Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Review
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of the latest flagship phones released in 2025, offering an excellent combination of powerful performance, advanced cameras, and an amazing display. With its modern design and the latest processing technologies, this phone is an ideal choice for users looking for an outstanding experience in gaming, photography, and daily tasks. In this article, we will explore all the important details for users, such as performance, battery, charging, as well as useful tips for efficiently using this phone.
Review of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Design
Build Quality and Overall Look
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra features an elegant and sturdy design, with an aluminum frame and a glass back protected by a scratch-resistant coating. The edges are slightly curved to provide a more comfortable grip, and the phone is water and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating.
Dimensions and Weight
The phone is about 8.9 mm thick and weighs approximately 224 grams, which makes it balanced in hand despite its large size, thanks to the large battery and advanced components.
Display
Display Type and Size
The phone features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that supports a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, offering a smooth user experience and fast responsiveness.
Resolution and Brightness
The screen operates at a QHD+ resolution and provides a pixel density of around 518 pixels per inch. Its peak brightness reaches up to 2600 nits, making it excellent under bright lighting conditions.
Battery
Capacity and Performance
The phone is equipped with a 5500 mAh battery, which is enough to last a full day of intensive use. It also supports 65W fast charging, allowing it to charge over 70% in just 30 minutes.
Wireless and Reverse Charging
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra supports 15W fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to power other devices.
Camera
Rear Camera
The phone comes with three impressive rear cameras:
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A 50MP main camera with a large sensor supporting optical image stabilization
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A 64MP telephoto camera with up to 3x optical zoom
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A 50MP wide-angle camera suitable for landscape photography
Front Camera
The front camera has a resolution of 32MP and performs excellently in various lighting conditions, supporting 4K video recording.
Photography Features
The phone supports 8K video recording at 24 fps and includes AI-based image enhancement features and an advanced night mode.
Audio
Sound Quality
The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers supported by Dirac Audio technology, delivering rich and clear audio, whether for calls or media playback.
Audio Support
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra supports Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos, improving the listening experience.
Processor
Processor Type
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, built on 4nm technology, offering powerful performance and high energy efficiency.
Actual Performance
The phone delivers excellent performance in all daily tasks and handles heavy gaming with ease, thanks to its powerful processor and the Adreno 750 GPU.
Operating System
System Version
The phone runs on Android 14 with Asus' ZenUI, providing a near-stock Android experience with some additional custom features.
Updates and Support
Asus provides regular security and system updates, ensuring the phone stays up-to-date for several years.
Memory
RAM and Storage
The phone comes in various memory configurations:
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12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM
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256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage
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The phone does not support external memory cards.
Connectivity
Network Support
The phone supports 5G networks, in addition to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and stable connections in various environments.
Ports and Connections
It features a USB Type-C 3.2 port and supports OTG, but it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Networks
SIM Cards
The phone supports dual Nano SIM cards with dual standby mode.
Network Speed
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra provides extremely high download and upload speeds, thanks to its full support for 5G networks.
Sensors
Available Sensors
The phone includes a wide range of sensors, including:
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An under-display fingerprint sensor
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Accelerometer
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Proximity sensor
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Gyroscope
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Digital compass
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Ambient light sensor
Phone Colors
The phone is available in several stylish colors:
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Carbon Black
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Marine Blue
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Silver Gray
All feature a matte finish that resists fingerprints.
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts and those who appreciate luxurious design. It offers advanced specifications in terms of the processor, display, cameras, and battery, making it a strong competitor in the flagship phone market for 2025. Despite the lack of a headphone jack and external memory card support, the overall user experience remains solid, thanks to the significant improvements Asus has made in this new model.
Pros of Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
- High-resolution AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Exceptional performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- Powerful rear cameras with 8K video recording and true optical zoom
- Large 5500 mAh battery with fast and wireless charging
- Elegant and durable design with water and dust resistance
- Pure stereo sound with Dolby Atmos support
- Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Storage capacity up to 1TB with UFS 4.0
Cons of Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
- Does not support a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Does not support external memory card expansion
- High price compared to some competitors
- Relatively heavy phone weight
What's New in the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Advanced Display Technologies
The phone features an LTPO AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, allowing for dynamic energy savings and an enhanced browsing and gaming experience.
Camera Enhancements
The rear cameras have been significantly upgraded, with larger sensors and advanced optical stabilization technologies, along with support for 8K video recording, making it one of the strongest phones in the photography field.
Exceptional Performance with a New Processor
The phone is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, providing a major leap in performance and thermal efficiency, alongside the Adreno 750 GPU for better support in gaming and heavy applications.
Latest Connectivity Support
The phone supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 technologies, providing ultra-fast connection speeds and lower response times, which are advanced features not available in most previous phones.
