Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Premium Phone Review: Is It The Flagship To Beat?

If you’re wondering if the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is worth your hard-earned cash, let’s break it down to see if this premium phone really delivers on its promises. Asus has stepped up their game, releasing the Zenfone 12 Ultra in February 2025, positioning it as a top-tier contender in the crowded flagship market. It’s packed with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a seriously impressive camera system with advanced gimbal stabilization, and a suite of AI features designed to make your daily life smoother. However, it’s not without its quirks, like some potential camera inconsistencies and an update policy that might not stack up to competitors. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a powerful, feature-rich Android phone that offers a clean software experience, top-tier performance, and a few unique perks like a headphone jack, the Zenfone 12 Ultra could be a fantastic choice, especially if you snag it at a good price. But if you’re after the absolute best camera or longest software support, you might want to keep your options open. Let’s get into the details to help you decide! You can check out some of the latest premium smartphones if you are still undecided.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra just feels solid. It’s clear Asus is going for a more refined, elegant look this year, moving away from anything too flashy or “gamer” centric, which some of us really appreciate. The phone boasts a 100% recycled aluminum frame, which is a nice touch for sustainability, and the screen uses 22% recycled Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for that extra bit of protection. Holding it, you definitely feel the premium materials.

Now, let’s talk size. If you’ve been a fan of the older, compact Zenfones like the Zenfone 10, prepare for a change. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is a big phone, sporting a 6.78-inch display and weighing in at 220g. It’s certainly not a “compact flagship” like its predecessors, and Asus has clearly leaned into the larger phone trend, following on from the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This makes it comfortable for media consumption and gaming, but it’s definitely a two-handed device for most.

The design is quite minimalist on the back, usually featuring just the Zenfone logo and a more streamlined camera bump compared to previous models. This year, the camera island is smaller and color-coordinated, giving it a cleaner aesthetic. You’ll find it in some cool colors too, like Ebony Black, Sakura White, and a rather appealing Sage Green. Plus, it comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it’s well-protected against dust and water, capable of surviving submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. That’s peace of mind right there, especially if you’re clumsy like me!

Display: A Visual Feast

The screen on the Zenfone 12 Ultra is genuinely a treat for your eyes. It’s a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display specifically a Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED panel, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that OLEDs are known for. The resolution is FHD+ 2400×1080 pixels, which might not be QHD+ like some other ultra-premium phones, but the image is still super crisp and detailed for everyday use. Seriously, unless you’re holding it inches from your face, you likely won’t notice the difference.

What really stands out is the refresh rate. For regular use, it goes up to a buttery-smooth 120Hz, but crank it into Game Genie, and you can unlock an even smoother 144Hz mode for supported games. This makes scrolling and gaming incredibly fluid. The display also has an adaptive refresh rate, which means it can drop down to as low as 5Hz when idle to save battery, thanks to LTPO technology. The Iconic Lego Marvel Logo and Its Stunning Brick-Built Appearance

Brightness is another highlight here. Asus has packed in a display that can reach an impressive 2500 nits peak brightness. This means even under direct sunlight, like when you’re trying to read a map at the beach, the screen remains easily visible. It also supports HDR10, so your HDR content will look fantastic with great contrast. While it doesn’t have Dolby Vision, the HDR10 support ensures a premium viewing experience. If you’re looking for a great screen protector for your new Zenfone, you can find various Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protectors online.

Performance Powerhouse: Under the Hood

When it comes to raw power, the Zenfone 12 Ultra means business. It’s armed with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, which is Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor, running at up to 4.32GHz. This chip delivers an incredible 40% increase in NPU speed and efficiency, making it a beast for AI tasks and overall performance. Paired with the Adreno 830 GPU, this phone can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

You’ll find it in several configurations, offering either 8GB, 12GB, or a whopping 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, along with 256GB or 512GB of UFS4.0 storage. The 16GB RAM model, in particular, ensures that multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding 3D games like Genshin Impact or Asphalt 9 Legends run super smoothly at maximum settings. Seriously, this thing is a pocket rocket, and daily navigation feels incredibly swift and responsive.

