Title: In-Depth Review of the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Strategic Delay, Flagship Features, and User Insights

TLDR¶

• Core Features: The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra combines a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 6.78″ Samsung AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rate, advanced AI photography, and robust battery with fast charging.
• Main Advantages: Leading performance with LPDDR5X RAM, UFS4.0 storage, six-axis gimbal stabilization in cameras, IP68 rating, and eSIM support.
• User Experience: Smooth system operation, excellent display clarity and outdoor visibility, strong battery life, and outstanding AI-powered imaging across diverse conditions.
• Considerations: Device weight (~220g) and thickness may impact one-handed use; premium pricing requires value justification.
• Purchase Recommendation: Best suited for users prioritizing flagship performance, premium camera features, and dual SIM flexibility; less ideal for budget-conscious or users seeking ultra-light devices.

Product Specifications & Ratings¶

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5.0)

Product Overview¶

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra represents the pinnacle of ASUS’ smartphone innovation for 2025, emerging after a notable delay in new model launches attributed to strategic recalibration amid a fiercely competitive global market. ASUS has concentrated efforts on deepening AI technology integration and enhancing flagship capabilities, reflected clearly in the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s design and feature set.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the Zenfone 12 Ultra targets premium users by offering a blend of performance and advanced imaging. Its 6.78-inch Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED display delivers a Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080 pixels) with a standard 120Hz refresh rate and a dynamic boost to 144Hz in gaming mode, ensuring smooth visuals and high responsiveness. The display technology supports peak brightness up to 2500 nits, providing excellent outdoor visibility and vivid color reproduction.

Storage and memory configurations include up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS4.0 storage, supporting highly responsive app activity and multitasking. The device is thoughtfully equipped with a 5500mAh battery supporting 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, addressing both stamina and convenience needs for today’s mobile users.

On the photography front, the Zenfone 12 Ultra emphasizes AI-enhanced flagship photography experiences. A standout feature is its six-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization system capable of correcting ±5 degrees of shake, enabling stable photo and video capture even in challenging conditions. The rear camera array consists of a 50MP main sensor with Zeiss optics, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP telephoto lens with 3× optical zoom. This versatile setup is bolstered by multiple AI algorithms optimizing image quality and scene recognition.

The phone’s build maintains IP68 dust and water resistance and, notably for a flagship, retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to niche user preferences for wired audio. It also supports dual SIM with eSIM, facilitating flexible multi-line and international travel usage.

In summary, the Zenfone 12 Ultra clearly targets users seeking a balanced smartphone experience—combining flagship processing power, innovative camera stabilization technology, and user-centric features—positioned for a high-tier market segment in a competitive landscape.

In-Depth Review¶

Design & Build Quality¶

Measuring 163.8 x 77.0 x 8.9 mm and weighing approximately 220 grams, the Zenfone 12 Ultra fits the profile of a large flagship smartphone. Its premium finish in colors such as Ebony Black, Sakura White, and Sage Green reflects ASUS’ commitment to aesthetics and durability. The inclusion of an IP68 rating assures water and dust resistance, a necessity in this class.

While the dimensions and weight contribute to a firm and substantial feel, they may challenge users who prefer lighter, more compact models for extended one-handed operation. The retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack is noteworthy amid a backdrop of flagships commonly removing this feature, broadening its appeal.

Display¶

The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel uses Samsung’s E6 Flexible LTPO technology, offering fluid visuals with a variable refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz under typical usage, and an optional 144 Hz mode during gaming. This adaptive refresh technology balances smoothness with power efficiency—a vital consideration for flagship devices aiming to maximize battery life.

The display achieves a peak brightness of 2500 nits, exceptionally effective for outdoor strong light conditions, and covers a wide color gamut with high detail reproduction at 388 ppi. HDR10+ support further enriches multimedia consumption. This makes the Zenfone 12 Ultra a compelling choice for users who prioritize visual fidelity in both content consumption and general navigation.

Performance & Hardware¶

At the heart of the Zenfone 12 Ultra is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, a cutting-edge SoC fabricated for high performance and energy efficiency. Coupled with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, the device delivers swift app launching, seamless multitasking, and competitive graphical rendering.

Benchmark evaluations such as Geekbench 6 and 3DMark place this handset near or above its current flagship peers in single-core, multi-core, and GPU performance. Thermal management is effective, maintaining comfortable back surface temperatures even during prolonged 3D gaming or intensive workflows. This stability supports sustained peak performance, a crucial aspect for demanding users.

Camera & Imaging Technology¶

The Zenfone 12 Ultra excels with its AI-boosted camera system. The 50MP primary sensor integrates Sony’s Lytia 700 lens paired with a six-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization, directly addressing common issues with hand shake in photo and video capture. Corrections up to ±5 degrees significantly smooth footage and sharpen still images.

Additional optics include a 13MP ultra-wide with a 120° field of view and a 32MP telephoto lens offering 3× optical zoom. The Zeiss optics deliver enhanced clarity and contrast. AI features such as AI Portrait Video 2.0, AI Tracking, AI Voice Clarity, and various AI-based image optimization algorithms enrich user experience, allowing natural and detailed photographs in diverse lighting conditions.

