A New Ultra Contender in the Market
While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has captured most of the attention in the smartphone world, another Ultra device is gearing up to compete. The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is poised to enter the market, offering an alternative for users seeking high-performance devices. Asus, widely recognized for its ROG gaming smartphones, is now shifting focus with the Zenfone series. Originally known for compact flagship models, the company has taken a different approach, opting for a larger and more premium design. The latest Zenfone aims to offer a balance between style and performance, catering to a wider audience beyond gaming enthusiasts.
Design, Display, and Build Quality
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra shares similarities in size with the ROG Phone 9 Pro, featuring a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can reach 144Hz for gaming. The display is vibrant, and the quad-curve design allows it to blend seamlessly into its aluminum frame. Despite its 220-gram weight, the phone remains comfortable to hold due to its well-crafted curved edges.
In terms of aesthetics, the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes in three color options: a minimalist Ebony Black, an elegant Sage Green, and a subtle Sakura White with pink undertones. However, the rear camera module might be a divisive element of the design. While it improves upon its predecessor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra, its noticeable protrusion from the back could be an aesthetic drawback for some users. Despite this, the phone is built for durability, boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for the display. While it may not be as visually striking as some competitors, it maintains a discreet and refined look.
Performance and Software Experience
When it comes to hardware, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra delivers impressive performance. Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and up to 16GB of RAM, it stands as a formidable competitor in the flagship segment. Interestingly, it surpasses the Galaxy S25 Ultra in this aspect, as Samsung’s latest Ultra model offers a maximum of 12GB of RAM.
Asus has also ensured a smooth software experience by providing users with the option to choose between its custom interface and a near-stock Android experience. This approach mirrors that of the ROG Phone 9 Pro but without its dedicated gaming-centric features such as X Mode and Armory Crate. By offering high-end hardware and a versatile software experience, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra positions itself as a strong alternative in the Ultra smartphone category. As it prepares to hit the market, it remains to be seen whether Asus can truly challenge the dominance of its more established competitors.
