This week, Asus unveiled the latest addition to its Zenfone series: the Zenfone 12 Ultra. While the departure of the smaller Zenfone models might disappoint some, we explore whether the Zenfone 12 Ultra can make a mark in the competitive smartphone market.
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Key Features of the Zenfone 12 Ultra
The Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts a 6.78” LTPO OLED display, promising a wide range of refresh rates from 1-120Hz, with a 144Hz burst mode for gaming sessions. It supports HDR10 and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. With a design emphasis on sustainability, the frame is made of 100% recycled aluminum, and the casing incorporates 22% recycled glass.
Inside, it’s powered by a dual-cell 5,500mAh battery offering 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging options, bringing the device to full power in an impressive 39 minutes. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, though unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot.
Price and Release Information
The Zenfone 12 Ultra will be available in Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong with a launch price of €1,100. However, for a limited time, you can secure your device at a more affordable rate of €1,000 before February 28. Despite the pricetag, buyers should note that Asu’s software update commitment is relatively modest, offering two OS updates and five years of security patches.
Competing Against Top Flagships
Let’s compare the Zenfone 12 Ultra with other leading smartphones in the €1,000 to €1,200 price bracket.
Asus ROG Phone 9
At the same price point of €1,100, the Asus ROG Phone 9 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset like the Zenfone 12 Ultra. The ROG Phone 9 also boasts a display that supports a higher refresh rate of 185Hz with 10-bit color depth. Its battery capacity is slightly larger at 5,800mAh, and the smartphone comes with additional gaming features like shoulder triggers and a mini-LED matrix on the back. Additionally, it has dual USB-C ports for charging.
Asus ROG Phone 9
Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is priced at €1,150 and features the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It’s equipped with a 6.7” QHD+ LTPO OLED display, a sharpness upgrade over the Zenfone 12 Ultra. The battery life is noteworthy but somewhat smaller at 4,900mAh, with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities. One significant advantage of the S25+ is its extensive service support: 7 years of updates for both the operating system and security patches.
Samsung Galaxy S25+
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at €1,200 for the 128GB model, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers the Google Tensor G4 processor, which, although two generations behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite, still offers solid performance. The camera suite is a highlight, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP 5x long-range telephoto, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP selfie camera. Software support is extensive with 7 years of security patches and OS updates. Battery life is adequate at 5,060mAh with charging speeds of 37W wired and 23W wireless.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 starts at €1,000 and comes with similar 6.82” QHD+ LTPO display and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found in other flagships mentioned. The camera setup is formidable, with 50MP main, 50MP 3x telephoto, 50MP ultra-wide, and 32MP selfie sensors. Battery capacity is its standout feature with 6,000mAh and fast 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. While OnePlus is more conservative with OS updates, the Zenfone 12 Ultra makes the same compromise, so neither offers significant news here.
OnePlus 13
The lineup in Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong consists of many capable flagships, available in the US as well, depending on Asus’s future plans.
Final Thoughts
While the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra brings innovative features such as a durable recycled casing, high refresh rates, and robust battery life, it encounters stiff competition from similar devices in the market. The choice between the Zenfone 12 Ultra and its contemporaries ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Considering the current lineup and support, the OnePlus 13 emerges as a compelling alternative for those seeking a larger battery, high performance, and a strong camera suite, all at a similar price point. For gaming enthusiasts, the Zenfone 12 Ultra and the Asus ROG Phone 9 offer impressive performances with their gaming features, though the ROG phone’s higher refresh rate and gaming-specific features might edge it out.
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra does not stand out as the standout model in the market, but it can certainly be a strong contender in the right circumstances. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to evaluate your requirements and compare the specific features with its competitors.
What do you think about the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra? Would you consider purchasing it, or would you opt for a different model? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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