Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from Asus, offering cutting-edge technology, premium design, and high-end performance. Packed with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile triple-camera system, the Zenfone 12 Ultra aims to compete with the best smartphones of 2025. In this expert review, we take a deep dive into its features, performance, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Zenfone 12 Ultra embraces a sleek yet durable design, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, framed by a solid aluminum chassis. The device measures 163.8 x 77 x 8.9 mm and weighs 220 grams, making it a solid yet ergonomic handset.
With IP68 certification, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is water and dust-resistant, meaning it can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The phone is available in three stunning colors: Ebony Black, Sakura White, and Sage Green.
Key Takeaways:
- Premium glass and metal design
- IP68-rated durability
- Slightly heavy at 220g
Display: Stunning LTPO AMOLED Panel
The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals, making it perfect for gaming and daily usage. With a peak brightness of 2500 nits, HDR10 support, and Always-on Display, it delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
Display Highlights:
- 144Hz refresh rate for fluid performance
- 1600 nits HBM, 2500 nits peak brightness
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite
Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) chipset drives the Zenfone 12 Ultra, featuring an octa-core CPU with speeds up to 4.32 GHz and the powerful Adreno 830 GPU. Benchmarks show top-tier performance:
- AnTuTu Score: 2,702,580 (v10)
- GeekBench Score: 9,695 (v6)
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 5,678
With UFS 4.0 storage, available in 256GB/12GB RAM and 512GB/16GB RAM variants, the device ensures blazing-fast performance in gaming and multitasking.
Performance Takeaways:
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
- Powerful Adreno 830 GPU for gaming
- Up to 16GB RAM with UFS 4.0 storage
Camera: Versatile Triple-Lens System
The triple-camera setup on the Zenfone 12 Ultra provides excellent versatility:
- 50 MP (Wide, f/1.9, PDAF, Gimbal OIS) – Excellent low-light performance
- 32 MP (Telephoto, 3x Optical Zoom, OIS) – Great for zoom photography
- 13 MP (Ultrawide, 120-degree FOV) – Ideal for landscapes
Video Capabilities:
- 8K@24fps for ultra-high-resolution videos
- 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps slow-motion
- Gyro-EIS and HDR10+ support
The 32 MP front camera produces stunning selfies with HDR and panorama support and records in 1080p@30fps.
Camera Takeaways:
- OIS & gimbal stabilization for steady shots
- 8K video recording capability
- Excellent selfie camera
Battery & Charging: Long-Lasting Power
The Zenfone 12 Ultra packs a 5500mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life with efficient power consumption. The device supports 65W wired charging, which fully charges the battery in just 39 minutes. Additionally, it offers 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging for extra convenience.
Battery Performance:
- 13 hours 55 minutes active use
- 65W fast charging (100% in 39 mins)
- Wireless & reverse charging support
Software: Android 15 with Long-Term Updates
Out of the box, the Zenfone 12 Ultra runs Android 15, with a promise of two major OS upgrades. Asus’ lightweight software experience ensures minimal bloatware, clean UI, and smooth navigation.
Audio & Connectivity: Feature-Rich Experience
Sound:
- Stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio
- 3.5mm headphone jack (rare in flagships)
- 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res wireless audio support
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 7 with tri-band support
- Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless
- NFC & USB Type-C
Pricing & Final Verdict
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is priced at about 1000 EUR, making it a premium flagship device.
Pros:
✅ Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ✅ 144Hz AMOLED display with 2500 nits peak brightness ✅ Strong battery life & ultra-fast charging ✅ Versatile camera system with 8K recording ✅ IP68 water resistance & premium build ✅ 3.5mm headphone jack (rare in 2025 flagships)
Cons:
❌ No expandable storage ❌ No FM Radio ❌ Slightly heavy at 220g
Final Rating: 9.5/10
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is a beast of a smartphone, blending performance, display quality, camera versatility, and battery endurance into a well-rounded flagship. It’s a perfect choice for power users, gamers, and photography enthusiasts who want top-tier performance and premium features in 2025.