Battery and Charging Improvements
The battery capacity has been increased to 5500mAh with support for 65W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, which are some of the major upgrades in the series.
Optimized Software Interface
The phone runs on Android 14 with the ZenUI interface, which has become smoother and includes smart features like enhanced power consumption and advanced customization.
These improvements make the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra one of the standout phones of 2025 in the flagship phone category.
Contents of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Box
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Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra phone
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65W fast charger
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USB Type-C cable
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Transparent protective case
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SIM card ejector tool
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Instruction manual and warranty
Price of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Country | Currency | Approximate Price |
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United States | USD | 1199 |
Canada | CAD | 1620 |
United Kingdom | GBP | 999 |
Germany | EUR | 1149 |
France | EUR | 1149 |
Italy | EUR | 1149 |
Spain | EUR | 1149 |
Netherlands | EUR | 1149 |
Sweden | SEK | 12990 |
Norway | NOK | 13490 |
Denmark | DKK | 8590 |
Finland | EUR | 1149 |
Poland | PLN | 4990 |
Czech Republic | CZK | 27990 |
Russia | RUB | 115000 |
United Arab Emirates | AED | 4399 |
Saudi Arabia | SAR | 4499 |
Qatar | QAR | 4399 |
Kuwait | KWD | 365 |
Bahrain | BHD | 455 |
Egypt | EGP | 57500 |
Algeria | DZD | 164000 |
Morocco | MAD | 12490 |
Tunisia | TND | 3999 |
South Africa | ZAR | 21990 |
India | INR | 99990 |
China | CNY | 8499 |
Japan | JPY | 174000 |
Australia | AUD | 1849 |
Singapore | SGD | 1699 |
Note: Prices are approximate and depend on local taxes and shipping fees, and may vary from one store to another.
Warranty, Warranty Terms, and After-Sales Service
Warranty
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with a two-year official warranty from ASUS in most markets. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware issues that are not caused by misuse.
Warranty Terms
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The warranty covers technical defects in components such as the display, processor, battery, camera, or motherboard.
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The warranty does not cover damage from drops, shocks, or liquids.
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The warranty is void if the phone is opened or repaired at unauthorized centers.
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A valid purchase receipt or warranty card must be presented when requesting service.
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The warranty does not cover accessories like the charger or cable after six months of purchase.
After-Sales Service
ASUS provides authorized service centers in many countries, offering support options including:
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Device repairs within and outside of warranty
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Availability of original spare parts
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Regular software updates online
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Technical support via the official website, live chat, and email
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Option to ship the phone to the service center if there are no nearby branches
ASUS aims to provide a reliable post-purchase experience, enhancing customer trust in its products and continuous support.
Performance of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Daily Performance
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra offers exceptional performance in daily tasks such as browsing, running apps, and multitasking, thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. The device is responsive and does not show any lag, even with intensive use.
Gaming Performance
The phone is one of the best options for gaming enthusiasts, supporting heavy games like PUBG, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact at the highest graphic settings with stable frame rates and without overheating, thanks to its advanced cooling unit and Adreno 750 GPU.
AI Performance and Heavy Applications
The phone is optimized for AI applications, video and photo editing in high resolution, thanks to its compatibility with advanced processing technologies and UFS 4.0 memory that provides extremely fast read and write speeds.
Performance Test Results
In performance benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench, the phone scores among the highest, confirming its strength compared to other flagship smartphones.
Cooling and Power Consumption
The phone features an advanced thermal cooling system that reduces heat buildup during intensive use. Additionally, its energy consumption is optimized, thanks to the 4nm processor manufacturing technology, which extends battery life while maintaining high performance.
Conclusion on Performance
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of the strongest phones of 2025 in terms of performance, offering a smooth and complete user experience in all scenarios, whether for daily use, gaming, or professional tasks.
Gaming Performance of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Heavy Gaming Experience
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra excels in running heavy games thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Adreno 750 GPU, providing a smooth gaming experience with high-resolution graphics and stable frame rates. Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run at the highest settings with no stuttering or input delay.
Frame Rate
The phone supports game play with frame rates up to 144 frames per second in games that support this rate, offering a smoother gaming experience and faster response to touches, especially in competitive games.
Control and Touch Response
The display offers a very low touch response time, making game control precise and fast, especially in shooting and action games.
Device Heat During Gaming
The phone features an advanced cooling system that helps reduce temperature during long gaming sessions, ensuring consistent performance without a sudden drop in speed.
Game Support and Customization
The phone includes a Game Genie mode that allows performance customization, notification blocking, screen recording, and temperature monitoring during gaming.
Audio and Overall Experience
The stereo sound with Dolby Atmos enhances the realism of the gaming experience, allowing you to clearly hear enemy footsteps, giving a competitive advantage in multiplayer games.
