Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review
1 week ago

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is one of the flagship smartphones that boasts strong specifications, designed to meet the needs of users looking for a device that combines high performance with sleek design. The phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an impressive AMOLED display, a premium camera, and supports 65W fast charging. In this article, we will explore the main features of this phone, along with user reviews, and buying and charging tips to ensure an optimal user experience.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review

Design

Phone Shape and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with a sleek design, combining glass and metal, with a polished aluminum frame and a fingerprint-resistant glass back. The phone boasts excellent build quality and a modern appearance similar to other flagship phones.

Dimensions and Weight

The phone weighs around 224 grams, with dimensions of 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm, making it relatively large but still comfortable to use thanks to its well-distributed weight.

Water and Dust Resistance

The phone has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand temporary immersion in water without damage.

Display

Type and Size

The phone features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 × 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast.

Refresh Rate and Brightness

The screen supports a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, providing a smooth experience for browsing and gaming. The brightness reaches up to 2500 nits, making it usable under direct sunlight with great clarity.

Battery

Capacity and Performance

The phone is equipped with a 5500mAh battery, providing excellent performance for a full day of intensive use.

Charging

It supports 65W fast charging through a USB Type-C 3.1 port, along with 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.

Camera

Rear Camera

The phone features three rear cameras:

  • A 50MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

  • A 32MP telephoto camera supporting optical zoom up to 3x

  • A 13MP ultra-wide camera

The cameras offer excellent performance in various lighting conditions, with video recording quality up to 8K at 24fps.

Front Camera

The front camera comes with a 32MP sensor, supporting 4K video recording, and delivers excellent selfies full of detail.

Sound

Speakers

The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers with Dirac Virtuo 3.0 technology, supporting Hi-Res and DTS:X audio, delivering an immersive and rich sound experience.

Headphone Jack

The phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rare feature in modern flagship phones.

Processor

Type and Performance

The phone runs on the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor from Qualcomm, built on a 4nm process, offering outstanding performance for browsing, multitasking, and heavy gaming.

Operating System

Version

The phone runs on Android 14 with Asus's ZenUI interface, known for its lightness and closeness to the stock Android experience, with some smart additions.

Memory

Storage and RAM

The phone comes in two versions:

  • 12GB RAM with 256GB storage

  • 16GB RAM with 512GB storage
    It uses UFS 4.0 storage for fast read and write speeds.

External Memory

The phone does not support expandable storage via a memory card, so choosing the right storage capacity at the time of purchase is important.

Connectivity

Ports and Support

The phone includes a USB Type-C 3.1 port, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and NFC support, making it ready for the latest connectivity technologies.

Networks

SIM Support

The phone supports dual Nano SIM cards and works on all 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.

Sensors

Available Sensors

The phone includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, along with proximity, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, ambient light sensors, and facial unlock support.

Colors

Available Colors

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is available in four elegant colors: black, sky blue, gray, and beige, to match different user tastes.

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is an excellent choice for flagship phone enthusiasts, offering an attractive design, stunning display, powerful performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a professional camera system, a large battery, and fast charging speeds. If you’re looking for a pure Android experience with high specifications and long battery life, this phone is worth considering and purchasing.

Pros of Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

  • Elegant design and excellent build quality
  • Stunning AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and high brightness
  • Exceptional performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
  • Powerful rear and front cameras supporting 8K and 4K video recording
  • Large 5500mAh battery with fast and wireless charging
  • Strong stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating
  • A near-stock Android interface, smooth to use

Cons of Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

  • Does not support expandable memory via microSD card
  • Relatively large size and weight
  • Price is high compared to some competitors
  • No FM radio
  • No charger included in some markets within the box

What's New in the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

  1. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor: This processor is the latest from Qualcomm, ensuring exceptional performance in all tasks, from heavy gaming to multitasking.

  2. LTPO AMOLED 144Hz Display: A stunning display with a variable refresh rate up to 144Hz, providing a smooth visual experience with rich colors. It also supports high brightness of up to 2500 nits.

  3. 50MP Camera with 8K Support: The main camera is 50MP with optical image stabilization (OIS), along with a 32MP telephoto camera supporting 3x optical zoom. This makes photography excellent in different lighting conditions, with the ability to record videos in 8K.

