ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra review: Identity crisis

ASUS pivoted to creating small telephones two years in the past, and that technique labored for the model. At a time when different manufacturers began specializing in larger gadgets, the Zenfone sequence served because the de facto alternative for those who needed a small telephone with high-end {hardware}. But the model nonetheless has a sizeable userbase that desires a big telephone, and it is now catering to these customers with the introduction of the Zenfone 11 Ultra — which has a 6.78-inch display screen whereas retaining the most effective options of earlier Zenfone gadgets.What it does not have is any design similarity to the Zenfone 10 or Zenfone 9; if something, the telephone seems almost an identical to the ROG Phone 8, and the USB-C port on the backside is not centered. Clearly, ASUS is utilizing the identical basis for each telephones, and I haven’t got an issue with that.While ASUS hasn’t confirmed the existence of a smaller Zenfone, the naming conference suggests we should always see a normal Zenfone 11 mannequin that is primarily based on a smaller chassis — just like the final two years. Considering the launch window of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, we should always see the common mannequin debut someday in the summertime.The Zenfone 11 Ultra shares the identical nice feature-set as its predecessors, but it surely has the identical foibles: the telephone will solely get two platform updates, and that’s nowhere near being sufficient in 2024. However, there is a distinct lack of Android telephones with clear software program and good customizability, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra slots into that phase with easy ease.ASUS can be betting huge on AI, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slate of helpful options that make a distinction. I used the Zenfone 11 Ultra as my each day driver for 2 weeks, and this is what I consider the system.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS unveiled the Zenfone 11 Ultra on March 14, and the telephone is now up for pre-order in choose world markets. The base mannequin has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and ASUS can be rolling out a 16GB/512GB model.The 12GB/256GB mannequin shall be obtainable for $899 within the U.S., €999 in most European international locations, and £869 within the U.Ok. ASUS is not launching the 16GB/512GB mannequin within the U.S. in the intervening time, however it can debut at €1,099 in Europe and £949 within the U.Ok.ASUS has pre-order provides operating from March 14 to April 14 that carry the price of the 12GB/256GB mannequin right down to €899 in Europe and £819 within the U.Ok., and the 16GB/512GB to €999 and £869. ASUS will promote the system by way of its web site in addition to Amazon, and native companions in choose areas.ASUS is not discounting the system within the U.S., however will bundle its Cetra earbuds with all pre-orders. The Zenfone 11 Ultra shall be offered by way of ASUS’s web site within the U.S., and the model’s regional companion Mobile Advance will promote the system on Amazon.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryASUS Zenfone 11 UltraOSZenUI primarily based on Android 14Display6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, FHD+, HDR10, 2500 nits maxChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Adreno 750, 4nmRAM12GB/16GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB, 512GB UFS 4.0Rear digital camera 150MP f/1.9 Sony IMX890, 1/1.56-inch sensor, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal StabilizerRear digital camera 213MP f/2.2 wide-angle, 120-degree FoV, autofocusRear digital camera 332MP f/2.4 telephoto, 3x optical zoom, 30x digital zoom, OISFront digital camera32MP RGBW moduleIngress protectionIP68 mud and water resistanceConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, world 5G bands, NFC, dual-band GPS SecurityOptical in-screen sensorAudio3.5mm jack, stereo sound, 24-bit/192kHz, Snapdragon Sound, AptX HD, AptX AdaptiveBattery5500mAh, 65W USB PD 3.0 charging, 15W wi-fi chargingDimensions163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm, 224gColorsSkyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, Desert SandASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Design(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS is switching issues up with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and the matte texture with outsized cameras that have been a chief design attribute of the final two years is making means for a cleaner look. The Zenfone 11 Ultra as a substitute has a silky end on the again, and the design relies on ASUS’s anniversary emblem monogram.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The minimal design seems good, but it surely does not fairly have the identical nice in-hand really feel because the Zenfone 9 or Zenfone 10. The telephone is obtainable in 4 shade variants — white, black, blue, and peach — however the shade is proscribed to the again, with the perimeters decked out in black on all 4 fashions.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The digital camera module can be in the identical black hue throughout all shade variants, and it makes the system look decidedly price range. Most flagship telephones have elegant designs with standout colours, and I can not assist however really feel that the Zenfone 11 Ultra comes throughout as plain. ASUS ought to have matched the perimeters to the colours on the again, and used a design that has a bit extra character; because it stands, the digital camera island on the again is only purposeful with no thought given to aesthetics.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Given simply how comparable the telephone is to the ROG Phone 8, ASUS needed to reuse the identical basis with out making too many adjustments. This saves a ton of prices throughout manufacturing, so I perceive the model’s motive for doing so. However, the ROG Phone 8 has a definite visible id, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra misses out in that space.