ASUS has firmly established its position in the flagship smartphone space with its Zenfone series, and with the recent launch of the Zenfone 12 Ultra, many are wondering whether it's worth upgrading from the Zenfone 11 Ultra or opting for the latest model. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Zenfone 11 Ultra and Zenfone 12 Ultra to help you decide if the new features justify the jump to the latest model.
Design: Subtle Refinements with Sustainable Materials
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
The Zenfone 11 Ultra features a design reminiscent of ASUS’s ROG Phone 8, though it omits the gamer-centric elements like triggers and RGB lighting for a more professional and understated aesthetic. The right side of the device hosts the volume and power buttons, and notably, the fingerprint reader is embedded beneath the display. It's available in several colors, including Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
While the Zenfone 12 Ultra shares the same general design language, there are subtle upgrades. One of the key differences is the use of 100% recycled aluminum for the frame and 22% recycled glass for the display. The Zenfone 12 Ultra comes in Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White, showcasing ASUS’s commitment to sustainability. Both devices retain IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.
Display: Small Changes, Big Impact
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a 6.78-inch Samsung LTPO AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080), and a refresh rate that adapts from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, with 144 Hz available in games via the Game Genius feature. The display also boasts Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
The Zenfone 12 Ultra continues with a 6.78-inch Samsung E6 LTPO AMOLED display, but with a slightly more refined Full HD+ resolution. Like the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the Zenfone 12 Ultra supports an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, and 144 Hz in gaming. The brightness remains at 2,500 nits, and it retains Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. There’s no groundbreaking change in the display from the 11 to the 12 Ultra, but the overall quality and gaming features are still among the best in the flagship smartphone market.
Performance: The Power Under the Hood
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
At the core of the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This powerhouse configuration provides smooth multitasking and top-tier performance for demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and intensive apps.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
The Zenfone 12 Ultra upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which promises 45% better CPU performance and 40% faster GPU and NPU performance compared to the previous generation. This translates to even better multitasking and gaming performance. The device continues to offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, so the Zenfone 12 Ultra is essentially the superior device in terms of raw processing power.
Camera: Photography Gets a Big Upgrade
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
The Zenfone 11 Ultra features a 50 MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with hybrid gimbal stabilization 3.0, a 13 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32 MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The 32 MP front camera is a solid choice for selfies and video calls.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
The Zenfone 12 Ultra introduces a new 50 MP Sony Lytia-700 main sensor with six-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization 4.0, offering 66% better stabilization compared to the previous model. The telephoto lens remains a 32 MP sensor with 3x optical zoom, but it gains the HyperClarity zoom feature that enhances zoom from 10x to 30x. The 13 MP ultrawide sensor remains the same, but the overall camera performance is vastly improved with more refined AI processing and stabilization features, making the Zenfone 12 Ultra an excellent choice for content creators and photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: Same Speed, Better Efficiency
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
The Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with a 5,500 mAh battery and 65W HyperCharge fast charging, allowing the device to go from 0 to 100% in 39 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging for added convenience.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
The Zenfone 12 Ultra maintains the 5,500 mAh battery and 65W charging, promising the same 0 to 100% charge time of 39 minutes. Wireless charging remains at 15W, and the battery efficiency is slightly better due to optimizations in the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, making it a great device for heavy users who need long-lasting power.
AI Features: Cutting-Edge Smart Technology
Zenfone 11 Ultra:
The Zenfone 11 Ultra is equipped with AI features such as portrait effect improvements in videos, call translation, sound transcription, and noise cancellation. These AI-driven capabilities elevate the user experience, especially for those who rely on mobile photography, calls, and multitasking.
Zenfone 12 Ultra:
AI continues to play a significant role in the Zenfone 12 Ultra. New features include Meta's Llama 3 8B AI model, which works locally for high-quality text summarization, and AI Call Translator 2.0, which translates calls in real-time. The AI Transcript 2.0 feature allows for audio summarization and transcription. These upgrades take AI functionality to the next level, making the Zenfone 12 Ultra a more intelligent device for everyday tasks.
Who Should Buy the Zenfone 12 Ultra?
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is a fantastic device for:
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best in camera quality with enhanced stabilization, zoom capabilities, and improved AI processing.
- Gamers and performance junkies looking for the best chipset (Snapdragon 8 Elite) for a smoother, faster experience in demanding apps and games.
- Content creators and professionals who need superior performance, stable video recordings, and fast charging to power through a busy day.
- Sustainability-minded users, as the Zenfone 12 Ultra is made with recycled aluminum and glass, which reflects ASUS's commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Is the Zenfone 12 Ultra Worth the Upgrade?
If you already own the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the Zenfone 12 Ultra might not seem like a dramatic upgrade in terms of design or display. However, the improvements in camera technology, processor performance, and AI features make it a tempting choice for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. The improved camera stabilization, Zoom HyperClarity, and AI-driven tools are substantial updates for content creators or photography enthusiasts.
If you’re still using an older device or a competitor’s flagship, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is absolutely worth considering for its raw power, camera advancements, and sustainability.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
- Buy the Zenfone 11 Ultra if you are looking for a flagship device with top-tier performance and great camera specs at a slightly lower price point, especially if you’re upgrading from a mid-range phone and want to save a bit.
- Buy the Zenfone 12 Ultra if you want the latest and greatest in performance, photography, and AI innovations. The improvements in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, camera stabilization, and AI capabilities make it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts, photographers, and professionals.
Ultimately, both devices offer a premium experience, but if you prioritize future-proofing your purchase, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is the way to go.
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