass.
Powerful camera system with AI features
- Triple rear cameras: 50MP wide (Sony Lytia 700 + gimbal OIS), 32MP telephoto (3x zoom, OIS), 13MP ultrawide (120° FOV).
- 32MP RGBW selfie camera with HDR and panorama.
- On-device AI tools: AI Tracking, Portrait Video 2.0, Unblur, Magic Fill, and Voice Clarity.
Brilliant display for gaming & media
- 6.78" AMOLED LTPO panel with adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate (up to 144Hz for games).
- Ultra-bright screen: 1600 nits HBM, 2500 nits peak.
- Protected with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Excellent audio experience
- Dual stereo speakers with advanced tuning.
- 3.5mm headphone jack (rare in modern flagships).
- Hi-Res & Hi-Res wireless audio support.
Strong performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Built on 3nm process for better efficiency.
- Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM & UFS 4.0 storage.
- Smooth multitasking, gaming, and AI processing.
AI-powered smart features
- Runs Meta’s Llama 3 8B model for offline AI tasks.
- AI call translation, transcription, dynamic wallpapers, and semantic search.
Big battery with versatile charging
- 5500 mAh dual-cell battery for long-lasting use.
- 65W wired fast charging (full charge ~39 minutes).
- 15W wireless charging & 10W reverse wired charging.
Software and long-term support
- Ships with Android 15.
- Guaranteed 2 years of major OS updates + 5 years of security patches.
Modern connectivity
- Supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G SA/NSA, and eSIM.
- Dual USB-C ports (side + bottom) with DisplayPort 1.4.
Disadvantage of ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra
No expandable storage
- The phone lacks a microSD slot, so you’re limited to the built-in 256 GB or 512 GB storage—relying on cloud or external storage if you run out.
Relatively heavy build
- Weighing in at around 220 grams, it’s noticeably heavier than many competitors, which may be cumbersome for extended one-handed use.
Omission of charger in the box
- ASUS has excluded the charging adapter from the package, requiring buyers to use existing chargers or purchase one separately.
Generic, uninspired design
- Reviewers mention it lacks a unique identity and feels overly slick—also noting that its design makes it prone to slipping out of hand unless a case is used.
Underwhelming software support
- Only two Android version upgrades are guaranteed, which is less than most rivals now offering 4–7 years of support.
AI features often inconvenient or slow
- AI tools are buried in menus, require bulky downloads, and aren’t notably practical—some users find them slow or more hassle than help.
Camera improvements are marginal
- Despite the upgraded gimbal stabilization, overall image quality hasn’t spiked dramatically compared to the Zenfone 11 Ultra. Some lens modes, like ultrawide and zoom, may lack sharpness or detail, especially in challenging lighting.
Aggressive thermal throttling under sustained load
- The powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip can throttle performance when pushed for extended periods.
High price point for limited appeal
- At around €1,100, it’s priced like a flagship—but lacks tangible standout features compared to similarly priced alternatives.
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ASUS