Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Review: Unboxing, Design, Performance, and AI Features

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra arrives as a refreshed flagship smartphone that builds on its predecessor’s design while introducing notable upgrades in performance, camera technology, and artificial intelligence features. This review covers every aspect of the device—from unboxing and design to software, display, and battery performance.

Unboxing and Inclusions

The Zenfone 12 Ultra comes in a crisp white box that exudes a premium feel. Inside, the following items are included:

• Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
• USB Type-C to Type-C Cable
• Protective Rigid Case – Designed to safeguard the device’s sleek form
• SIM Adapter and Additional Accessories

The unboxing experience is clean and minimal, with each accessory thoughtfully chosen to enhance the overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Zenfone 12 Ultra maintains a design language similar to last year’s model, featuring a 6.78-inch flat display with slim bezels. Key design aspects include:

• Premium Materials:
  The frame is constructed from high-quality aluminum paired with a matte glass back. Two color options are available: a straightforward black finish and a Sakura white variant with a subtle pink hue.

• Ergonomics:
  Despite its nearly seven-inch display, the subtly curved edges contribute to a comfortable grip. However, the device’s smooth surfaces may feel slippery, so the bundled protective case is highly recommended.

• Build and Weight:
  Weighing around 220 grams, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has a solid, substantial feel that compares favorably with other high-end smartphones.

Software and User Interface

Powered by Android 15, the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers a clean, almost stock experience with the option to switch to an Asus-optimized version featuring additional customizations. Highlights include:

• Timely Updates and Security:
  The device promises at least four years of planned security updates, although it offers two major OS upgrades—a competitive standard among flagship devices.

• Intuitive Features:
  Innovative UI touches such as the separation of the notifications panel from the control center and quick audio output switching make the user experience both intuitive and efficient. A double-tap on the power button can quickly launch the camera, ensuring that important moments are captured with minimal delay.

• Minimal Bloatware:
  The operating system is largely free from unnecessary pre-installed apps, ensuring that performance remains smooth and responsive.

Performance and Gaming

At the heart of the Zenfone 12 Ultra lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 16 GB of RAM. This combination ensures:

• Smooth Everyday Use:
  The device handles daily tasks with ease, providing a silky-smooth experience when switching between apps or performing routine operations.

• Enhanced Gaming:
  High-performance gaming is a major focus. The smartphone supports native gaming refresh rates up to 144 Hz for compatible titles, ensuring a fluid and immersive gaming experience. Even demanding games run at 60 frames per second with minimal dips, while the cooling system keeps the device comfortably warm even during extended sessions.

• AI-Powered Enhancements:
  The Snapdragon 8 Elite not only boosts overall performance but also supports a range of on-device AI features. These include real-time audio transcription, noise cancellation during calls, and intelligent app functionalities that enhance productivity and entertainment.

Display and Audio

The Zenfone 12 Ultra is equipped with a 6.8-inch Samsung AMOLED display that offers:

• Crisp Visuals and High Contrast:
  Enjoy vibrant colors and deep blacks with HDR10 support, making streaming videos and viewing photos a pleasure.

• Adaptive Refresh Rate:
  The display intelligently adjusts from as low as 1 Hz for an always-on display up to 120 Hz during everyday use. In gaming mode, supported titles can utilize a 144 Hz refresh rate for even smoother animations.

• Audio Excellence:
  Stereo speakers deliver clear and robust sound, whether for media consumption or gaming. The device also supports high-resolution audio formats and adaptive sound features, ensuring quality audio across various scenarios and comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Camera Capabilities

Photography and videography have received notable enhancements in the Zenfone 12 Ultra:

• Main Camera:
  A 50-megapixel primary sensor, upgraded to a Sony Litia700 module, produces sharp images with accurate colors even in challenging lighting conditions. Advanced AI features assist in low-light environments and help maintain image clarity.

• Telephoto and Ultra-Wide Lenses:
  The telephoto shooter offers lossless zoom up to 2×, switching to a 32-megapixel sensor for greater zoom levels with optical image stabilization. An additional 13-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens captures expansive scenes, although it may struggle with extreme close-ups.

• Selfie Camera:
  A 32-megapixel front camera delivers excellent full-HD selfies with effective stabilization and portrait modes. Although video recording is limited to full HD at 30 frames per second, image quality remains strong in various lighting conditions.

• AI Editing Tools:
  Built-in AI features allow for quick edits, such as background blurring, noise reduction, and document scanning. These tools make it easy to enhance images directly on the device.

Battery Life and Charging

The Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by a 5,500 mAh battery that supports robust charging features:

• Extended Usage:
  With moderate to heavy usage—including gaming, video streaming, and photography—the battery comfortably lasts through a full day and may even extend into a full weekend on a single charge under lighter usage.

• Fast Charging:
  A 65W wired charging system replenishes the battery in approximately 40 minutes, while 15W wireless charging provides a convenient alternative for everyday use.

Final Thoughts

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra successfully refines a familiar design while integrating cutting-edge performance and a suite of AI-powered features. Its robust Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, premium display, and versatile camera system make it a compelling choice in the flagship smartphone market. With thoughtful software enhancements and an emphasis on both productivity and entertainment, the Zenfone 12 Ultra stands out as a well-rounded device ready to meet the demands of modern users.

This comprehensive review highlights why the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a strong contender among today’s flagship smartphones, offering a blend of design sophistication, powerful performance, and intelligent features that cater to a wide range of needs.

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