**ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: A Robust Yet Controversial Flagship**
The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra represents the newest model in ASUS’s mobile range, delivering a combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software enhancements. Although the device shines in performance and user interface, it has shortcomings in crucial aspects such as camera performance and frequency of software updates, resulting in a divisive option for interested consumers. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the Zenfone 12 Ultra and whether it warrants its €1,099 ($1,141) price tag.
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### **Key Highlights**
– **Pros**:
– Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display
– Exceptional gaming capabilities with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
– Streamlined, bloatware-free ZenUI interface
– Impressive battery longevity with 65W rapid charging
– Superior optimization for seamless performance
– Features a 3.5mm headphone jack with high-fidelity audio capabilities
– **Cons**:
– Restricted to merely two Android OS updates
– Camera functionality is inferior to rivals
– Charger not included in the packaging
– Elevated price range
– Limited availability on a global scale
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### **Design: A Missed Chance**
The Zenfone 12 Ultra showcases a sleek design with a glass rear and an aluminum mid-frame. Although the construction presents a premium feel, the aesthetics lack the uniqueness found in previous Zenfone iterations like the Zenfone 9 and 10. The device comes in three colors—Ebony Black, Sakura White, and Sage Green—with the latter being the most attractive option.
Durability, however, poses a concern. The rear glass utilizes Gorilla Glass 3, which is not as drop-resistant as the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 featured on the front. This design decision makes the phone more prone to damage, as indicated by initial user feedback revealing cracked backs from minor falls. Moreover, the scarcity of widely available accessories, such as slim cases, complicates its practicality.
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### **Display: A Stunning Experience**
The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen stands out as one of the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s key attributes. Featuring a 120Hz refresh rate (144Hz for specific games), HDR10 compatibility, and a peak brightness of 2500 nits, the display offers vivid colors and excellent visibility under direct sunlight. ASUS’s calibration ensures precise color accuracy, making it perfect for gaming and media viewing.
The addition of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a unique and appreciated feature in a flagship model, especially for audio enthusiasts. ASUS has collaborated with Dirac to enhance sound quality, further improving the overall multimedia experience.
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### **Performance: A Gaming Titan**
Fueled by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a powerhouse of performance. It excels in gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications, positioning it as one of the swiftest Android devices on the market in 2025. Benchmark results put it above competitors like the Vivo X200 Pro and Honor Magic 7 Pro in single-core tasks.
Thermal management is effectively handled, keeping the device cool even during prolonged gaming sessions. Features such as back-tap gestures and compatibility with advanced audio codecs (AptX HD, AptX Lossless) enhance its reputation as a gaming-focused smartphone.
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### **Battery Life: Dependable and Rapid Charging**
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is equipped with a 5500mAh battery divided into dual cells, supporting 65W USB PD 3.0 fast charging alongside 15W wireless charging. Although ASUS no longer provides a charger in the box, the phone can achieve a full charge in just 44 minutes with a suitable charger. Battery performance is commendable, effortlessly lasting an entire day under heavy use.
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### **Cameras: Adequate, But Not Exceptional**
The Zenfone 12 Ultra incorporates a triple-camera system:
– **Main Camera**: 50MP Sony Lytia 700 with gimbal stabilization
– **Telephoto**: 32MP with 3x optical zoom
– **Wide-Angle**: 13MP with a 120-degree field of view
While the main camera performs admirably in both daylight and low-light scenarios, the overall camera setup lags behind competitors such as the Vivo X200 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Video recording is restricted to 4K60 solely on the main sensor, limiting flexibility. For those passionate about photography, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may fall short of expectations, particularly given its price.
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### **Software: A Mixed Blessing**
ZenUI, built on Android 15, provides one of the finest software experiences available on any Android device. It features a clean, bloat-free interface with a wealth of customization options. Innovations such as on-device AI for real-time translation and semantic search enhance usability, with the fluidity of the UI being unrivaled.