Asus has also done a good job with thermal management. Even during prolonged stress tests or intensive gaming sessions, the Zenfone 12 Ultra shows very little thermal throttling in performance mode, and the results are still decent in the default dynamic mode. This means you can game for longer without worrying about your phone getting uncomfortably hot or performance dipping significantly. One thing to note, though, is that there’s no option for expandable storage via a microSD card. So, if you plan on hoarding a lot of photos and videos, consider springing for the 512GB model. You might also want to look into high-speed external storage if you regularly transfer large files.

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Camera System: Capturing Every Moment

The camera setup on the Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of its most talked-about features, especially with Asus touting a “new era of mobile photography excellence”. On the back, you’re getting a versatile triple-camera system:

• A 50MP main sensor with Asus’s signature 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 4.0. This gimbal is genuinely impressive, working with electronic stabilization to produce incredibly smooth footage, even when you’re moving around. It’s almost like having a tiny tripod built into your phone.
• A 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, perfect for those professional close-ups and a new dedicated portrait mode.
• A 12MP or 13MP ultrawide camera for capturing those expansive shots.

For selfies, there’s a 32MP wide front camera. Video recording capabilities are also quite robust, allowing for 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps with the rear cameras, and 1080p at 30fps with the front camera. The advanced stabilization features ensure your footage looks smooth and high-quality, even if your hands aren’t perfectly steady.

Asus is also heavily leaning into AI Photography features. You’ll find tools like:

• AI Magic Fill: Great for removing unwanted elements from your photos, much like magic editing features on other flagships.
• AI Unblur: Sharpens images that might have been affected by slight movement or vibration.
• AI Panning Shot: Helps create those dynamic motion-blur effects without needing professional gear.
• AI Voice Clarity: Reduces environmental noise during video recording, making your audio much clearer.

While the gimbal stabilization is a definite pro, some early reviews and user opinions on platforms like Reddit suggest that while the main camera is good, the overall image processing can sometimes lead to overly saturated images or inconsistencies, especially compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Google Pixel 9. The telephoto lens, while having 3x optical zoom, might struggle with detail at higher digital zoom levels. However, for most users, especially if you know how to use the camera, it’s capable of taking really good photos and videos. If you’re serious about mobile photography, you might want to consider adding a smartphone camera lens kit for more versatility.

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Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Day

The Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with a substantial 5500mAh battery, which is pretty generous for a flagship phone. This is the same capacity as its predecessor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra, which was already known for excellent battery life. Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, you can expect even better endurance this year, with some tests showing 15-20% better battery life for tasks like video calls and web browsing compared to the Zenfone 11 Ultra. In real-world usage, many reviewers report getting a full day of intensive use and easily pushing it to 1.5 to 2 days with lighter usage. Our own tests show it can achieve an excellent active use score, ranking among the best in the segment.

When it’s time to top up, the Zenfone 12 Ultra supports 65W wired HyperCharge, which is seriously fast. You can typically go from 0 to 77% in around 30 minutes, and a full charge takes less than an hour. It also offers 15W wireless charging Qi 1.3 standard, which is a convenient feature to have, though not the fastest in the market.

One important thing to note, and this is becoming increasingly common with flagships, is that the charger is not included in the box. So, if you don’t already have a compatible high-wattage charger, you’ll need to factor that into your purchase. You can find a reliable 65W USB-C charger online easily.

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Software and AI: A Smarter Experience

The Zenfone 12 Ultra runs on Android 15 out of the box, with Asus’s ZenUI on top. What people really appreciate about ZenUI is its stock Android-like, clean interface. It’s not cluttered with unnecessary bloatware, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience that feels snappy and responsive.

Asus is heavily promoting the AI Daily Tools on this device, which leverage both on-device and cloud-based AI. A significant highlight is the integration of the Meta Llama 3 8B language model for on-device summarization, providing impressive results even when you’re offline. These AI features are designed to enhance productivity and communications. For instance, the sound recorder now offers transcription with translation support, and during phone calls, there’s AI noise cancellation to muffle background shenanigans. Other AI-powered features like AI Magic Fill, AI Unblur, and AI Panning Shot which we touched on in the camera section make editing photos much easier and more dynamic.

