Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra – Complete Guide: Specs, Pros & Buying Verdict
Price & Release Date – Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Official Release Date: February 6, 2025 (announced by ASUS globally in Taipei)
The Zenfone 12 Ultra was officially introduced by ASUS on February 6, 2025, via a press release and social media announcement. It began rolling out in global markets thereafter.
Available Variant Prices in India
- 12 GB RAM + 256 GB Storage (Ebony Black) – ₹99,990 (expected market price in India at launch)
- 16 GB RAM + 512 GB Storage (Sakura White / Sage Green) – Approx. ₹98,000 (estimated based on global pricing conversion)
Note: Prices are indicative, may differ across Amazon or Flipkart listings, and are subject to change.
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is a premium smartphone designed for power users and creators. It features a 6.78‑inch FHD+ LTPO AMOLED screen with 1–120Hz adaptive refresh and a special 144Hz gaming boost, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it offers up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage for flagship‑level speed and AI capabilities. The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony Lytia 700 main sensor with 6‑axis gimbal stabilization, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultrawide lens, along with a 32MP RGBW selfie camera. AI features like real‑time transcription, translation, bokeh video, and smart editing enhance productivity and creativity. A 5,500mAh battery supports 65W fast charging and Qi 1.3 wireless charging, while the matte glass design, recycled aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, dual SIM/eSIM support, and Wi‑Fi 7 readiness round out its flagship appeal.
Key Highlights
- Model: Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
- Display: 6.78″ FHD+ LTPO AMOLED (2400 × 1080px) with adaptive refresh from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, up to 144 Hz in gaming mode
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform with Adreno 830 GPU
- Memory & Storage: LPDDR5X RAM up to 16 GB and UFS 4.0 storage up to 512 GB
- Rear Camera System: 50 MP Sony Lytia‑700 main sensor with 6‑axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer, 32 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom), 13 MP ultra‑wide (120°)
- Front Camera: 32 MP RGBW sensor with pixel‑binning output
- Battery & Charging: 5,500 mAh cell, 65 W wired fast charge, Qi 1.3 wireless charging
- Connectivity: Dual Nano‑SIM + eSIM support, Wi‑Fi 7 ready, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
- Certification & Build: IP68 rating, recycled‑aluminum frame, 22% recycled glass, three finishes
- AI Toolkit Features: AI Transcript 2.0, Article & Document Summary, Call Translator 2.0, Circle‑to‑Search, AI Magic Fill, AI Unblur, AI Panning Shot
- Software: Android 15 with ZenUI interface, Meta Llama 3 8B model for on‑device summarization
- Size & Weight: 163.8 × 77.0 × 8.9 mm, 220 g
Best For
- Mobile Photographers: Ideal for users needing pro‑grade photography with 50 MP main lens, 6‑axis gimbal stabilization, and telephoto zoom for versatile shooting.
- Content Creators: Perfect for vloggers and social media creators who require high‑quality 4K video recording and AI editing tools on‑device.
- Gamers: Suitable for high‑FPS gaming with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Adreno 830 GPU, and 144 Hz gaming mode for smooth visuals.
- Professionals on the Go: Great for business users needing AI transcription, live translation, and document summarization to enhance productivity.
- Travelers: Beneficial for frequent travelers with dual SIM + eSIM, Wi‑Fi 7, long 5,500 mAh battery, and IP68 water‑dust resistance.
- AI Power Users: Built for those who want on‑device LLM‑powered features like AI summarization, magic fill, and call translation.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Suited for users seeking HDR10+ AMOLED display, high‑fidelity audio, and immersive movie/gaming experience.
- Eco‑Conscious Users: Good for buyers preferring sustainable design with recycled aluminum frame and eco‑friendly glass components.
- Heavy Multitaskers: Designed for seamless app switching and heavy workloads with up to 16 GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage speeds.
- Future‑Ready Buyers: Prepared for next‑gen connectivity standards like Wi‑Fi 7 and extended Android update support.
