The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is Asus’ latest flagship smartphone, boasting top-tier performance, an AI-enhanced user experience, and an upgraded camera system. With a sleek yet familiar design, the newest iteration of the Zenfone series builds on its predecessor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra, while introducing some notable improvements. But is it a significant upgrade, or does it merely refine an already capable device? Let’s dive into the details and evaluate how it holds up after a week of real-world usage.

Unboxing Experience

The unboxing experience remains minimalistic, as Asus continues its trend of focusing on essentials rather than excessive packaging. Inside the clean, white box, users will find a Type-C to Type-C USB cable, a rigid protective case, and a SIM ejector tool. Disappointingly, Asus has once again opted not to include a charging adapter, requiring users to either rely on existing chargers or purchase one separately. This omission may not sit well with users who expect a complete package, particularly when investing in a premium smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Zenfone 12 Ultra looks remarkably similar to its predecessor. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display stretches edge to edge, ensuring an immersive visual experience with vibrant colors and crisp contrast. Weighing 220g, the device is slightly heavier than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, giving it a substantial feel in the hand. However, the smooth aluminum frame and matte glass finish make it incredibly slippery, making a case almost a necessity.

Despite its weight, the ergonomics are well-balanced, with the subtly curved back making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The phone is IP68-rated, ensuring durability against dust and water, but lacks IP69 certification, meaning it won’t withstand extreme water pressure like some rugged devices.

Software and AI Enhancements

The Zenfone 12 Ultra ships with Android 15, providing a clean stock-like experience with minimal bloatware. Asus has committed to four years of security updates and two major OS upgrades, which, while decent, still lags behind rivals like Samsung and Google, which offer more extensive software support.

One of the standout features is Asus’ integration of AI-powered tools. The smart notification system intelligently categorizes messages, while gesture-based controls enhance usability. The AI-powered audio switching feature seamlessly transitions audio output between devices, ensuring convenience when shifting from Bluetooth speakers to wired headphones. Additionally, the background video listening tool enables uninterrupted audio streaming when multitasking, similar to YouTube Premium.

Display Quality

The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED panel with a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, allowing smooth scrolling and fluid animations while dynamically adjusting to conserve battery life. The resolution is Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), delivering sharp and vibrant visuals.

With HDR10+ support, the phone enhances color accuracy and contrast in compatible content, though it lacks Dolby Vision, which may disappoint users who consume a lot of high-quality HDR content on Netflix and other platforms. The peak brightness exceeds 1500 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent even in direct sunlight. Asus has not explicitly mentioned PWM dimming improvements, which could be a concern for those sensitive to flickering in low-light conditions.

For gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, the 144Hz refresh rate for supported games ensures ultra-smooth motion, while the stereo speakers enhance the immersive experience with loud and clear audio. The display, while not a significant upgrade from last year, remains one of the strongest aspects of the Zenfone 12 Ultra

Performance and Gaming Experience

Under the hood, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite processor, paired with 16GB of RAM, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and gaming. Whether switching between apps, editing videos, or running graphically intense games, the phone delivers flawless performance with no noticeable lag.

Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the 144Hz refresh rate, which provides buttery-smooth animations. Games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run effortlessly at ultra settings, maintaining 60 FPS with minimal frame drops. The Game Genie mode allows users to optimize performance, block notifications, and monitor real-time metrics, further enhancing the gaming experience.

Despite its high-performance hardware, the device remains cool under pressure, thanks to Asus’ improved thermal management system. Extended gaming sessions do not lead to excessive heat buildup, making it a reliable choice for mobile gamers.

Camera Performance and AI Photography

The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera captures crisp images but is limited to 1080p video recording rather than the 4K standard found in many competing flagships.

Low-light performance has been improved with enhanced stabilization, ensuring sharp shots even in challenging conditions. The AI-assisted image processing enhances dynamic range, though some users may notice aggressive sharpening at higher zoom levels. The AI-powered object tracking is particularly useful for fast-moving subjects, maintaining focus even in action shots.

Portrait photography is a mixed bag—while edge detection is solid, the bokeh effect can sometimes appear unnatural. The AI-driven photo-editing tools allow users to remove unwanted objects and reduce blur, though the results can be inconsistent, requiring multiple attempts for a perfect edit.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 5500mAh battery, the Zenfone 12 Ultra delivers impressive endurance, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. Even under intensive workloads, the device retains around 30% charge by the end of the day.

Charging speeds remain consistent with 65W wired fast charging, reaching 100% in about 40 minutes. The device also supports 15W wireless charging, but the lack of Qi2 support is a notable omission, especially when competitors have started adopting the latest wireless charging standards.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra?

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra refines its predecessor’s strengths while introducing meaningful upgrades in AI integration, performance, and photography. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chipset ensures flagship-tier speed, while the AI-powered features enhance everyday usability. Battery life remains solid, and gaming performance is top-notch.

However, the limited software update policy, slippery design, and only marginal camera improvements may leave some potential buyers hesitant. The lack of expandable storage and the omission of a bundled charger are additional drawbacks.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Outstanding gaming and performance
• Clean Android experience with AI enhancements
• Long-lasting battery life
• Fast wired charging
• Solid camera performance with AI-powered tools

Cons:

• Limited OS updates compared to competitors
• No expandable storage
• Slippery design requires a case
• AI camera enhancements can be inconsistent

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a high-performance flagship with excellent gaming capabilities, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is a fantastic choice. Its AI-driven features, smooth software experience, and long battery life make it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts. However, if camera innovation, software longevity, or unique design elements are your priorities, it may be worth considering alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Would you upgrade to the Zenfone 12 Ultra, or are you waiting for the next big flagship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!