Compared to ASUS’ gaming-focused ROG Phone 9, the Zenfone 12 Ultra prioritizes camera versatility and daily usability over raw gaming power, positioning it for users valuing photography and AI sophistication within a flagship context.

Battery & Charging¶

The 5500mAh battery provides ample endurance, enabling use beyond a full day under medium to heavy workloads, including multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. Fast charging at 65W rapidly replenishes battery capacity (approximately 50% within 20 minutes), complemented by 15W wireless charging convenience.

Connectivity & Additional Features¶

The phone supports dual Nano SIM slots alongside eSIM functionality, enabling easy multi-line configurations and seamless global roaming. Wi-Fi 7 compatibility ensures readiness for next-generation wireless speeds and low latency, while Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC enhance peripheral and payment integrations.

Circular to Search, semantic AI-driven tools, AI call translation, noise cancellation, and document summarization exemplify the extensive software-level AI enhancements ASUS has implemented. Security features include under-display fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, aligned with flagship standards.

Real-World Experience¶

Across daily use, the Zenfone 12 Ultra impresses with its fluid performance and polished user interface powered by Android 15 and ZenUI customization. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset handles multitasking and demanding apps without discernible lag, maintaining smooth frame rates even in complex 3D mobile games. Thermal management is robust—extended sessions do not induce uncomfortable device heating or throttling.

Display quality is lauded for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional outdoor readability. Users benefit from dynamic refresh rate adaptability that retains battery life without compromising smooth visuals. Video streaming and extensive reading sessions are comfortable on the large AMOLED panel.

Battery life stands out for reliability; the large cell supports a full day of mixed-use, including navigation, media, social apps, and gaming. Fast charging is practical for quick top-ups, while wireless charging adds versatility.

Photography performance reinforces ASUS’ focus on AI and stabilization technology. Images across lighting conditions—from bright outdoors to low light—show natural colors, sharp details, and reduced blur. The six-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization proves transformative for mobile videography, limiting shake and delivering professional-grade steadiness without extra equipment.

The device’s speaker system provides clear and immersive sound, and the preservation of a headphone jack is appreciated by audiophiles and users with wired headphones.

Pros and Cons Analysis¶

Pros:
– Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite with high-speed LPDDR5X and UFS4.0 storage ensures lightning-fast operation and smooth multitasking.
– 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED screen with adaptive refresh rates and exceptional brightness delivers a premium visual experience.
– Advanced AI-driven photography combined with six-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization significantly enhances image and video quality.
– Robust 5500mAh battery with efficient 65W wired and 15W wireless fast charging options supports long all-day usage.
– Supports dual SIM and eSIM for flexible connectivity; retains 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio users.

Cons:
– At 220 grams and substantial thickness, the device may feel heavy and bulky for extended one-handed use or pocket convenience.
– Slightly higher pricing at around NT$30,000 may limit appeal to budget-sensitive consumers.
– Compared to competitors like Samsung Galaxy S25, which offers higher max refresh rates, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may feel less optimized for ultra-smooth gaming visuals.

Purchase Recommendation¶

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is a robust flagship smartphone that combines cutting-edge hardware, innovative AI photography, and thoughtful user-centric features. Its strategic delay in release reflects ASUS’ commitment to delivering quality integration of AI capabilities and camera stabilization technology rather than rushing to market. This makes it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts, mobile photographers, and users who demand reliable, high-performance daily drivers with advanced multimedia capabilities.

Consumers looking for a balanced device that prioritizes imaging and user experience over extreme gaming performance will find exceptional value here, especially with its versatile dual SIM and eSIM support. However, those prioritizing lightweight design or more aggressively priced alternatives may also consider competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 series or realme GT 7T.

Overall, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is highly recommended as a flagship option that underlines Taiwan’s engineering prowess, setting a new benchmark for AI-enabled mobile photography while maintaining strong performance and ecosystem integration. Prospective buyers should weigh its premium features against the slightly heavier form factor and price point, assessing their specific needs for performance, photography, and connectivity flexibility.

References:

[1] ASUS Announces Zenfone 12 Ultra
https://press.asus.com/news/press-releases/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-premium-smartphone/

[2] The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is basically an ROG Phone 9 Pro
https://www.androidpolice.com/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-launch/

[3] Zenfone 12 Ultra – Tech Specs｜Phones｜ASUS Global
https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/zenfone-12-ultra/techspec/

[4] ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Release Date, Price & Specs: Snapdragon 8 …
https://www.guru3d.com/story/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-release-date-price-specs-snapdragon-8-elite/

[5] Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra full review – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9GnvdFXk0

[6] Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: Good, but definitely not Ultra
https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/android-phones/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-review-good-but-definitely-not-ultra

[7] Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra – Full phone specifications – GSMArena.com
https://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_12_ultra-13653.php

[8] Zenfone 12 Ultra｜Phones｜ASUS Global
https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/zenfone-12-ultra/

[9] Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Full Specifications – PhoneArena
https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Asus-Zenfone-12-Ultra_id12616