Complete Specifications
General Information
Model:Zenfone 12 Ultra
Release Date:February 2025
Launch Status:Launched (Global, India release TBD)
Price in India:₹99,990 (expected entry‑level estimate)
Display
Resolution:1080 × 2400 pixels (FHD+)
Aspect Ratio:20:9
Pixel Density:388 ppi
Panel Type:LTPO AMOLED
Refresh Rate:1–120 Hz (up to 144 Hz in gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits (HBM 1,600 nits)
Touch Sampling Rate:10‑point capacitive touchscreen (supports glove touch)
HDR Support:HDR10 and HDR10+ (YouTube/Amazon HDR enabled)
Protection:Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Screen-to-Body Ratio:~88.0%
Always-On Display:Yes
Stylus Support:No
Color Gamut:~107% DCI‑P3, ~145% sRGB, ~103% NTSC
Contrast Ratio:Not disclosed officially
PWM Dimming / DC Dimming:Yes (variable refresh with dimming down to 1 Hz)
Processor & Performance
CPU: Octa‑core (dual high‑clock + hexa cluster up to ~4.32 GHz / ~3.53 GHz)
GPU: Adreno 830
GPU Clock Speed: (not officially stated exact MHz)
Fabrication Process: 3 nm
Performance Score (AnTuTu / Geekbench): (no official numbers published)
Cooling Technology: Yes (6‑axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer enhances thermal and image stabilization)
NPU (Neural Processing Unit) / AI Engine: Yes (dedicated NPU for on‑device AI, supports Meta Llama 3 8 B summarization, hybrid cloud/offline AI functions)
Storage
Storage Variants: 256 GB or 512 GB UFS 4.0
Expandable Storage: No
Virtual RAM: Not officially listed
File System Support: (not specified officially)
Operating System
Custom UI: ROG UI over Android 15
OS Update Policy: (not officially detailed for years of OS/security updates)
Camera
Primary Sensor: 50 MP Sony LYTIA 700, ƒ/1.9 aperture, gimbal‑based OIS
Secondary Sensor: 13 MP ultra‑wide, ƒ/2.2
Telephoto Lens: 32 MP, ƒ/2.4, 3× optical zoom with OIS
Additional Lens: (none beyond triple‑lens system)
Video Recording:
4K Recording: Not officially confirmed
1080p Recording: Yes (likely at 30/60 fps—details not explicit)
Slow Motion: (not officially specified)
Camera Features: Night mode, AI enhancements (HyperClarity), HDR, advanced gimbal stabilization, AI tracking, super‑steady support
Front Camera
Autofocus: No
Video Recording: Full HD (1080p) @ 30 fps support
Features: Wider 90° field of view, pixel‑binning, HDR, AI enhancements
Battery & Charging
Charging Speed: Up to 65 W HyperCharge wired charging
Charging Port: USB Type‑C
Reverse Charging: Yes, 10 W reverse charging support
Wireless Charging: Yes, supports Qi 1.3 standard wireless charging up to 15 W
Charger Included: Yes (65 W USB‑C charger included in box)
Battery Life (Screen‑On Time): Approximately 22.6 hours social browsing, ~21.1 hours streaming, ~14.1 hours web browsing (lab tested values)
Connectivity
Network Support: 5G SA/NSA and Dual‑4G VoLTE with multiple band compatibility
WiFi: Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11 be) standard
WiFi Band Support: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz
WiFi Calling: Yes
Bluetooth: Version 5.4
GPS: Yes (supports GPS L1/L5, GLONASS L1, Galileo E1/E5a, BeiDou B1i/B1c/B2a, QZSS L1/L5 and NavIC)
NFC: Yes
IR Blaster: No
FM Radio: No
USB Type: USB‑C
USB Transfer Speed: USB 3.x‑level data throughput
Carrier Aggregation Support: Yes
Sensors & Security
Face Unlock: Face recognition
Accelerometer: Yes
Gyroscope: Yes
Proximity Sensor: Yes
Ambient Light Sensor: Yes
Magnetometer: Yes (E‑compass)
Barometer: No
UWB (Ultra‑Wideband): No
Audio & Multimedia
Speaker Output (Decibels): Official decibel levels are not disclosed in public specification sheets; Asus does not publish numeric output measurements.
3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes, the device retains a standard headphone port
Dolby Atmos Support: Yes, spatial sound enhancement via Dolby Atmos is included
Hi-Res Audio Support: Yes, the phone supports high-resolution audio playback
Haptics & Vibration Motor: Advanced vibration feedback is implemented (enhanced haptics) according to audio‑multimedia descriptions
Microphone Noise Cancellation: Yes, the handset uses dual microphones with active noise‑suppression technology
Build & Design
Frame Type: Aluminum framing is employed, emphasizing durability and lightweight design
Dimensions: 163.8 × 77.0 × 8.9 mm
Weight: Approximately 220 grams
Colors Available: Ebony Black, Sage Green, Sakura White
Water & Dust Resistance: IP68 rated protection against dust and water ingress
Buttons & Ports: Standard volume rocker and power button; includes a 3.5 mm headphone port; no alert slider is noted in official information
Gaming & Special Features
Gaming Triggers: No built‑in hardware gaming triggers are listed in official documentation.
Stylus Support: No stylus compatibility is included in official feature list.
VR & AR Support: While not explicitly branded as VR/AR-ready, the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform supports common AR frameworks; no dedicated VR certification is specified.
