ASUS has thrown down the gauntlet in the premium smartphone arena with the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This next-generation powerhouse represents a culmination of cutting-edge technology, a commitment to user experience, and a focus on environmental responsibility. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform for seamless multitasking and exceptional gaming performance.

The camera system is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a 50MP main sensor with 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 for shake-free video, complemented by AI-powered features that enhance every shot. ASUS has prioritized a long-lasting battery and efficient operation, with a 5500mAh battery and a focus on sustainable materials and practices. Let’s delve deeper into each of these aspects to understand why the Zenfone 11 Ultra might be your perfect mobile companion.

Design: A Balance of Form and Function

The Zenfone 11 Ultra adopts a larger form factor compared to its predecessors, but ASUS has ensured this doesn’t compromise on comfort or aesthetics. The phone is still remarkably sleek and pocketable, with a focus on ergonomics and user experience. The shift in size allows for a larger display and a more generously sized battery compartment, contributing to the phone’s overall functionality.

The centerpiece of the design is the expansive 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED display. This high-resolution display boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate, delivering incredibly smooth visuals and exceptional responsiveness, ideal for gamers and anyone who appreciates a fluid user experience. Pixelworks technology further enhances the visual experience by optimizing color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness. LTPO technology is a welcome addition, dynamically adjusting the refresh rate to optimize battery life without compromising on smoothness. The display is further accentuated by the incredibly slim bezels that frame it, resulting in an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio for a truly immersive viewing experience.

ASUS has outfitted the Zenfone 11 Ultra in a variety of colors that cater to different tastes. The classic Skyline Blue and Eternal Black options exude timeless sophistication, ideal for those who prefer a touch of elegance. For a more contemporary look, the new Misty Grey and Desert Sand colors draw inspiration from the natural world, offering a touch of understated beauty. Regardless of the color you choose, the phone features a mirrored ASUS 30th-anniversary logo on the matte-finished back panel, adding a touch of class and sophistication.

But ASUS has placed a strong emphasis on more than just aesthetics. Sustainability is a key pillar of the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s design. The chassis is constructed from 100% recycled aluminum, significantly reducing the phone’s environmental footprint. The display is also composed of over a fifth of recycled glass, another step towards a more circular supply chain. ASUS has also made significant strides in reducing plastic use in the packaging. By relying primarily on wrapping paper for the phone and cable, ASUS demonstrates its commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Performance: Uncompromising Power

At the heart of the Zenfone 11 Ultra lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, the current pinnacle of mobile processing power. This chipset delivers substantial improvements in CPU performance, clocking in at 30% faster than its predecessor. This translates to effortless multitasking, handling even the most demanding applications with ease. Whether you’re running graphics-intensive games, editing high-resolution videos, or switching between numerous apps simultaneously, the Zenfone 11 Ultra ensures a smooth and lag-free experience.

The phone is further bolstered by a generous 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This type of RAM offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations, ensuring that apps launch quickly, background processes run smoothly, and even the most memory-intensive tasks are handled without a hitch. With 16GB of RAM onboard, you can multitask like a pro, keeping multiple apps open in the background without experiencing any sluggishness or performance degradation.

Rounding out the triumvirate of performance is the ample 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This high-performance storage solution boasts significantly faster read and write speeds compared to previous UFS standards. With 512GB at your disposal, you have ample space to store all your essential apps, games, high-resolution photos and videos, and other files without having to worry about running out of space. The combination of the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage ensures that the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a future-proof powerhouse capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease.

Camera: A Masterclass in Mobile Photography and Videography

ASUS understands that smartphone cameras have evolved beyond mere tools for capturing memories – they’ve become an extension of our creativity and demand a level of quality that rivals standalone cameras. The Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers on this front with meticulous attention to both hardware and software excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with mobile imaging.

Three lenses — equipped with flagship-grade sensors and paired with a new algorithm — will satisfy all your photography aspirations.

Main camera: 50 MP, Sony IMX890, 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0, 2x lossless zoom

Telephoto camera: 32 MP, 3x telephoto zoom, Built-in OIS

Ultrawide camera: 13 MP, FOV 120^°, Freeform lens

Unparalleled Video Stabilization: The Star of the Show

At the core of the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s camera system is the advanced 50MP main sensor, but the most revolutionary aspect lies in its video capabilities. The third-generation 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 is a marvel of smartphone engineering. Unlike traditional stabilization systems, this gimbal technology compensates for movement across six different axes, effectively negating shakes, vibrations, and even sudden movements when filming on the go. 

