ASUS has officially introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, marking a significant leap in the company’s mobile technology. While the Zenfone series has consistently brought forth innovative features, the 12 Ultra stands out with its sophisticated design, robust performance, and enhanced emphasis on artificial intelligence. Notably, ASUS’s choice to omit the US market from its initial launch raises intriguing questions regarding its overall global strategy.
Designer: ASUS
Design and Display: A Sophisticated Aesthetic with Careful Enhancements
Shifting away from the gamer-centric design of the ROG Phone 9, the Zenfone 12 Ultra embraces a more refined and professional appearance. Its sleek, minimalist profile optimizes screen space with ultra-slim bezels, delivering an engaging viewing experience. The front features a discreet hole-punch camera, while the back showcases a clean, subtle design with the Zenfone logo elegantly placed above the streamlined camera module.
The device comes in three colors: Blush Pink, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black, each chosen to attract a diverse range of users. With a thickness of 8.9mm and a weight of 220g, it offers a premium feel while ensuring comfortable handling. The frame is constructed from recycled aluminum, underscoring ASUS’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on durability.
The centerpiece of the user experience is the 6.78-inch Samsung Flexible AMOLED display, which boasts an FHD+ resolution and incorporates LTPO technology. This enables the refresh rate to adjust dynamically, ranging from 1Hz for static images to 120Hz for regular activities, with an additional 144Hz mode available for gaming. This adaptive refresh mechanism not only enhances battery longevity but also ensures fluid visuals. The display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus, providing enhanced protection against scratches and impacts. ASUS has chosen a premium panel recognized for its precise color calibration and excellent visibility in bright environments.
Performance and Hardware: A Powerhouse Engineered for Efficiency
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an eight-core processor that can reach clock speeds of up to 4.32GHz. This configuration guarantees swift performance for even the most demanding applications. With up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device is well-suited for smooth multitasking and handling storage-intensive tasks. Its advanced thermal management system ensures sustained performance during prolonged usage.
The 5,500mAh battery is designed for long-lasting use, minimizing the need for frequent recharges. It supports 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, enabling quick power restoration when necessary. The device also features IP68 water and dust resistance for added durability, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to those who prefer wired audio. With support for WiFi 7, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is ready for the future of wireless connectivity.
Camera System and Stabilization: Precision in Every Frame
The camera system of the Zenfone 12 Ultra stands out as one of its key features. The primary 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor provides exceptional image quality and a wide dynamic range. A notable feature is the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer, which enhances video stability by integrating hardware stabilization with sophisticated software corrections.
The primary sensor is complemented by a 13MP ultra-wide camera, ideal for capturing expansive scenes, and a 32MP telephoto lens that offers 3x optical zoom. The front-facing 32MP camera excels in recording sharp 1080p video, making it perfect for selfies and video conferencing.
The rear camera configuration is capable of recording 8K video at 24fps, ensuring that intricate details are captured with remarkable clarity. AI-driven features such as AI Magic Fill, AI Unblur, and AI Panning Shot enhance the photography experience by improving motion shots and clarity in difficult lighting situations. The camera software also provides advanced color grading options, enabling users to fine-tune temperature and saturation for precise image control.
AI Features and User-Centric Enhancements
ASUS has prioritized AI functionalities, which are processed on-device to ensure greater privacy and security. The Meta Llama 3 8B language model underpins AI tools that enhance productivity and user experience.
AI-enhanced capabilities include subject tracking for videos, customizable bokeh effects for portrait videos, real-time noise reduction for clearer audio recordings, and AI transcription for meetings. The device also features document summarization and real-time translation for calls. Furthermore, Google’s Circle to Search facilitates quick searches by allowing users to highlight content directly on their screens. These AI-driven tools reflect ASUS’s commitment to enhancing practical usability and efficiency in everyday tasks.
A Flagship with a Clear Vision
Priced at €1,099 (around $1,145), the Zenfone 12 Ultra will not be sold in the US, yet it stands out as a strong contender in the markets where it is released. Its sophisticated design, top-tier performance, AI features, and impressive camera functionalities make it a flagship device that deserves recognition. The future of ASUS’s market strategy will influence its potential for broader distribution, but at this moment, the Zenfone 12 Ultra exemplifies the brand’s commitment to delivering premium experiences and cutting-edge mobile technology.
📅 Published on: 2025-02-06 10:20:00
🖋️ Author: Vincent Nguyen – An expert in architectural innovation and design trends.
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Note: This article was reviewed and edited by the ArchUp editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality.