Now, one area where Asus has historically faced some criticism is its software update policy. While the Zenfone 12 Ultra launches with Android 15, some sources mention Asus typically offering only two major Android OS updates. This might be a concern if you’re looking for the kind of long-term software support that Google and Samsung offer often 5-7 years. It’s definitely something to weigh against its price and other features.

On the connectivity front, the phone also includes eSIM support, a modern convenience that many flagship phones are adopting. This makes switching carriers or managing multiple lines much simpler.

Connectivity and Audio: Staying Connected and Tuned In

In terms of staying connected, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is well-equipped for the modern world. It supports 5G connectivity sub-6GHz, though not mmWave, ensuring you get fast mobile data speeds. For home networks, it’s Wi-Fi 7 ready with triple-band support, which means you’re prepared for the latest and fastest wireless internet standards. You also get Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless accessory connections and NFC for contactless payments. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Convertible Laptop Review: Is This Your Next Everyday Companion?

Navigation-wise, it covers all bases with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC, so you’ll have accurate positioning wherever you go.

For all you audiophiles out there, Asus has included a feature that’s becoming a rarity in premium smartphones: a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a huge win if you prefer using your high-end wired headphones without an adapter. The phone also boasts stereo speakers with high-res audio support, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience whether you’re watching movies or jamming to podcast. The audio quality stays strong even at higher volumes. If you’re someone who appreciates quality audio, the Zenfone 12 Ultra definitely delivers. Consider grabbing some high-resolution wired headphones to make the most of that headphone jack.

The Competition: How It Stacks Up

In the cutthroat world of premium smartphones, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra faces some seriously tough competition. We’re talking about giants like the Samsung Galaxy S25+, the OnePlus 13, and the Google Pixel 9 series. Each of these brings its own set of strengths.

For instance, the Galaxy S25+ often offers a higher-resolution QHD+ display, possibly more consistent camera performance across all lenses, and longer software support. The Google Pixel 9 series is known for its exceptional computational photography and typically receives the fastest Android updates. The OnePlus 13 often boasts incredibly fast charging speeds and a very clean, customizable Android experience. Lenovo thinkbook vertiflex concept review

So, where does the Zenfone 12 Ultra fit in? It truly shines with its unmatched 6-axis gimbal stabilization for both photos and videos, which none of its competitors can fully replicate. Its commitment to a clean, stock-like ZenUI is also a major draw for those who want to avoid heavy skins and bloatware. And, of course, the 3.5mm headphone jack is a unique selling proposition that’s almost extinct in this segment. The Snapdragon 8 Elite performance is right up there with the best, and its battery life is outstanding.

However, if having the absolute best camera across all scenarios is your top priority, or if you demand 5+ years of software updates, then some rivals might edge it out. But if you value raw power, a smooth user experience, fantastic stabilization, and appreciate those niche features like the headphone jack, the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers a compelling and distinctive package that stands out from the crowd. For those looking for phone accessories, a Zenfone 12 Ultra case would be a smart purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra?

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra was officially launched on February 6, 2025.

What processor does the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra use?

The Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, which is a powerful octa-core processor clocked up to 4.32GHz. Medspa money matrix reviews huge bonus

Does the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra have a headphone jack?

Yes, it does! The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s become quite rare in modern flagship smartphones.

What are the camera specifications of the Zenfone 12 Ultra?

The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with 6-axis gimbal stabilization 4.0, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP or 13MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 32MP wide lens.

How long does the battery last on the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra?

The Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with a large 5500mAh battery. Due to its efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it offers excellent battery life, often lasting a full day of heavy use and potentially up to 1.5 to 2 days with moderate usage. It also supports 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

Is the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra water resistant?

Yes, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

What Android version does the Zenfone 12 Ultra run?

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra ships with Android 15 and features a clean, stock Android-like ZenUI experience. 60 minute empire reviews bonus oto

Does the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra come with a charger in the box?

No, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, like many other modern flagships, does not include a charger in the retail box. You’ll need to purchase a compatible 65W USB-C charger separately if you don’t already own one.