  4. 65W Fast Charging: The phone supports 65W fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 0% to 50% in about 20 minutes.

  5. 5500mAh Battery: A large battery that lasts for long periods, enabling all-day usage without frequent recharging.

  6. IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: The phone is excellently resistant to water and dust, making it more durable in various conditions.

  7. Enhanced ZenUI Interface: The system runs on Android 14 with the unique ZenUI interface, providing a smooth user experience with smart features like improved power management and personal customizations.

  8. Wireless and Reverse Charging Support: The phone supports 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging, allowing you to charge other devices using your phone.

All of these features make the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra a powerful choice in the flagship phone category for 2024.

Contents of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Box

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra box contains the following items:

  • The phone itself

  • 65W fast charger

  • USB Type-C cable

  • Transparent protective case

  • SIM card ejector pin

  • Instruction manual and warranty card

Price of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Country Currency Approximate Price
United States USD 899
Canada CAD 1199
United Kingdom GBP 799
Germany EUR 899
France EUR 899
Italy EUR 899
Spain EUR 899
Netherlands EUR 899
Sweden SEK 9990
Norway NOK 10390
Denmark DKK 6690
Finland EUR 899
Poland PLN 3899
Czech Republic CZK 21990
Russia RUB 94990
Turkey TRY 37999
India INR 74999
China CNY 6499
Japan JPY 134000
South Korea KRW 1180000
Australia AUD 1399
UAE AED 3299
Saudi Arabia SAR 3399
Qatar QAR 3399
Kuwait KWD 275
Bahrain BHD 345
Egypt EGP 43000
Morocco MAD 9100
Algeria DZD 123000
South Africa ZAR 16999

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the local market, taxes, and import fees in each country.

Warranty, Warranty Terms, and After-Sales Service for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Warranty

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with a one-year (12-month) official warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Warranty Terms

  • A valid original purchase invoice or proof of purchase is required to avail the warranty.

  • The warranty does not cover faults due to misuse, drops, cracks, or water exposure beyond IP68 standards.

  • Damage caused by repairs carried out by unauthorized service centers is not covered.

  • The warranty does not cover accessories such as the charger, cable, and case after a limited period (usually 6 months or less depending on the country).

  • The warranty is void if the phone is tampered with or illegally opened.

After-Sales Service

Asus offers a network of authorized service centers in many countries, providing the following services:

  • Authorized repairs within and outside the warranty period

  • Software and system updates online

  • Original spare parts if the user needs to replace any components

  • Technical support via phone, email, and the official website

  • In some countries, users can track the repair status online

It is always recommended to contact your local Asus customer service center for detailed warranty and after-sales service information specific to your country, as terms may vary by region.

Performance of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Processor and User Experience

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, one of the most powerful smartphone processors of 2024, built on a 4nm manufacturing process. This processor delivers exceptional performance across all tasks, from daily apps to heavy gaming and multitasking.

Gaming Performance

The phone offers an excellent gaming experience thanks to the Adreno 750 GPU and the high 144Hz refresh rate display, ensuring smooth movement and excellent responsiveness. The phone supports heavy games such as PUBG, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact at the highest settings without stuttering or significant temperature rise.

Heat Management

The phone features an advanced cooling system that reduces device temperature under heavy load, helping maintain performance for longer periods without thermal throttling.

Memory and Storage

With up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the phone excels in quick app launches and seamless multitasking, providing instant response times and improving overall performance.

General Performance

The phone is extremely fast in executing commands, showing no signs of lag even with intensive usage. Whether you're browsing the web, editing photos and videos, or running multiple apps, you’ll experience strong and stable performance.

Performance Summary:
The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers top-tier performance, making it ideal for professional users, gamers, and those seeking speed and efficiency, while ensuring long-term stability and a smooth user experience in all conditions.

Gaming Performance of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Heavy Gaming Experience

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is one of the best gaming smartphones, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Adreno 750 GPU, and up to 16GB of RAM. These specifications allow the phone to run the most demanding games at the highest graphical quality and with smooth performance.

Gaming Tests

  • PUBG Mobile: Runs at the highest settings (HDR + Extreme) with a stable frame rate exceeding 90 fps, with no stuttering or excessive heat rise.