This translates to incredibly smooth, professional-grade video footage. Whether you’re vlogging your adventures, recording a concert, or even just capturing precious family moments, the Zenfone 11 Ultra eliminates the need for clunky external gimbals. This hardware mastery is further complemented by Super HyperSteady video stabilization. Utilizing algorithms and motion sensors,  Super HyperSteady adds an additional layer of software stabilization ensuring  your footage remains exceptionally jitter-free.  Even during the most dynamic situations, the Zenfone 11 Ultra produces polished videos that will leave viewers in awe.

And it’s not just about the visuals. ASUS has equipped the Zenfone 11 Ultra with OZO Audio-powered 3D surround-sound recording. This cutting-edge audio technology captures immersive soundtracks to accompany your videos, resulting in a truly cinematic viewing experience.

AI-Powered Elevates Photography

Going beyond video, the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s camera array is a testament to ASUS’s commitment to exceptional photography.  Features like AI Portrait Video mode create a visually captivating depth-of-field effect. This cinematic technique  blurs the background while keeping your subject in sharp focus, especially useful for artistic portraits or adding a dash of drama to your footage. Of course, you have full control of the effect’s intensity, providing creative flexibility.

When you need to fine-tune your shots, the Zenfone 11 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. The inclusion of manual focus adjustments grants you precise control over the focal point. This allows you the freedom to express yourself, highlighting specific details in your photos and videos to match your artistic vision.

capture even the most fleeting moments with remarkable clarity.

Let’s not forget those spontaneous selfie moments!  The front-facing camera boasts a respectable 32MP resolution and significantly improved low-light performance. This ensures your selfies come out sharp and clear, even in dimly lit environments.  And with a wider-angle lens, you can easily fit your whole group into the frame, capturing those fun moments together, regardless of the ambient lighting conditions.

AI Innovations and Convenience

The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra isn’t just about cutting-edge hardware and stunning design; it’s a testament to the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). ASUS has integrated a suite of intelligent features that seamlessly blend into the background, quietly enhancing your daily smartphone experience.

Crystal-Clear Communication: Every Word, Every Time

Imagine a world where disruptive background noise is a thing of the past. The Zenfone 11 Ultra’s AI Noise Cancellation does just that. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, the phone meticulously analyzes incoming and outgoing audio, effectively eliminating unwanted background noise during phone calls, voice messages, and even in-game communication. This ensures that your voice is always heard loud and clear, regardless of the environment.

Breaking Down Language Barriers: Effortless Communication Across Borders

The Zenfone 11 Ultra shatters communication barriers with its innovative AI Call Translator. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who interacts with people who speak different languages. During calls, AI Call Translator listens in real-time, converting the spoken conversation into text and then translating it into your preferred language. This eliminates the need for cumbersome translation apps or awkward pauses – conversations can flow naturally, fostering deeper connections and smoother collaboration, all thanks to the power of AI.

Express Yourself with AI-Generated Art: A Phone as Unique as You Are

With the Zenfone 11 Ultra, your phone’s wallpaper isn’t just a static image; it’s a reflection of your personality. The AI Wallpaper feature empowers you to personalize your device with one-of-a-kind wallpapers generated by AI. Simply provide the AI with a few prompts about your style preferences, and a powerful algorithm creates a unique and artistic wallpaper that speaks to your individuality.

Boosting Productivity: From Capturing Ideas to Streamlining Workflow

The Zenfone 11 Ultra’s AI Transcript function is a productivity powerhouse. This innovative feature utilizes AI to transcribe audio recordings and existing voice files in real-time. Imagine capturing key points during a lecture or interview with exceptional accuracy, without scrambling to take notes. The AI Transcript function takes care of the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on the conversation and review the transcribed text later at your convenience. Zenfone 11 Ultra doesn’t just keep you connected; it empowers you to be more productive in every aspect of your life.

The Bottom Line

The Zenfone 11 Ultra shows significant promise. It appears that ASUS is committed to pushing the boundaries of the flagship smartphone, not just in terms of raw specifications but also by focusing on meaningful user experiences and sustainable design initiatives.

Regional launch is not confirmed yet, but expected in April.