Asus has long been recognized for its innovative contributions to the smartphone market, particularly with the Zenfone series, which once proudly held the title of the “Compact flagship” in the Android realm. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since the launch of the Zenfone 10 two years ago, with Asus seemingly retreating from this niche due to its limited appeal. The latest iterations, the Zenfone 11 Ultra and the newly released Zenfone 12 Ultra, raise intriguing questions about their evolution. With the latter boasting minor refreshes and similar design elements, we must explore whether these incremental upgrades justify the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s existence or if last year’s model still holds the better value for consumers.
The Evolution of the Zenfone Series
The Asus Zenfone series has long been a staple in the Android smartphone market, initially carving out a niche as the compact flagship. However, the release of the Zenfone 10 marked a turning point, as Asus shifted its focus away from compact models in favor of larger devices. This transition reflects broader market trends, where consumers are gravitating towards bigger screens, leaving the once-promising compact segment behind.
With the Zenfone 11 Ultra and now the Zenfone 12 Ultra, Asus has maintained a consistent design language while introducing minor hardware upgrades. The Zenfone 12 Ultra retains the same 6.8-inch AMOLED display and aluminum frame as its predecessor, which raises questions about innovation in this flagship line. As competition intensifies, Asus faces pressure to reinvigorate the Zenfone brand to appeal to both new and loyal customers.
Design Features of the Zenfone 12 Ultra
The Zenfone 12 Ultra showcases a refined design, closely mirroring that of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, yet opting for a cleaner aesthetic. The matte glass back, now devoid of aggressive streaks, emphasizes minimalism, while the subtle logo adds a touch of elegance. The redesigned camera module remains prominent but is less bulky, creating a sleeker profile that appeals to users looking for sophistication without sacrificing functionality.
Despite the design similarities, the Zenfone 12 Ultra introduces a few new color options, like Sakura White, a nod to contemporary tastes. Both models, weighing nearly the same, ensure a comfortable grip, while their IP68 rating guarantees durability against water and dust. Such thoughtful design considerations reflect Asus’s commitment to enhancing user experience while maintaining a premium feel that resonates with flagship expectations.
Performance Comparison: Zenfone 12 Ultra vs Zenfone 11 Ultra
At the heart of the Zenfone 12 Ultra lies the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising enhanced performance and energy efficiency. Benchmarks reveal a notable increase in both single-core and multi-core scores compared to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, highlighting the 12 Ultra’s potential in handling demanding applications. However, the real-world performance improvements may not be as dramatic, leading some to question the necessity of upgrading.
The software experience is also crucial, with the Zenfone 12 Ultra shipping with Android 15, while its predecessor is set to receive the same update soon. This promises longevity for the newer model but raises the question of whether the additional cost of the Zenfone 12 Ultra is justified when the differences in performance may not be significantly noticeable to everyday users.
Camera Capabilities: An In-Depth Look
Asus has integrated advanced camera technology into its flagship models, with the Zenfone 12 Ultra featuring an upgraded gimbal stabilization system. However, benchmarks indicate only marginal improvements in performance compared to the Zenfone 11 Ultra. Both models deliver comparable photo and video scores, suggesting that while the hardware may be upgraded, real-world results have not significantly changed, leaving potential buyers seeking better photography performance wanting.
This consistency in camera capabilities may be a double-edged sword for Asus. On one hand, it highlights reliability in the camera performance, making the Zenfone series a solid choice for users. On the other hand, it raises concerns about innovation. Buyers may anticipate more substantial improvements with each new iteration, and the lack thereof could deter those looking for cutting-edge photography features.
Battery Performance: A Closer Examination
Both the Zenfone 12 Ultra and Zenfone 11 Ultra come equipped with a robust 5,500 mAh battery, designed to support all-day usage. However, performance tests reveal that the Zenfone 11 Ultra surprisingly edges out its successor in battery longevity, particularly during video streaming scenarios. This revelation could influence potential buyers who prioritize battery life in their decision-making process.
Charging capabilities remain the same across both models, with 65W wired and 15W wireless options available. This consistency suggests that while Asus has focused on other areas for improvement, battery technology has not advanced significantly in this iteration. Consequently, users who value extended battery performance might find the Zenfone 11 Ultra a more appealing option, especially if found at a discounted price.
Making the Right Choice: Zenfone 12 Ultra or Zenfone 11 Ultra?
Deciding between the Zenfone 12 Ultra and the Zenfone 11 Ultra ultimately hinges on individual preferences and budget considerations. While the newer model offers the promise of better software support and a slightly updated chipset, the tangible differences in performance and features are minimal. For budget-conscious consumers, the Zenfone 11 Ultra could provide greater value, particularly when offered at a competitive price.
For those who prioritize having the latest software and a marginally improved chipset, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may be worth the investment. However, as competition in the smartphone market continues to evolve, Asus must find ways to differentiate its offerings to entice both new buyers and loyal fans who expect more innovation from each iteration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra and Zenfone 11 Ultra?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a newer Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, runs on Android 15, and has minor design changes, but overall performance and features are quite similar to the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Is the Zenfone 12 Ultra a worthy upgrade from the Zenfone 11 Ultra?
While the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers better software support and a slightly updated chipset, the performance improvements are minimal, making the Zenfone 11 Ultra a potentially better value if found at a discount.
What are the camera capabilities of the Zenfone 12 Ultra?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a similar camera setup to the 11 Ultra, with upgraded gimbal stabilization, but real-world performance and image quality improvements are not significantly noticeable.
How does the battery life compare between the Zenfone 12 Ultra and Zenfone 11 Ultra?
Both models come with a 5,500 mAh battery, but tests show the Zenfone 11 Ultra may perform slightly better in video streaming scenarios.
What are the design features of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra retains the same aluminum frame and 6.8-inch AMOLED display as its predecessor, featuring a cleaner design with fewer color options.
Which software version does the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra run on?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra ships with Android 15 and is expected to receive upgrades, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra currently runs Android 14, soon upgrading to 16.
Are there any significant performance improvements in the Zenfone 12 Ultra?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra shows improved benchmark scores over the 11 Ultra, but users may not notice a substantial difference in everyday performance.
| Feature | Zenfone 12 Ultra | Zenfone 11 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Same design, clean back | Same design, clean back |
| Display | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 6.8-inch AMOLED |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 6-axis | 6-axis |
| OS | Android 15, future upgrade to 17 | Android 14, future upgrade to 16 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite, 3 nm | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 4 nm |
| RAM/Storage | 12/256GB or 16/512GB | 12/256GB or 16/512GB |
| Battery | 5,500 mAh, 65W wired & 15W wireless | 5,500 mAh, 65W wired & 15W wireless |
| Audio | Loud stereo speakers, headphone jack | Loud stereo speakers, headphone jack |
Summary
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from Asus, continuing the legacy of its predecessor while introducing some upgrades. Though both models share similar designs, the Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and an updated Android version, promising better long-term software support. However, when weighing the features and performance against the Zenfone 11 Ultra, potential buyers might find better value in the latter, especially if it’s available at a discounted price. Ultimately, the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers subtle improvements, but it may not be enough to sway users away from the previous model.