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)While the design does not actually stand out, ASUS is utilizing high-quality supplies all through. The mid-frame is made out of recycled aluminum, the again curves barely because it meets the perimeters, so you may simply maintain the system, and despite the fact that it is a tall and heavy telephone, ASUS nailed the load distribution.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The digital camera island is positioned in such a means that there is no wobble when utilizing the system on a desk. ASUS all the time provided a 3.5mm jack on its Zenfone sequence, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra does not miss out on this space — you get the analog jack on the backside.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Because the telephone is a rebadged ROG Phone 8, the USB-C port is not centered; it sits to the left on the backside, with the SIM card tray moved to the center. The motive for that is in order that the charging cable does not get in the best way once you’re enjoying a recreation whereas charging the telephone, but it surely simply seems bizarre on the Zenfone 11 Ultra.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Also, there is no method to cost the system simply in the event you’re like me and use a telephone stand. ASUS ought to have paid extra consideration to those design concerns, as a result of because it stands, the Zenfone 11 Ultra does not have a lot in the best way of differentiation.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)But you continue to get IP68 mud and water resistance, and the pane of glass on the again is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Zenfone 11 Ultra is nice to carry and use, however the telephone is positioned towards flagships, and it simply does not have the aptitude that is wanted on this class. Basically, ASUS went from making the most effective small telephone to a tool that does not fairly have a definite visible id. ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Display(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS says it bought plenty of suggestions over the past two years from Zenfone customers that needed a bigger system, so the Zenfone 11 Ultra is catered to fulfill these wants. The telephone has a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel, and it will get all of the extras you’d need in 2024: it has 120Hz refresh, the display screen goes as much as 2,500 nits in HDR content material, and 1,600 nits in HBM mode. While these figures aren’t as excessive because the Magic 6 Pro, the Zenfone 11 Ultra manages to get simply as brilliant in each day use situations, and that is what finally issues.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The telephone has LTPO tech as nicely, with the panel happening to 1Hz when viewing static content material. ASUS tends to calibrate its panels on the cooler facet, and that’s the case with the Zenfone 11 Ultra as nicely. That stated, you may simply change the colour steadiness by way of the settings; there are 4 modes obtainable, and you should utilize the Customized choice to tweak colours to your liking.You can set the display screen refresh to Auto mode, or manually change between 60Hz and 120Hz. There’s a gaming mode that pushes the display screen refresh to 144Hz, however there is no method to manually allow it, and it solely prompts in choose titles.The bezels are noticeably thinner than the Zenfone 10, and the selfie digital camera cutout is centered. ASUS all the time delivered good stereo sound on its telephones, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has highly effective stereo audio system which might be among the many loudest on this class.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)You additionally get a 3.5mm jack, Dirac’s Virtuo tuning within the AudioWizard management panel that makes a official distinction when enjoying video games or streaming content material — there’s even a 10-band parametric EQ. ASUS is certainly one of only a few manufacturers that provides the total AptX suite of audio codecs, so in the event you’re utilizing a pair of wi-fi earbuds, there is a good probability that you’ll stream high-res music.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS has its common recreation turbo engine right here, and it’s among the many finest you may discover on any telephone. A brand new addition this yr is Video Genie, which is designed to reduce distractions once you’re watching a video. You get the choice to mute calls and notifications whereas a video is enjoying, and it’s a nifty function.To spherical issues off, you get an always-on mode, however the clock kinds are pretty restricted, and you do not get a lot in the best way of customizability. Other than that, the Zenfone 11 Ultra ticks all the suitable containers; the display screen is massive and vibrant, you get plenty of helpful extras, and it’s a delight to make use of for gaming and enjoying movies.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Hardware(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS is aware of what it is doing in relation to the {hardware}, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has zero points on this specific space. The system is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and also you get 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage as normal. There’s additionally a 16GB/512GB mannequin in the event you want extra storage, however there is not a 1TB model.Just like ASUS’s gaming telephones, there aren’t any slowdowns in any respect in each day use, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra is among the quickest telephones you should purchase in the intervening time. ASUS did a terrific job optimizing the {hardware} with ZenUI, and it’s fluid like no different system on this phase. However, I seen just a few situations the place apps crashed at launch, however by and enormous, there aren’t any issues in each day use.The Zenfone 11 Ultra is terrific at gaming as nicely, and it delivers secure framerates in demanding titles with no points. ASUS is not throttling the chipset this time, so it tends to overheat throughout prolonged gaming periods, however not to some extent the place it will get uncomfortable.