  • Call of Duty: Mobile: Runs smoothly at Very High settings with all effects enabled, providing an immersive audio and visual experience.

  • Genshin Impact: One of the most resource-intensive games, the phone runs it smoothly on High to Maximum settings with an effective cooling system that minimizes heat.

  • Asphalt 9, Mobile Legends, and Free Fire: All perform excellently with quick screen response and amazing display quality.

Gaming Features

  • 144Hz refresh rate makes gaming smoother, especially in shooting and action games.

  • The integrated cooling technology reduces thermal throttling and maintains performance during extended gaming sessions.

  • Stereo speakers enhance the gaming experience with clear surround sound.

  • ZenUI interface offers the Game Genie mode, which boosts performance and blocks annoying notifications during gaming.

Gaming Performance Summary

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is an ideal device for gaming enthusiasts, combining the best processor on the market, a fast and vibrant screen, effective cooling, and powerful surround sound. If you're a mobile gaming fan looking for an uncompromised gaming experience, this phone is one of the top options in the premium category.

Operating System Performance of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Operating System and Updates

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra runs on Android 14 with Asus' custom ZenUI interface. This interface is known for its lightweight nature and proximity to a stock Android experience, with added smart features that enhance user experience without affecting overall performance.

System Speed and Responsiveness

The system operates quickly and smoothly, thanks to the excellent hardware-software integration, where apps launch rapidly, and task switching is instantaneous, with no slowdowns or stuttering.

Performance Stability

The ZenUI interface is lightweight and stable, offering improvements in power management and background task handling, making the performance stable even under intensive use. The phone does not suffer from issues like app reloading or automatic closures that can occur in some heavy interfaces.

Additional Features in the Interface

  • Game Genie mode to customize performance while gaming

  • Advanced settings for screen customization and gestures

  • Smart tools such as sound enhancement, battery management, and night mode

  • Continuous security updates and major system updates

Multitasking

With its large RAM and optimized interface, the phone can run many apps in the background without affecting speed, supporting split-screen mode and easy app switching.

System Performance Summary

The operating system on the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a clean, fast, and stable experience, ideal for users who prefer an interface free from complexity and ads. Overall performance is smooth, and the daily experience is comfortable, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Battery Performance of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Battery Capacity and Usage Duration

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with a large 5500mAh battery, which ensures long-lasting use. The battery allows users to use the phone throughout the day without needing a recharge, even with heavy use such as browsing, gaming, and calls.

Battery Performance in Daily Use

  • Browsing and Calls: The battery easily lasts the entire day with moderate use like internet browsing, phone calls, and social media apps.

  • Entertainment and Gaming: When playing heavy games like PUBG and Genshin Impact, the phone offers about 6-7 hours of continuous use before needing a recharge.

  • Video Content: When watching high-definition videos, the battery lasts about 10-12 hours, making it a good option for entertainment on the go.

Fast Charging

The phone supports 65W fast charging, meaning the battery can be charged from 0% to 50% in just about 20 minutes. It can be fully charged in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for those who need quick charging while on the go.

Wireless and Reverse Charging

The phone supports 15W wireless charging, as well as 10W reverse charging, allowing you to charge other devices using the phone.

Battery Management

The ZenUI interface optimizes power consumption with smart management techniques, such as:

  • Power-saving mode, which limits unnecessary activities to extend battery life.

  • Night mode, which helps reduce power consumption, especially when using the screen for long periods.

Battery Performance Summary

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's battery offers excellent performance suitable for intensive daily use. With its large capacity, fast charging, and smart power management, it can be relied upon to meet the needs of both casual and heavy users, making it one of the standout features of the phone.

Global Reviews and User Feedback for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Global Reviews

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has received positive reviews in many global tech reviews from experts and reviewers. Some of the highlighted points include:

  • Performance: The phone has received widespread praise for its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is considered one of the most powerful processors in its class. Reviewers praised its fast and smooth performance across all tasks, whether gaming or everyday activities.

  • Design: The phone's modern and sturdy design has been commended, and its IP68 water and dust resistance added extra value, making it stand out in its category.

  • Display: The AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate received high ratings, particularly for its smooth display and vibrant colors. It also offers high brightness, making it excellent for outdoor use.

