Hot on the heels of the ROG Phone 9 FE announcement, Asus has today introduced the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which is essentially a simplified version of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, lacking the gaming-specific features. This new smartphone opts for a more traditional user experience and takes design elements from the previous year’s Zenfone series.
New AI Features
While the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with the typical upgrades seen in new models, Asus is putting a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence this time. The main driver of this AI focus is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite chipset, which Asus claims provides a 45% increase in CPU performance, a 40% faster GPU, and a 40% enhancement in NPU capabilities relative to its predecessor. For those who need more power, the device can be configured with as much as 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Advanced Camera Systems
Asus is integrating AI directly into the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which comes with Meta’s Llama 3 8B model pre-installed for various AI tasks. One notable feature is the AI Call Translator 2.0, which offers real-time voice translation within the native Phone app and other VoIP messaging services. The Recorder app also benefits from AI features, including the ability to identify multiple speakers, summarize recordings, and translate audio content.
On the camera side, Asus has replaced the IMX890 sensor with a Sony Lytia-700, complemented by a fourth-generation 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer that is said to improve movement correction by 66%. It includes a 32MP telephoto lens with up to 3x optical and 10-30x HyperClarity zoom, alongside a 120° ultra-wide lens for expansive shots. The front features a 32MP selfie camera with a 90° lens.
Display and Battery Performance
The AI camera functionalities encompass AI Tracking, AI Portrait Video 2.0, and AI Voice Clarity for videos. For photography, users will find AI Magic Fill to eliminate unwanted objects, AI Unblur to sharpen out-of-focus images, AI Panning Shot for dynamic motion blur, and AI HyperClarity that enhances images at 10x zoom.
The Zenfone 12 Ultra boasts a 6.78-inch Samsung E6 OLED display with LTPO technology, allowing refresh rates between 1 and 120Hz, and a special 144Hz mode for gaming. Its brightness can reach an impressive 2,500 nits and it is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Battery life has also been improved with a dual-cell 5,500mAh setup that supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Asus claims that a complete charge takes only 39 minutes and offers up to 26 hours of usage from a single charge.
Asus has also managed to retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare, and enhances audio with Dirac Virtuo for Headphones technology. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is designed with sustainability in mind, using 100% recycled aluminum for its frame and 22% recycled glass for the display. It is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and comes in Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White.
Pricing and Availability
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is now on sale in Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It is priced at €1,100, but Asus is currently offering an early bird discount, allowing customers to purchase the device for €1,000 until February 28.

