Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Review: A Powerhouse with AI, But Is It Enough?

February 7, 2025

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Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra smartphone featuring a large AMOLED display, AI-powered camera, and premium design, placed on a wooden surface with its packaging.

ASUS is back with another premium smartphone, but this time, it’s bittersweet. The Zenfone 12 Ultra has arrived, but once again, there’s no sign of a smaller Zenfone 12. If you were hoping for a more compact flagship, prepare for disappointment. Instead, ASUS has gone all-in on a big-screen, powerhouse device packed with the latest Snapdragon chipset and AI-driven features.

At first glance, the Zenfone 12 Ultra feels like last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra, the similarities are striking. But does this new model offer enough upgrades to justify an upgrade? Or is it just a rehash of last year’s formula?

I’ve been using the Zenfone 12 Ultra for a few days, slipping in my SIM and putting it through its paces. In this early hands-on review, let’s unbox, explore its new features, and see if ASUS has done enough to stand out in 2025.

Unboxing

Opening up the Zenfone 12 Ultra box, you’ll find a USB-C to USB-C cable and a rigid protective case to keep your device looking pristine. ASUS has also included a SIM ejector tool, but no power adapter, which is a bit of a letdown. The packaging is clean and minimalist, but you might need to buy a charger separately if you don’t already have one.

Design

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra looks visually nearly identical to last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra. Once again, ASUS has gone with a 6.78-inch aluminum Titan, giving it a premium and sturdy build. While the flat display’s bezels aren’t overly chunky, the phone still feels quite substantial. Weighing in at 220g, it’s actually heavier than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it quite a hefty device.

One of the biggest issues with the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s design is how incredibly slippery it is. Every surface is smoother than polished glass, which means handling it can be tricky. I’ve already fumbled it a few times in just a week of use, and I have no idea how I haven’t dropped it yet. If you’re planning to buy one, I’d strongly recommend using the included protective case or investing in an official Devil Case. While the rubbery surface adds grip, the downside is that you lose the ability to use the prominent camera bump as a handy finger rest for one-handed use.

While the Zenfone 12 Ultra looks smart and premium, it’s not the most exciting or flashy of designs. Thankfully, ASUS hasn’t copied the iPhone trend of flat edges. Instead, the subtle curves on the back make it feel relatively comfortable to hold, especially considering its nearly seven-inch size. The aluminum frame keeps things sturdy, while the matte glass back adds a touch of class.

If black isn’t your style, ASUS also offers the Zenfone 12 Ultra in Sakura White, which has a soft pink hue, as well as a classic green option. Up front, the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which has held up well so far—no scratches or nicks after a week of use. However, ASUS doesn’t pre-install a screen protector, so you may want to add one for extra protection.

Just like last year’s model, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in water. However, it doesn’t have IP69 certification, so it can’t handle high-pressure water jets like the Oppo Find X8 Pro or the OnePlus 13. Still, for everyday spills and dust, the Zenfone 12 Ultra should hold up just fine.

ZenUI & Features

Stock Android Experience with Optional Enhancements

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra runs on Android 15 with ZenUI on top, and ASUS offers two different experiences right out of the box. You can either go for a clean, stock-like version of Android, which is fantastic for minimalists, or the ASUS-optimized version, which adds extra features and customizations.

One of the biggest drawbacks, however, is the limited software support. ASUS is only guaranteeing two major OS upgrades, which is pretty underwhelming for a flagship phone—especially when most competitors now offer at least three to four years of major updates alongside five years of security patches. That said, ASUS does promise four years of security updates, so at least you’ll get continued protection for some time.

ZenUI Custom Features & Shortcuts

If you choose the ASUS-enhanced version, you get some handy software additions. One standout feature is the separated notifications bar and control center, similar to iOS. However, unlike OxygenOS, you can’t swipe left and right between them, which would have made navigation smoother.

Another great addition is the Android 15 audio controls, which allow you to seamlessly switch your audio output between Bluetooth devices and the phone’s speakers. This is especially useful if, like me, you tend to walk away from your Bluetooth speaker and forget it’s still connected. Now, instead of getting confused as to why there’s no sound coming from the phone, you can swap audio sources instantly with a quick tap.

Video Genie & Background Playback

ASUS has also included its Video Genie feature, which is a fantastic tool for multitasking. One of its best functions is background listening, which lets you keep YouTube videos playing in the background when you minimize the app. This feature gets a big thumbs up, especially if you like to listen to podcasts, music, or live streams while doing other tasks.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s large display also means you can comfortably watch videos while multitasking, making split-screen use more practical. Whether you’re following a tutorial or catching up on a live stream while browsing social media, the extra screen space is a definite plus.

ASUS Shortcuts & Gestures

ASUS has retained some useful gesture shortcuts. For example, you can double-tap the power button to instantly open an app of your choice—I have mine set to the camera for quick shots.

One of the returning features is the “ASAP Action”, which allows you to quickly trigger specific functions with a swipe. Unfortunately, it’s still as difficult to master as ever—it takes multiple tries before you get the hang of it. But once you do, it works like a charm (or at least your mom thinks so).

Minimal Bloatware & Extra Connectivity Perks

One thing I really appreciate about ZenUI is the lack of unnecessary bloatware. Unlike some other brands that pre-load phones with dozens of unnecessary apps, ASUS keeps it simple. Aside from Facebook and Instagram, which most people use anyway, there’s nothing extra clogging up your phone.

ASUS also includes GlideX, a handy app that allows you to sync your Zenfone with your laptop. You can use your phone as a webcam, quickly transfer files, or even use it as a secondary display.

Another welcome addition is eSIM support, which is now standard on most flagship phones. This makes it easier to switch between carriers or use multiple SIMs without needing a physical SIM card.

Connectivity & Stability

One major improvement over last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra is the connectivity performance. Last year’s model had occasional issues with Bluetooth and WiFi stability, but the Zenfone 12 Ultra has been rock solid. Bluetooth pairing is quick and stable, and WiFi performance is flawless, even on 5GHz and 6GHz networks.

Overall, ZenUI on the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers a clean and customizable experience, and while ASUS isn’t promising the best long-term software support, the additional features and optimizations make up for it in the short term.

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Performance & Gaming

One of the biggest upgrades for the Zenfone 12 Ultra in 2025 is its chipset, now powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. This flagship processor delivers top-tier performance, and in my review model, it’s backed by a generous 16GB of RAM, ensuring buttery-smooth everyday usage. Whether you’re multitasking, scrolling through apps, or jumping between demanding software, ZenUI runs flawlessly without a hitch.

When it comes to gaming, the Zenfone 12 Ultra handles even the most demanding titles with ease. In my tests, Wuthering Waves and other graphically intense games ran at max settings, locked at 60FPS, with no noticeable frame drops, jitters, or stutters. Even during extended sessions, the flat OLED display remained perfectly responsive, providing an ultra-smooth gaming experience.

One of the best aspects of gaming on this device is heat management. Unlike some Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered rivals, the Zenfone 12 Ultra stays surprisingly cool. Even after several hours of continuous gameplay, it only got slightly warm—never reaching uncomfortable or worrying temperatures. This makes it ideal for long gaming sessions without needing external cooling accessories.

ASUS’s Game Genie mode enhances the experience further. High-performance mode ensures optimal CPU and GPU performance, while Do Not Disturb and Call Block features eliminate unwanted interruptions. Plus, for games that support it natively, you can boost the refresh rate all the way up to 144Hz. However, there’s no AI-driven frame upscaling here—only games that officially support 144Hz can take advantage of it.

Overall, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a powerhouse for gaming, combining top-tier performance, smooth gameplay, and excellent thermal control, making it one of the best choices for mobile gamers in 2025.

AI Tools

One of the biggest benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset inside the Zenfone 12 Ultra is its AI-powered features. ASUS has leaned heavily into on-device AI processing, meaning many AI tools don’t require an internet connection to function. This ensures faster response times, improved privacy, and no reliance on cloud-based services.

One of the most practical AI tools is the upgraded Sound Recorder. Now in version 2.0, it offers real-time transcription, allowing users to convert speech into text instantly. It even supports live translations across multiple languages, making it a great tool for international business meetings or casual conversations.

For phone calls, ASUS has included AI noise cancellation, which filters out background noise for clearer communication, even in noisy environments. This feature works seamlessly, ensuring crisp and uninterrupted conversations whether you’re in a busy café or on public transport. Additionally, live call translations allow you to speak with people who don’t share your language, making communication smoother than ever.

Another time-saving AI feature is article summarization. If you’re reading an article in Google Chrome, ASUS’s AI can automatically generate a concise summary in just a few seconds. It efficiently pulls out key points, making it easier to digest information quickly.

Similarly, document summarization is now built into the system. Simply long-press on any downloaded document, and ASUS’s AI will condense it into a few bullet points. This is extremely useful for students, professionals, or anyone dealing with lengthy reports.

Of course, Circle to Search with Google Gemini is also present, allowing you to search for anything on your screen instantly by drawing a circle around it. This integrates seamlessly with ASUS’s software, providing a quick and intuitive way to look up information.

While ASUS’s AI suite isn’t as extensive as Samsung’s S25 series, it’s still a solid offering with genuinely useful tools. These features help boost productivity, enhance communication, and streamline everyday tasks, making the Zenfone 12 Ultra a smarter, more efficient device.

Additionally, the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with up to 512GB of storage, but there’s no microSD expansion. The SIM tray only supports two SIM cards, meaning you’ll need to rely on internal storage.

Finally, the fingerprint scanner is a standard optical sensor, rather than a high-end ultrasonic reader. However, during my testing, it performed flawlessly, unlocking the phone quickly and accurately every time. While not as premium as some alternatives, it gets the job done with no complaints.

Display & Audio

ASUS has made very few changes to the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s display compared to last year’s model. It still features a 6.8-inch Samsung AMOLED panel, delivering deep contrast, vibrant colors, and pin-sharp visuals. The HDR10 support ensures a high dynamic range for compatible content, but once again, there’s no Dolby Vision. As of now, Netflix doesn’t recognize any HDR support on this phone, likely due to pre-launch software issues, but this should be resolved soon.

In terms of color calibration, users can tweak the color output via display settings, with the default set to “Optimal” for a balanced experience. The phone also includes eye protection modes, such as Night Light to reduce blue light strain.

The LTPO technology is back, allowing the refresh rate to scale automatically between 1Hz for the Always-On Display and 120Hz for fluid animations. ASUS has also included a 144Hz mode, but this only works with supported games, without any AI-driven frame interpolation.

One important omission is the lack of official mention of PWM dimming—a crucial feature for those sensitive to screen flickering in low light conditions. ASUS has not confirmed whether this feature is implemented, so further testing will be needed to determine its effectiveness.

On the audio front, the Zenfone 12 Ultra once again boasts a powerful stereo speaker setup. These front-facing stereo speakers deliver loud and clear audio, even at maximum volume, without noticeable distortion. High-resolution audio support is present, including AptX Adaptive and LDAC for wireless listening.

One of the best features for audiophiles is that ASUS has retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in flagship smartphones. This means users can enjoy wired audio without needing dongles or adapters. The headphone jack is located on the bottom edge, making it easily accessible.

Overall, while the display remains unchanged, it is still one of the best on the market, and the audio experience is top-tier, making the Zenfone 12 Ultra a solid choice for media consumption.

Battery Life & Charging Speed

The Zenfone 12 Ultra retains the 5,500mAh battery from last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra, which was once among the largest in flagship smartphones. However, with competitors like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13R pushing 6,000mAh+ capacities, ASUS’s battery size no longer stands out.

Despite this, battery performance is still excellent. After a full day of intensive use, which included camera tests, gaming, video streaming, and music playback, the Zenfone 12 Ultra consistently ended the day with around 30% battery remaining. For lighter users, this phone could easily last two full days or even a weekend on a single charge.

Charging speeds are unchanged from last year. The 65W wired charging takes around 40 minutes for a full charge, which is still reasonably fast but not as quick as some newer flagships. The 15W wireless charging remains basic, and while Qi 1.3 is supported, there’s no Qi 2.0 compatibility, which is surprising given that Samsung has already adopted it in the Galaxy S25 series.

Overall, while not class-leading anymore, the Zenfone 12 Ultra delivers dependable battery life and reasonably fast charging, making it a reliable choice for power users.

📸 Camera Specs & Performance

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra carries over much of last year’s camera hardware but introduces a few notable upgrades, including a new Sony Lytia 700 sensor for the 50MP primary shooter and some AI-powered enhancements. Let’s dive into each camera module and see how it performs.

📷 Main Camera: 50MP Sony Lytia 700 Sensor

The primary camera offers a solid photography experience, especially in good lighting conditions. Colors are natural, and contrast is well-balanced, with no obvious oversaturation in high-contrast scenes. The 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization has been slightly upgraded, which helps maintain sharp shots in low light. However, motion blur remains an issue—if your subject moves even slightly, expect some blurry results.

Another downside is noticeable noise in darker shots, even in still conditions. While images generally look sharp and detailed, it’s not quite top-tier compared to some rival flagship camera systems.

🔍 Lossless Zoom & Telephoto Camera: 32MP Sensor with OIS

Like the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the Zenfone 12 Ultra offers 2x lossless zoom using the main sensor before switching to the dedicated 32MP telephoto lens at 3x zoom.

At 3x zoom, details remain sharp, and colors are consistent with the primary sensor.
At 10x zoom and beyond, AI sharpening kicks in, which can sometimes introduce artificial-looking details, particularly with human subjects.

The optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce hand shake, but once you push past 10x zoom, the AI-enhanced sharpening becomes quite obvious, which might not appeal to everyone.

🌄 Ultra-Wide Camera: 13MP Sensor

The 13MP ultra-wide lens performs reasonably well in daylight, producing images with decent dynamic range and good color accuracy. However, it struggles with close-up subjects and macro photography—it’s not ideal for extreme close-ups or capturing fine details up close.

In bright conditions, noise is well-controlled, and colors remain accurate.
In low light, however, shots can turn out softer than expected, and details suffer noticeably compared to the main sensor.

🤖 AI Editing & Enhancement Tools

Asus has added several AI-powered photography tools to the Zenfone 12 Ultra:

AI Document Scanner – Useful for capturing clear, readable documents.
AI Object Removal – Lets you erase unwanted objects from photos.
- Hit or miss—sometimes it seamlessly removes distractions, but in other cases, it leaves smudged artifacts.
AI Unblur Tool – Supposed to restore sharpness to blurry images, but doesn’t work as well as advertised.

While these tools can be useful in some scenarios, their effectiveness varies significantly.

🎥 Video Recording: 4K & 8K Capabilities

The Zenfone 12 Ultra supports 4K video recording at 30 or 60fps and 8K recording at 30fps. New AI tracking features enhance video capture, allowing for smoother focus and zooming on moving subjects.

Main Camera Video – Excellent sharpness and color accuracy.
Telephoto Video – Very good at 3x zoom, but noise becomes noticeable beyond that.
Ultra-Wide Video – Good at 1080p, though colors appear less saturated than the main sensor.

The AI voice clarity feature helps reduce background noise in loud environments, making it easier to hear voices in busy areas—a great addition for vloggers or anyone who frequently records in public spaces.

🤳 Selfie Camera: 32MP Front Camera

The front-facing 32MP camera is solid for selfies, but lacks 4K recording—a surprising omission for a 2025 flagship.

Limited to 1080p at 30fps—no 60fps option.
Stabilization is decent, and audio pickup is clear.
Portrait mode offers adjustable bokeh effects for background blurring.

✅ Final Thoughts on the Camera System

The Zenfone 12 Ultra offers respectable camera hardware, but it’s not the best in its class. The main camera is solid, the telephoto lens is good up to 3x zoom, and AI tools provide some fun extras, but low-light performance and ultra-wide sharpness could be better. If camera quality is your top priority, there are stronger competitors out there.

✅ Pros of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra

Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Performance – Delivers seamless gaming and multitasking with no noticeable lag.
Excellent Battery Life – The 5,500mAh battery provides all-day endurance, even with heavy use.
Clean Stock Android Experience – Minimal bloatware with useful Asus enhancements.
Solid AI Features – On-device AI processing for live translations, transcription, and content summarization.
Vibrant AMOLED Display – Sharp, bright visuals with 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology for efficiency.
IP68 Water & Dust Resistance – Durable build that can handle splashes and accidental submersion.

❌ Cons of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra

Camera Performance Lags Behind Competitors – While decent, it struggles in low light and lacks flagship-level zoom capabilities.
No 4K Selfie Video – The front camera is limited to 1080p, which feels outdated for a premium flagship.
Pricing Could Be an Issue – With strong competition from OnePlus, Nothing, and Samsung, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may be tough to justify at a high price point.

✅ Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra sticks closely to last year’s formula, offering minimal hardware upgrades beyond the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. While this new processor delivers top-tier gaming performance and plenty of AI-powered features, the overall experience feels familiar rather than revolutionary.

One of the standout advantages of this device is battery life, which remains excellent—you can comfortably get through a full day of heavy use. Asus also continues to provide a clean stock Android experience, complemented by some thoughtful software additions that enhance usability without overwhelming the user.

However, camera performance remains a weak spot compared to other flagship competitors. Despite AI-powered enhancements, low-light photography and AI sharpening on zoomed-in shots still struggle to match the best-in-class flagships from Samsung or Google.

Another uncertainty is pricing—while Asus has yet to confirm official UK pricing, the Zenfone 12 Ultra will face stiff competition from the OnePlus 13, the upcoming Nothing Phone 3, and other premium devices in its price bracket.

Ultimately, if you value gaming performance, battery life, and a clean Android experience, the Zenfone 12 Ultra remains a solid choice. However, if camera quality or cutting-edge features are your top priorities, you may want to explore alternative flagship options.

🔍 Common Questions People Ask on Google

1. Is the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra worth buying in 2025?
👉 Yes, if you prioritize gaming performance, long battery life, and a stock Android experience. However, if camera quality is a top priority, alternatives like the Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might be better.

2. How good is the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s camera?
👉 The 50MP main camera with OIS takes great photos in good lighting, but low-light performance and zoom capabilities aren’t as strong as competing flagships.

3. Does the Zenfone 12 Ultra support wireless charging?
👉 Yes, but only 15W Qi wireless charging, which is slower than many premium competitors offering 30W or higher.

4. How long does the Zenfone 12 Ultra battery last?
👉 The 5,500mAh battery can easily last a full day, even with heavy gaming and media consumption. Light users might get up to two days on a single charge.

5. Does the Zenfone 12 Ultra have expandable storage?
👉 No, there’s no microSD card slot, so storage is limited to what you choose at purchase (up to 512GB).

6. What AI features does the Zenfone 12 Ultra have?
👉 Asus includes on-device AI tools, such as live translation, audio transcription, article summarization, and AI-powered image editing.

7. Is the Zenfone 12 Ultra waterproof?
👉 It has IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle accidental splashes and submersion but isn’t rated for high-pressure water jets like some competitors.

8. Does the Zenfone 12 Ultra support high refresh rate gaming?
👉 Yes, it has 144Hz support for select games, but there’s no AI frame boosting to upscale lower refresh rate titles.

9. Will the Zenfone 12 Ultra get long-term software updates?
👉 Asus guarantees only 2 major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which is less than Samsung and Google’s 7-year support.

10. How does the Zenfone 12 Ultra compare to the OnePlus 13?
👉 The OnePlus 13 has better cameras and longer software support, while the Zenfone 12 Ultra excels in AI features, battery life, and a clean stock Android experience.

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