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryOnePlus 12ASUS Zenfone 11 UltraHonor Magic 6 ProPCMark Work 3.0 (Overall)125422018217314PCMark Work 3.0 (Web Browsing)101572509115748PCMark Work 3.0 (Video Editing)605781777707PCMark Work 3.0 (Writing)169452643821271PCMark Work 3.0 (Photo Editing)235864001036257Geekbench 6 (single-core)93522261908Geekbench 6 (multi-core)4729691768163DMark Wild Life Extreme (rating)4062521151203DMark Wild Life Extreme (FPS)24.32531.2130.673DMark Solar Bay (rating)7826869386233DMark Solar Bay (FPS)29.7633.0532.79But within the Solar Bay stress check, the system bought so scorching that I wasn’t capable of maintain it. It went as much as 58 levels, and that’s second solely to the Nubia Z60 Ultra, which hit 60 levels. Most 2024 telephones I examined did not transcend 44 levels, and whereas the Zenfone 11 Ultra will get noticeably hotter than its rivals, it does not go wherever near that 58-degree mark in common use. Although it will get scorching, there isn’t a noticeable throttling whereas gaming, and the soundness rating of 77.1% in Solar Bay is among the highest of any system. There is not something lacking on the connectivity entrance, with the Zenfone 11 Ultra that includes a modem that has Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, world Sub-6 5G bands, NFC, and dual-band GPS. ASUS did job with the haptic engine as nicely, and also you get granular suggestions whereas utilizing the keyboard and navigating the interface.Barring just a few glitches which have been addressed within the newest software program construct, I did not see any points with the Zenfone 11 Ultra — ASUS as soon as once more delivered probably the greatest {hardware} packages within the phase. ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Battery life(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS took full benefit of the elevated actual property, and fitted a 5500mAh battery contained in the Zenfone 11 Ultra. The result’s that the telephone lasts as much as two days with medium use, and I bought a day and a half even with heavy use. Battery anxiousness is essentially nonexistent in 2024, however the Zenfone 11 Ultra has a definite edge over its rivals, delivering at the very least an hour of extra screen-on-time.The telephone makes use of the usual USB PD 3.0 charging protocol, and fees at 65W. You even get wi-fi charging right here, going as much as 15W over the Qi 1.3 normal. But what’s annoying is that there isn’t a charger within the field; ASUS is emulating Samsung on this regard, and you may want to purchase a USB PD charger to make use of with the Zenfone 11 Ultra if you do not have one. This is an actual disgrace contemplating the bundled ASUS chargers have been significantly good at charging a wide range of different merchandise.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Cameras(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS has steadily refined its cameras over the past two years, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra builds on this with a flexible bundle that features three lenses. The principal digital camera is a 50MP Sony IMX90 with a 6-axis gimbal stabilization system. The gimbal stabilizer makes a ton of distinction when taking pictures movies, and I’m glad that ASUS retained it this time round. While the IMX890 is exhibiting its age, ASUS says it went with the module because it was simple to combine with the gimbal stabilizer.There’s additionally a 13MP wide-angle lens with 120-degree subject of view, and a brand new addition is a 32MP telephoto lens with OIS that does 3x optical zoom. The lens goes as much as 30x digitally, however in my utilization, I discovered that it delivered usable pictures as much as 5x. Up entrance, you may discover a 32MP module with 90-degree FoV that makes use of 4-to-1 pixel binning to ship 8MP pictures.Image 1 of 14(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Zenfone 11 Ultra takes stellar photographs in daylight situations, with resultant pictures providing nice dynamic vary and shade accuracy. The digital camera tuning skews towards correct shade rendition, and whereas there may be aggressive smoothening in relation to foliage, the digital camera holds its personal towards different flagships.The wide-angle lens is kind of first rate too, and it manages to ship photographs with the identical shade steadiness as the principle lens. I used to be excited to check out the 3x zoom lens, and whereas it does job more often than not, there’s nonetheless some work that must be executed to tune the sensor.You get detailed photos in low-light situations as nicely, and ASUS was positively capable of eke essentially the most out of the Sony sensor. There’s some fringing at occasions and also you miss out on particulars, however on the entire, the principle digital camera is nice in low-light conditions. It takes a second to save lots of photographs to the gallery, however apart from that, there is not rather a lot that is incorrect.The auxiliary lenses are strictly common in difficult situations, and so they simply do not measure as much as what different flagships supply. Another space the place ASUS misses out is taking photographs of fast-moving objects; it simply is not wherever nearly as good because the Pixels or the Find X7 Ultra in these conditions.The cameras are the most effective of any Zenfone I used up to now, and ASUS bought plenty of issues proper on this space. That stated, different manufacturers raised the bar significantly in 2024, with the Honor Magic 6 Pro and Find X7 Ultra delivering large positive factors. The Zenfone 11 Ultra simply does not measure up towards these gadgets, and it is not on par with the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra on this regard.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Software(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)I examined the Zenfone 11 Ultra with the 34.1420.1420.226 construct, and that is the retail model that shall be obtainable on shopper gadgets. ASUS mentions that the construct shall be obtainable as a day-one OTA replace, so in the event you do not see all of the software program options out of the field, you may must replace your telephone.The Zenfone 11 Ultra runs the most recent iteration of ZenUI on Android 14, and ASUS is doing an ideal job with its UI efforts. The interface itself is clear and does not have any bloatware, and you’ll’t say that about most telephones on this phase — the Pixel 8 Pro is the one different system that involves thoughts.