  • Camera: The cameras were praised overall, especially the main 50MP camera, which captures clear and detailed photos in various conditions. The front camera also delivered excellent performance for selfies and video calls.

  • Battery: Many reviewers highlighted the large 5500mAh battery, which ensures all-day usage, along with the fast 65W charging capability.

User Reviews

Regarding user feedback, opinions vary between praising certain aspects and critiquing some details:

Positive Points Highlighted by Users:

  • Gaming Performance: Many users praised the phone's excellent performance in heavy games like PUBG and Genshin Impact, noting smooth gameplay without lag or performance issues.

  • Fast Charging: Users were highly impressed with the fast charging capability, as the phone can charge up to 50% in just about 20 minutes.

  • Display: Many users expressed complete satisfaction with the screen, especially when using the phone in direct light, where there were no issues with color clarity or visibility.

Criticisms from Users:

  • Size: Some users commented on the phone's large size, which might be uncomfortable for those using it with one hand.

  • Price: Despite the positive reviews, some users pointed out that the phone is relatively expensive compared to some competitors in the same category.

  • No External Storage Support: A few users criticized the lack of an option to expand storage with a microSD card, which could be a problem for those who need large storage for files.

Summary of Reviews

Overall, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra received highly positive ratings for performance, design, camera, and fast charging. However, some criticisms revolved around its large size, high price, and lack of external storage support. For users looking for a powerful phone with a great camera and fast charging, the Zenfone 11 Ultra remains an excellent choice.

Competitors to the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra faces strong competition from a range of flagship phones in the market that offer similar features in terms of performance, camera, battery, and design. Here are some of the main competitors in the flagship phone category:

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

  • Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 200MP primary sensor

  • Battery: 5000mAh with 45W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • Amazing display with stunning color accuracy

    • Extremely strong performance in gaming and heavy tasks

    • Excellent camera that competes in professional photography

    • Wireless charging support and long battery life

2. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • Processor: A17 Pro chip

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion (120Hz)

  • Camera: Triple-camera setup with 48MP main sensor

  • Battery: 4422mAh with 20W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • Exceptional performance with the A17 Pro chip

    • Excellent camera with professional-grade capabilities

    • Brilliant display with very high outdoor brightness

    • Video improvements, including 4K and ProRes support

3. Xiaomi 13 Pro

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

  • Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Camera: Triple-camera setup with 50MP main sensor (Leica)

  • Battery: 4820mAh with 120W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • Leica camera with exceptional photo capabilities

    • Vibrant AMOLED display with high resolution

    • Extremely fast charging with wireless charging support

    • Excellent gaming and heavy-app performance

4. OnePlus 11

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

  • Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Camera: Triple-camera setup with 50MP main sensor

  • Battery: 5000mAh with 100W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • Excellent display with accurate colors

    • Very fast charging with Warp Charge technology

    • High performance with efficient handling of heavy tasks

    • Smooth and effective OxygenOS interface

5. Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Processor: Google Tensor G3

  • Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Camera: Triple-camera setup with 50MP main sensor

  • Battery: 5000mAh with 30W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • AI-powered camera with outstanding low-light photography

    • Pure Android experience with fast updates

    • Excellent performance in apps and daily tasks

    • Long-term support for security and software updates

6. Oppo Find X6 Pro

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

  • Display: 6.82-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Camera: Triple-camera setup with 50MP main sensor

  • Battery: 5000mAh with 100W fast charging

  • Key Features:

    • Powerful camera with high-resolution lenses

    • Stunning display with vibrant colors and high brightness

    • Fast charging and wireless charging support

    • Strong performance with many innovative features

While the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers powerful performance and a great display, it faces fierce competition from a range of other flagship devices. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max excel in certain areas like camera and overall performance, while the Xiaomi 13 Pro and OnePlus 11 offer similar performance with even faster charging. Overall, these phones are strong competitors to the Zenfone 11 Ultra and offer a comprehensive set of features in design, camera, and performance.

Buying Tips for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

1. Identify Your Personal Needs

Before deciding to buy the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, first determine whether the phone meets your daily needs. If you're a gaming enthusiast or work with heavy apps, this phone will be suitable for you thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and large RAM. However, if you're looking for a phone for simple everyday use, you might find other mid-range phones more fitting.