Conclusion on Gaming Performance
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is an excellent choice for gamers and ranks among the best smartphones for gaming in 2025, thanks to its powerful performance, smooth display, and efficient cooling system.
Operating System Performance on the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
User Experience
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra runs on Android 14 with the optimized ZenUI interface from ASUS, providing a smooth and uncomplicated user experience, with a simple design and fast performance.
Smoothness and Navigation
The system is extremely fast when navigating through menus and apps, with no delays or lags even when running many apps in the background, thanks to the strong hardware compatibility with the lightweight user interface.
Updates and Support
ASUS is committed to providing 3 years of system updates and 4 years of security updates, ensuring that the phone remains up-to-date and secure for a long time.
Smart Features
The system includes a range of smart features, such as:
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Performance mode to control power consumption and performance
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Game mode to optimize the gaming experience
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Smart gestures for quick navigation
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Quiet mode to manage notifications
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Advanced customization for icons, wallpapers, and themes
App Compatibility
The operating system supports all modern Android apps and games without issues, with fast installation and operation thanks to the UFS 4.0 internal memory and stable system interface.
Conclusion on OS Performance
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra provides a complete and smooth user experience thanks to Android 14 and the clean ZenUI interface, making it ideal for users seeking performance, stability, and regular updates at the same time.
Battery Performance of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Battery Capacity
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is equipped with a powerful 5500mAh battery, one of the largest in the flagship phone category, offering excellent performance that lasts all day even with heavy use.
Daily Use
The battery lasts for 8 to 10 hours of continuous use in normal activities such as browsing, video watching, calls, and social media apps, and it can last up to a day and a half with moderate use.
Gaming and Intensive Use
With heavy gaming or continuous high-resolution recording, the battery provides 6 to 7 hours of strong performance, thanks to the energy-efficient processor and effective cooling system that prevents rapid battery drain.
Fast Charging
The phone supports 65W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in around 40 minutes, an excellent speed for such a large battery.
Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging
The phone also supports 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices such as headphones and smartwatches with ease.
Power Management
The Android 14 system with ZenUI includes smart modes for battery management, such as:
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Power-saving mode
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High-performance mode
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Background app management
Conclusion on Battery Performance
The battery of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of its strongest points, combining large capacity with fast charging, making it ideal for users who seek reliability and long-lasting performance without frequent recharging.
Global Ratings and User Reviews of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Global Reviews
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra has received widespread praise from global tech sites and smartphone reviewers due to its combination of powerful performance, advanced cameras, and distinctive design. Here’s a summary of key reviews:
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GSMArena: Praised the phone's well-rounded specs, especially the rear camera strength and battery performance, calling it "one of the best-balanced phones of 2025."
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TechRadar: Gave the phone a 4.5 out of 5 rating, describing the display as "stunning" and the gaming experience as one of the best ever.
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Android Authority: Applauded the phone’s performance in heavy tasks, noting that the ZenUI interface has become more refined and easier to use.
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The Verge: Considered the phone a strong competitor to the Galaxy S and iPhone Pro Max series, especially for its focus on performance and battery.
User Reviews
User reviews across e-commerce sites like Amazon, BestBuy, and tech forums have been largely positive, with the following key points from their feedback:
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Performance: Users praised the phone’s speed in app navigation and gaming, with no lags even after extended use.
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Camera: Many users were impressed with the camera's high accuracy, especially for night photography and video.
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Battery: Users appreciated the long battery life and fast charging, providing an all-day experience without needing to carry a charger.
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Design: The design was highly rated for its durability and luxurious appearance.
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Cons: The most common complaints were the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, no support for external memory cards, and the relatively heavy weight of the phone.
Overall Rating
Based on the reviews and ratings, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra has received an average global rating between 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5, making it one of the best smartphones of 2025 in terms of value for money in the flagship category.
Competing Smartphones to the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Competing Class
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra belongs to the premium flagship category, which includes the strongest and most expensive phones on the market. Therefore, the competition in this category is fierce, with major companies offering the best of their technologies and innovations.
