The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might be dominating the headlines, but another “Ultra” phone is vying for attention: the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra. We’ve taken a close look to see if this alternative Ultra deserves your consideration.
Does Asus Still Make Phones?
Asus is primarily known for its ROG gaming phones. While niche, these devices excel in their target market. The Zenfone series, however, has seemed somewhat adrift since Asus abandoned compact flagships for larger models. So, what does the latest iteration offer?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra shares a similar size with the ROG Phone 9 Pro, boasting a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a dynamic refresh rate of 1-120Hz, reaching 144Hz in select games. The display is vibrant, and the quad-curve design seamlessly integrates with the aluminum frame. The subtly curved corners and 220-gram weight make it comfortable to hold.
The design is simple, especially in the Ebony Black variant we tested. More appealing options include Sage Green and Sakura White (which appears pinkish). The camera module, while improved from the Zenfone 11 Ultra, protrudes significantly, detracting from the overall aesthetic. A flusher design would be preferable.
Performance and Power
Matching the Galaxy S25 Ultra in size and weight, the Zenfone 12 Ultra feels more comfortable due to its curved edges and slightly narrower width. Durability is ensured with an IP68 rating and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protection. While perhaps not as visually striking, it offers a more understated look.
Performance is not compromised. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and up to 16GB of RAM (surpassing the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 12GB) deliver robust power. Asus’s software offers a choice between a custom interface and a stock Android experience, similar to the ROG Phone 9 Pro, but without the gaming-centric features.
Camera Capabilities and Comparisons
The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s camera system comprises a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor with 2x lossless zoom and a six-axis gimbal, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 13MP wide-angle lens, and a 32MP RGBW front-facing camera. This setup mirrors the ROG Phone 9 Pro, which experienced some camera performance issues. We captured several photos and compared them to the Galaxy S25 Ultra to assess the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s camera performance.
The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s camera produces a distinct, somewhat unnatural look. Wide-angle shots, in particular, exhibit an almost surreal quality, particularly evident in the depiction of clouds. The main camera’s performance is inconsistent, sometimes capturing well-balanced images and other times producing less satisfactory results. The 3x zoom, while decent, can introduce noise. Unfortunately, it struggles to compete with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera.
Additional Features and Availability
Beyond the camera, the Zenfone 12 Ultra packs a 5,500mAh battery with wired and wireless charging, stereo speakers with extensive codec support (including AptX Adaptive), and AI features ranging from translation and summarization tools to AI-powered subject tracking for video. Asus also includes Magic Fill (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser) and AI Voice Clarity for noise reduction in videos. Notably, it features a 3.5mm headphone jack, absent on the S25 Ultra.
Priced at 1,099 euros (comparable to the Galaxy S25 Plus), the Zenfone 12 Ultra targets a different market segment. It will launch in Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with a potential Japanese release later. Asus has not confirmed US or UK availability.
The Verdict
While the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers a comfortable hold and comparable processing power to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it doesn’t directly compete. The camera falls short, the screen lacks the brightness and anti-reflective coating of the S25 Ultra, and it lacks a distinct Asus identity outside the ROG line. Despite solid hardware and software, the Zenfone 12 Ultra doesn’t pose a significant threat to existing Ultra and Plus phone offerings.