2. Check for Support Availability in Your Area

Ensure that technical support and warranty services for the phone are available in your area, along with access to Asus-certified service centers. Warranty policies and after-sales services may vary by country, so it’s best to confirm these details before making your purchase.

3. Check for Deals and Discounts

Before buying the phone, look for deals and discounts that may be available, especially if you plan to buy through an official store or online. Sometimes, you may find discounts during seasonal events like Black Friday or special offers from Asus.

4. Compare Prices

It's important to compare prices between different stores or websites to ensure you get the best deal. Additionally, check if financing or installment options are available, which can be helpful if you prefer to pay in installments.

5. Check User Reviews

Before purchasing, review feedback from other users who have bought the phone. This will give you an idea of their satisfaction with the performance, camera, and battery life. You might find some points that weren't mentioned in professional reviews, which could help you make a more informed decision.

6. Test the Phone Practically Before Buying

If possible, try out the phone in local stores before making your decision. Check how comfortable it feels to use with one hand, and test the screen, camera, and speaker sound quality. The real-world experience may differ significantly from theoretical reviews.

7. Consider Competitors' Prices

Compare the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra with its competitors in the flagship category, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Look at differences in specifications like the camera, display, and performance, and make sure the phone you choose fits both your budget and requirements.

8. Check for System Updates

Ensure that the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra will receive regular system updates for the latest Android versions and security patches. If you're someone who likes to keep your device up-to-date with the latest features, it's important to check the phone’s update policy.

If you're looking for a phone with strong performance, a great camera, a stunning display, and excellent gaming capabilities, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is an excellent choice. However, make sure it meets your personal needs across all aspects and check for support availability in your region before making a purchase.

Charging Tips for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

1. Use the Original Charger

To avoid any issues or damage to the battery, it’s always best to use the original charger that comes with the phone. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra supports 65W fast charging, and using an unauthorized charger might result in slower charging speeds or reduce battery lifespan over time.

2. Avoid Overcharging

Although the phone has protection features against overcharging, it's best to avoid leaving the phone plugged in for extended periods after it reaches 100%. If you're charging the phone overnight, try using the power-saving mode or charging it for shorter periods during the day.

3. Charge in Moderate Temperatures

Charging in extremely hot or cold temperatures can affect the battery’s health. Always try to charge your phone in an environment with moderate temperatures (between 10 and 30°C). Avoid charging it in hot places, such as under direct sunlight or near heat sources.

4. Use Fast Charging with Caution

While the phone supports 65W fast charging, fast charging can generate heat, especially if you’re using the phone intensively, like playing games or running heavy apps. If you need quick charging, it’s recommended to leave the phone charging while it’s not in use or activate airplane mode during charging.

5. Use Wireless Charging Reasonably

If you’re using 15W wireless charging, make sure the phone is properly positioned on the charging pad. Wireless charging may be slower compared to wired charging, but it’s a convenient option when you don’t need to charge the phone quickly.

6. Avoid Reverse Charging Unless Necessary

The phone supports 10W reverse charging, but try to avoid using this feature unless it’s necessary. Reverse charging can deplete the phone’s battery more quickly if it’s already low. Use it only if you need to charge another device urgently.

7. Monitor Battery Health

Through the settings, you can check the battery health of your phone, which will help you understand if the battery is deteriorating over time. Avoid using battery optimization apps excessively, as they can reduce battery efficiency in the long run.

8. Avoid Charging in Extremely Low Temperatures

If you're in an area with very low temperatures, try to avoid charging the phone immediately after taking it out of a very cold environment, as this can disrupt the charging balance. It’s better to let the phone warm up to a moderate temperature before charging.

Following these tips will help maintain your Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's battery health for as long as possible and ensure safe, fast charging. It’s important to use the original charger, charge in a moderate environment, and avoid overcharging or charging during intensive usage to reduce the heat impact on the battery.

Conclusion

With its advanced specifications, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is an excellent choice for users looking for a smartphone that offers powerful performance across all areas, from gaming to photography and fast charging. With a modern design and innovative technologies, the phone remains a strong competitor in the flagship smartphone category. However, users should consider their personal needs and budget before making a purchasing decision. By following the recommended charging tips and best practices, users can maintain the device's health and ensure sustainable, long-lasting performance.