Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra

The consistent continuation of the new "Big-Screen" concept, bridging the gap between the ROG gaming legacy and a serious flagship presence with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and massive AI features. While the 144 Hz LTPO display and improved gimbal stabilization are technically impressive, the update guarantee of only two major OS upgrades by 2026 is a significant drawback compared to Samsung and Google. For those seeking maximum performance in a discreet case with a 3.5 mm jack, this is currently the most powerful all-rounder for purists.

Classification and Target Audience

The Zenfone 12 Ultra (Launch: February 2025) solidifies Asus' departure from compact smartphones and directly competes with the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and the Xiaomi 16 Pro. It targets users who appreciate the raw hardware of the ROG Phone 9 but prefer a subtle design without RGB effects. Weighing 220 g, it is a substantial device that impresses with high-quality materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame.

Display and Housing

The 6.78-inch Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED offers a Full HD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which can boost to 144 Hz in gaming mode. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, it is also excellent to read in direct sunlight. The housing is IP68 certified and available in elegant colors like Sakura White, Ebony Black, and Sage Green.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (4.32 GHz) and up to 16 GB of RAM, the device achieves top scores in benchmarks (over 3.2 million points on AnTuTu) as of April 2026. The 5,500 mAh battery provides impressive runtimes and can be charged with 65W wired (100% in about 39 minutes) or 15W wirelessly. A unique feature in the high-end class remains the 3.5 mm headphone jack with Hi-Res audio support.

Video and Camera System

The triple setup is led by a 50 MP main camera (Sony LYT-700) with the improved 6-axis hybrid gimbal OIS, which effectively stabilizes even hectic movements in videos. This is complemented by a 32 MP telephoto lens (3x optical) and a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle with a free-form lens. Videos can be recorded in 8K at 30 fps or 4K at 60 fps. While the video quality and stabilization are among the best on the market, the photos at extreme zoom do not quite reach the level of an S26 Ultra.

Software and AI Features

Asus increasingly relies on AI tools like "AI Object Sense," "AI HyperClarity," and "AI Portrait Video" to optimize photo and video results. The device ships with Android 15 but offers only two years of OS updates (up to Android 17), which diminishes its long-term appeal compared to competitors (up to 7 years).

Conclusion and Value for Money

With a current market price of around €1,039 to €1,099 (April 2026), the Zenfone 12 Ultra is an attractively priced alternative to the S26 Ultra. It offers the smoothest performance and the best physical stabilization currently available but requires compromises in software support.