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)What I like with ZenUI is that it provides you loads of customizability throughout the board. The notification pane has three kinds: ASUS Optimized is the same old choice that switches to the older Android system, you may select Stock Android that has massive tiles just like what you get on a Pixel, and there is a new mode that splits the notification pane in two — with toggles on one facet, and notifications on the opposite.The UI itself is fluid, and there aren’t any points in each day use. But the one challenge is that ASUS is aggressive with reminiscence administration, and I had points with push notifications at occasions. This was an issue final yr as nicely, and whereas there’s a setting to disable battery optimization individually, that does not do a lot.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS is rolling out a collection of AI options with the system, and these embody AI Call Translator, AI Transcript, AI Wallpaper, and AI Noise Cancellation. AI Call Translator is baked into the ASUS telephone dialer, and it delivers real-time translations once you’re speaking to somebody in one other language.You additionally get the flexibility to create distinctive backgrounds on the fly, however the function I like essentially the most is AI Transcript. It transcribes audio — when utilizing the built-in sound recorder — and it does a superb job. I usually use a standalone recorder when conducting interviews, however I made a decision to only take the Zenfone 11 Ultra when speaking to Nothing’s co-founder, and it did an ideal job choosing up audio and transcribing it.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)ASUS says the recorder works in eight languages, and transcribing is finished on-device — no information is distributed to the cloud. There’s a nifty abstract mode that mainly summaries the contents of the audio, and this function depends on the cloud. ASUS launched Semantic Search debuted on the Zenfone 10, and the function is obtainable right here as nicely. It makes use of metadata and contextual data to floor photos within the gallery and pull up related sub-menus within the settings.ZenUI now has Phone Link built-in, and ASUS has its personal GlideX management panel that allows you to use your telephone along with your Windows machine. The Taiwanese producer can be introducing Qualcomm Seamless; the function is not obtainable simply but, however will go dwell later within the yr, and it allows you to seamlessly change between your telephone and Windows machine.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The principal challenge with ZenUI is software program updates, or lack thereof. ASUS ensures two Android platform updates with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and 4 years of safety updates. There’s simply no means that is satisfactory on a telephone that prices $899 in 2024, and it severely limits the system.ASUS maintains that it has restricted engineering sources and it can’t ship greater than two updates, however there are manufacturers like Nothing which have fewer sources however nonetheless assure three updates on price range telephones just like the Phone (2a), so ASUS does not have an excuse on this space. With Google and Samsung now providing seven updates and the remainder of the sphere guaranteeing 4 platform updates, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is woefully behind.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: The options(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The Pixel 8 Pro is the plain different to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, with Google additionally providing a clear interface that does not have any bloatware. The Pixel 8 Pro is not as highly effective, nor does it final as lengthy. However, you get a significantly better digital camera system, seven years of software program updates, and the design seems significantly better. As a flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro simply has rather more to supply.If you wish to maximize worth, the OnePlus 12 is an efficient alternative to think about. The software program is not wherever nearly as good as what you get on the Zenfone 11 Ultra, however you get highly effective {hardware}, a beautiful design, stellar battery life, and versatile cameras that take terrific photographs.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)You can purchase this if: You need a big telephone with terrific {hardware}You want a telephone with the most effective battery lifeYou need clear software program with loads of helpful optionsYou should not purchase this if:You want long-term Android updatesYou need flagship camerasYou want a charger within the boxWhen you are paying $899 for a telephone, you need the best possible that is obtainable. To its credit score, ASUS bought rather a lot proper with the Zenfone 11 Ultra; the telephone is among the quickest round, the battery lasts longer than simply about another telephone I utilized in 2024, and the clear software program is a delight to make use of. You even get just a few AI options which might be truly significant, and ZenUI continues to be certainly one of my favourite Android skins.The cameras take higher photographs than earlier ASUS telephones as nicely, and it is good to see ASUS make good strides on this space. That stated, they’re nonetheless not fairly on the identical stage as different flagships. The Pixel 8 Pro, Honor Magic 6 Pro, and even the OnePlus 12 outmatch the Zenfone 11 Ultra in most situations, and ASUS must do extra if it needs to carry its personal towards different flagships.But the largest challenge with the Zenfone 11 Ultra is that it’ll simply get two software program updates. That’s not sufficient for a price range telephone, a lot much less a tool that prices $899. Every different telephone on this phase provides you at the very least twice as many updates, and whereas the Zenfone 11 Ultra clearly has rather a lot to supply, the pitiful replace coverage is finally a deal-breaker.