Main Competitors
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
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Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate
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200MP camera
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Integrated S-Pen
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Excellent multitasking and photography performance
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A prominent competitor due to its integrated system and after-sales service
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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A17 Pro chipset with exceptional performance
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Titanium design
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Powerful Telephoto camera
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Smooth and stable iOS system
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Long-term update support
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Competes in terms of hardware-software integration but lacks some customization features compared to the Zenfone
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
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Very similar specifications to the Zenfone 12 Ultra
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Strong quad rear camera with Leica technologies
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Advanced LTPO OLED display
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Fast and wireless charging support
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Offers high value for its price and targets the same audience for flagship phones
OnePlus 12
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Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
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AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
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100W fast charging
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OxygenOS interface, beloved by many users
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A strong competitor at a relatively lower price but with a weaker camera than the Zenfone
Vivo X100 Pro
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Focuses on camera and professional photography
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ZEISS sensors and advanced lenses
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Excellent display and overall strong performance
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Direct competitor for photography enthusiasts with notable optical superiority
Competition Summary
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra faces strong competition from several flagship phones, but it excels in some areas like gaming performance, battery quality, and a fast and simple system experience. The phone is suitable for users seeking powerful performance with elegant design and a balanced experience, while some might prefer the Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max for specific features like the S-Pen or the iOS system.
Buying Tips for the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
1. Determine Your Phone Needs
Before purchasing the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, make sure its specifications align with your daily needs. If you're into gaming or need a phone with strong photography and multitasking capabilities, this phone is an excellent choice. However, if your priority is specialized apps or the iOS system, you might want to consider other options.
2. Check Availability in Your Region
Ensure that the phone is available in your region or through authorized distributors in your country, as availability and prices may vary based on the local market. It’s recommended to buy the phone from authorized centers to guarantee good after-sales service.
3. Compare Prices with Competitors
Before making a decision, compare the price of the Zenfone 12 Ultra with competing phones in the same category such as Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. You might find that some phones offer additional features or might be priced lower with similar performance.
4. Check Warranty Duration and After-Sales Service
Verify the warranty duration (usually two years) and the after-sales service options available in your region. Local service centers and customer support can be crucial if you encounter issues with your phone after a period of use.
5. Check Network Compatibility in Your Region
If you travel frequently or switch between countries, ensure that the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra supports local networks in your region, especially for technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi 7, which could be important in the future.
6. Test the Phone Before Purchase
If possible, test the phone in-store. Check the screen quality, touch response, and responsiveness in gaming and apps. Also, testing the camera performance and audio experience can be decisive for some users.
7. Consider Extra Accessories
Check if essential accessories like the fast charger are included in the box, as some phones may not come with a charger, requiring you to purchase one separately.
8. Take Advantage of Offers and Discounts
Sometimes, companies offer special promotions or discounts during certain times of the year. Be sure to monitor any offers on the phone to get the best price, especially during seasonal sales like Black Friday or holidays.
By following these tips, you can make an informed purchase decision and get the most out of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra's outstanding specifications.
Charging Tips for the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
1. Use the Original Charger
It’s important to always use the original charger included with the phone or an approved charger from the company. The included 65W charger is the best for maximizing fast charging, reducing charging time, and ensuring the device’s protection from any electrical issues.
2. Avoid Continuous Full Charging
It’s best not to charge the phone to 100% all the time or let it drop to 0%. Charge the phone when it reaches around 20-30%, and preferably charge it up to 80-90% to preserve the battery’s health over time.
3. Use Fast Charging Carefully
You can take advantage of fast charging, but avoid charging the phone for long periods during gaming or intensive use, as this may cause increased heat. It’s recommended to use fast charging when needed to speed up the charging process.
4. Charge the Phone in a Cool Environment
Avoid charging the phone in a hot environment, as this can increase the battery's temperature, potentially affecting its lifespan. Try to charge the phone in a cool or air-conditioned area to reduce the device's temperature while charging.
5. Use Wireless Charging Cautiously
If you use wireless charging, ensure that the wireless charger supports the appropriate charging speed (15W). Wireless charging may sometimes be less efficient than wired charging and can cause increased heat.
6. Turn Off Apps While Charging
To speed up the charging process and avoid loading the phone during charging, it’s recommended to turn off some background apps or enable airplane mode. This reduces energy consumption and helps charge the phone faster.
7. Avoid Using the Phone While Charging
Using the phone while charging can cause increased heat, especially when running games or heavy apps. It’s better to avoid activities that consume a lot of power while charging, which helps preserve the battery.
8. Regularly Update Software
Ensure that your device has the latest software updates from ASUS. Sometimes, software updates include power management improvements, which enhance charging efficiency and battery life.
9. Unplug the Charger When It Reaches 100%
It’s recommended not to leave the phone plugged in after it reaches 100%. Try to unplug the phone from the charger when it reaches the maximum to preserve the battery’s long-term health.
By following these tips, you can maintain the health of the battery and ensure faster and more efficient charging for your Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra.
Conclusion
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is a standout choice in the flagship smartphone category, thanks to its advanced specifications, high performance, and elegant design. If you are looking for a powerful phone in all areas, from gaming and photography to power management, this phone offers a complete and integrated experience. By following some tips regarding charging and battery usage, users can fully benefit from this advanced device and enjoy a comfortable and effective user experience.