Bloatware Apps: The official description emphasizes a near‑stock Android experience with minimal preloaded apps; heavy bloatware is not indicated
Special Features: A suite of AI tools is offered, including AI-based background noise elimination in video, semantic gallery search, voice transcription, document summarization, AI Tracking, AI Portrait Video 2.0, AI HyperClarity, and integrated AI article summary and call translation. These features bring on‑device AI optimization across imaging and productivity functions
Touch Latency: The manufacturer does not specify exact touch response time in milliseconds; optimized for smooth gaming up to 144 Hz refresh rate.
Screen Pressure Sensitivity (For Stylus Use): No support for stylus nor pressure‑sensitive input is included per official documentation.
Best Buy Links
Pros and Cons of Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor ensures top‑tier performance for gaming and multitasking. | Relatively heavier at 220 g, which may feel bulky for prolonged single‑handed use. |
Pro‑grade triple camera setup with 6‑axis gimbal stabilization for sharp photos and steady video. | No dedicated microSD card slot; storage expansion not supported. |
High‑refresh LTPO AMOLED display (1–120 Hz) with HDR10+ and gaming boost to 144 Hz. | Premium pricing places it in the upper flagship segment, limiting accessibility for budget buyers. |
5,500 mAh battery with 65 W wired and Qi 1.3 wireless fast charging. | No 3.5 mm headphone jack, requiring adapters or wireless audio solutions. |
IP68 dust and water resistance with recycled aluminum and glass for sustainable build. | Limited availability in some regions; not all color variants may be sold globally. |
Advanced AI tools (transcription, summarization, magic fill, translation) enhance daily productivity. | ZenUI software updates, while regular, may be slower than some competitors’ update timelines. |
Box Contents
- Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra smartphone (factory sealed)
- 65 W USB‑C power adapter (fast charging supported)
- USB‑C to USB‑C charging and data cable
- Protective case (clear, eco‑friendly material)
- SIM ejector pin tool
- Quick start guide and warranty documentation
Should You Buy the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra?
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is designed for users seeking flagship‑grade performance, versatile photography, and advanced AI tools in a durable build. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, adaptive AMOLED display, and 6‑axis stabilized triple camera system make it suitable for gamers, photographers, and multitaskers. A 5,500 mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging ensures day‑long use, while IP68 protection and recycled materials enhance durability and eco‑friendliness.
However, its premium pricing and absence of features like a headphone jack or expandable storage may not appeal to budget‑conscious buyers. Those prioritizing lightweight designs might also find its 220 g weight noticeable during extended one‑handed use.
Overall, this device is worth considering if you want a future‑ready smartphone with AI‑driven productivity, pro‑grade cameras, and long battery life, especially suited for professionals, travelers, and tech‑enthusiasts looking for a balanced flagship experience.
Frequently Asked Questions – Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Question | Answer |
---|---|
📱 What type of display does the Zenfone 12 Ultra have? | It features a 6.78‑inch LTPO AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, and adaptive refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz (144 Hz in gaming mode). |
⚡ Which processor powers this smartphone? | It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with Adreno 830 GPU for flagship‑grade performance. |
💾 What are the RAM and storage options? | The device offers up to 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage. It does not include microSD card expansion. |
🔋 How big is the battery and how fast does it charge? | It packs a 5,500 mAh battery supporting 65 W wired fast charging and Qi 1.3 wireless charging. |
🌊 Is the Zenfone 12 Ultra water‑resistant? | Yes, it carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. |
📸 What are the camera specifications? | It includes a 50 MP main camera with 6‑axis gimbal OIS, 32 MP telephoto with 3× optical zoom, 13 MP ultra‑wide lens, and a 32 MP front camera. |
📶 Does it support 5G and Wi‑Fi 7? | Yes, the device supports global 5G bands and next‑gen Wi‑Fi 7 connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.4 and NFC. |
🤖 Which Android version does it run? | It ships with Android 15 and Asus’s ZenUI, including on‑device AI features like summarization, transcription, and translation. |
🎧 Does it include a headphone jack? | No, the phone does not have a 3.5 mm jack. Users can connect via USB‑C or Bluetooth headphones. |
📦 What accessories are included in the box? | The box includes the handset, 65 W charger, USB‑C cable, clear protective case, SIM eject tool, and quick start guide. |
💡 Does it support expandable storage? | No, expandable storage is not supported; users must rely on internal storage options provided. |
👤 Who is this phone ideal for? | It is ideal for creators, gamers, and professionals seeking flagship performance, AI productivity tools, and durable design. |
Final Ratings – Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Rating Criteria | Score |
---|---|
Performance | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Display Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Camera System | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Battery Life | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Build & Durability | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Value for Money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |