ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Review: The AI-Powered Flagship of 2025
by Amiya Nandy in Phones on February 6, 2025The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is finally here, offering flagship-level performance, a premium design, AI-driven features, and a pro-grade camera system. ASUS has long been a strong contender in the smartphone market, but with the Zenfone 12 Ultra, the company is aiming to compete directly with the likes of Samsung, Apple, and Google.
With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 165Hz AMOLED display, and an advanced AI-enhanced camera, the Zenfone 12 Ultra looks like a serious contender for the best smartphone of 2025. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.
ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Specifications at a Glance
Feature | Zenfone 12 Ultra |
---|---|
Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz, HDR10+ |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
RAM & Storage | 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage |
Cameras | 50MP main + 32MP telephoto + 13MP ultra-wide |
Front Camera | 32MP |
Battery | 5,500mAh with 65W fast charging |
Software | Android 15 with ZenUI |
AI Features | AI Call Translator, AI Camera Enhancements, AI Battery Optimization |
Build & Colors | Matte Glass, Available in Sage Green, Ebony Black, Sakura White |
Price | Starts at €1,099 (~$1,145) |
Design & Build Quality: A Premium Feel
ASUS has gone for a sleek, sophisticated look with the Zenfone 12 Ultra. It features a silky matte glass finish, ultra-narrow bezels, and rounded edges, making it one of the most premium-feeling Zenfones to date.
✅ Design Highlights:
✔ Matte glass back with anti-fingerprint coating
✔ Aluminum frame with curved edges for a better grip
✔ IP68 water & dust resistance
✔ Sleek and lightweight for a flagship phone
📌 Verdict: The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s design is on par with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it one of the best-looking phones of 2025.
Display: Stunning 165Hz AMOLED Panel
ASUS has equipped the Zenfone 12 Ultra with one of the best smartphone displays available. The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel delivers stunning visuals with HDR10+ support and a 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming.
✅ Display Features:
✔ 165Hz refresh rate – ultra-responsive touch experience
✔ HDR10+ for richer colors and contrast
✔ 2600-nit peak brightness for outdoor visibility
✔ Adaptive refresh rate (1Hz-165Hz) for battery efficiency
📌 Verdict: If you’re looking for a flagship phone with an amazing display, the Zenfone 12 Ultra delivers industry-leading screen technology.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Brings Extreme Power
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making it one of the fastest smartphones of 2025. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos, this phone handles everything effortlessly.
✅ Performance Features:
✔ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for ultra-fast processing
✔ 12GB/16GB RAM options for smooth multitasking
✔ 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 storage for fast read/write speeds
✔ AI-powered performance optimization for gaming
📌 Verdict: The Zenfone 12 Ultra can handle anything you throw at it, making it one of the best flagship smartphones for gaming and productivity.
AI Features: Smarter Than Ever
ASUS has integrated AI-powered tools to make the Zenfone 12 Ultra one of the smartest phones on the market.
✅ AI Features:
✔ AI Call Translator – real-time language translation during calls
✔ AI Camera Enhancements – automatically adjusts lighting and focus
✔ AI Battery Optimization – extends battery life by up to 20%
✔ AI Article Summary – condenses long texts into key points
📌 Verdict: AI features enhance the overall experience, making the Zenfone 12 Ultra more efficient and user-friendly.
Camera: AI-Powered Photography & 50MP Sensor
The Zenfone 12 Ultra features a triple-camera setup, with AI-powered enhancements for stunning photography and video recording.
✅ Camera Features:
✔ 50MP main camera – sharp, detailed images
✔ 32MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom – great for portraits
✔ 13MP ultra-wide sensor – captures wide-angle shots
✔ AI Super Night Mode – enhanced low-light photography
✔ 8K video recording with AI stabilization
📌 Verdict: If camera performance is a priority, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a strong competitor to Samsung and Apple flagships.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power with 65W Fast Charging
ASUS has packed a 5,500mAh battery into the Zenfone 12 Ultra, ensuring all-day battery life.
✅ Battery & Charging Features:
✔ 5,500mAh battery – lasts up to 48 hours
✔ 65W wired fast charging – 0 to 100% in 40 minutes
✔ 15W wireless charging – Qi-compatible
📌 Verdict: The Zenfone 12 Ultra has one of the best battery performances among flagship phones in 2025.
FAQs: ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra
Will the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra be available in the U.S.?
No, ASUS has confirmed that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will not be available in the U.S.. However, users can import it from other regions.
Does the Zenfone 12 Ultra have expandable storage?
No, the phone does not support microSD cards, but it comes with up to 512GB of internal storage.
How does the Zenfone 12 Ultra compare to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Both are flagship devices with AI-powered features, but Samsung has a slightly better zoom camera, while ASUS offers a higher refresh rate and better price-to-performance ratio.
Final Verdict: Is the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Worth It?
✔ Pros:
✅ Stunning 165Hz AMOLED display
✅ Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
✅ AI-powered camera features
✅ All-day battery life with fast charging
❌ Cons:
❌ Not available in the U.S.
❌ No expandable storage option
📌 Final Verdict: If you want a flagship smartphone with top-tier specs and AI features, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a fantastic choice—but only if you can buy it in your region.
Would you upgrade to the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra? Let us know in the comments!