Quite a bit to like
There’s loads to like concerning the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, an reasonably priced telephone with loads of premium options and a smooth design that makes it look dearer than it’s. But there are some concessions, most notably the restricted software program and safety updates. But with the beautiful display, headphone jack, and AI options, you’ll adore it.
ForModern and classy designPlenty of AI optionsUltra-high peak brightness, beautiful displayActually has a headphone jackAgainstLimited software program and safety updatesCan overheat whereas gamingDoesn’t include a charger within the field
A top-notch Pixel
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is essentially the most highly effective Pixel within the line-up thus far with tons of fabulous options, lots of which leverage Google AI expertise. From taking nice photographs and having the ability to intelligently edit them after the very fact to having fun with all that Google has to supply via its apps and software program, this can be a top-notch premium machine with out a premium price ticket.
ForFabulous displayPowerful cameras with AI-powered modifying featuresSeven years of software program and safety updatesOther clever AI featuresAgainstNo expandable storageTensor processor nonetheless is not excellent for gaming
If you’re searching for a smartphone with loads of AI options, chances are high two you is likely to be deciding between are the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro. Both provide compelling options however gained’t break the financial institution by way of value. How are you able to presumably select which one is best for you? We’re right here to assist.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Aesthetics and fundamentals(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Introduced in March 2024, the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra is available in 4 cool colours: Skyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, and Desert Sand, however that is simply on the again: the edges in every are black. It’s geared up with a 6.78-inch versatile E6 AMOLED show with a 2,400 x 1,080-pixel decision, a slim bezel, and a 94% display-to-body ratio. The telephone is a surprising sight to behold, because of the shiny matte end that includes the Chinese image for “people,” which makes it stand out among the many pack. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display, in the meantime, makes it sturdy as properly, together with the IP68 certification for water and mud resistance. With 1,600 nits brightness and a couple of,500 nits peak brightness, you’ll be able to simply view the display in all varieties of lighting circumstances, together with even vibrant daylight outside. The adaptive refresh price goes from 1-120Hz to regulate based mostly on what exercise you’re engaged in, however there’s additionally a lift as much as 144Hz for gaming. In his Zenfone 11 Ultra evaluation, nevertheless, Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda says you’ll be able to’t manually flip this on, and it solely works in sure gaming titles. The telephone’s dimensions are 6.45 x 3.02 x .035 inches, and it weighs 225 grams, making it barely larger and heavier than the Google Pixel 8 Pro, however not by a lot. Jonnalagadda admits that whereas the telephone is tall and heavy, ASUS “nailed the weight distribution.” It comes with both 256GB or 512GB storage, which isn’t expandable, so that you’ll doubtless wish to go for as a lot storage as you will get domestically. Coming out of the field loaded with Android 14 and extra customization choices via ZenUI (although you’ll be able to select to make use of solely inventory Android), it comes with the promise of two main software program updates and 4 years of safety updates. If you intend on holding onto the machine for longer than just a few years, this might sway your determination since Google guarantees greater than thrice the variety of software program updates and nearly twice as lengthy a interval for safety updates. Powered by a 5,500mAh battery, the telephone helps 65W HyperCost in addition to wi-fi charging, so that you may be assured that it’ll final all day and shall be up and operating very quickly when you do must recharge it. Additional options you’ll discover with the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra embody twin stereo audio system that Jonnalagadda says are “among the loudest in this category,” twin mics with ASUS Noise Reduction expertise, fingerprint sensor, face recognition, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, twin SIMs, and 5G. A rarity these days, it additionally has a 3.5mm enter for connecting wired headphones and earbuds, which is nice for those who’re in a pinch and solely have a backup wired pair readily available.(Image credit score: Android Central)By comparability, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, may be picked up within the conventional Google colours: Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian. It has a 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED show with 2,992 x 1,344 decision, a peak of two,400 nits of brightness (1,600 nits), and an adaptive refresh price from 1-120Hz. The edgeless display is fabricated from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is each scratch- and fingerprint-resistant, and the telephone can be IP68-rated. In his Pixel 8 Pro evaluation, Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich says the matte glass again of the telephone “feels so good, it’s ridiculous,” including that the telephone is general comfy to carry because of its rounded corners. The telephone is a smidge smaller than the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra at 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches and a bit lighter at 213 grams. You can select from 4 storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, however this isn’t expandable both, so maintain that in consideration when selecting which model to get. If you wish to think about cloud storage, the Google Pixel 8 Pro comes with a six-month trial to Google One Premium with as much as 2TB storage. But you’ll need to pay past that time period for those who select to proceed. The Google Pixel 8 Pro additionally comes with Android 14, however the large profit right here is that you just rise up to seven years of OS and safety updates, so this telephone is an efficient one for those who’re in it for the lengthy haul. It’s additionally value noting that it comes with a six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium, which you should use alongside both a Fitbit smartwatch or health tracker or a Google Pixel Watch, just like the Google Pixel Watch 2. Additionally, get three months of YouTube Premium for those who’re a brand new subscriber. Equipped with a 5,050mAh battery as properly, the Google Pixel 8 Pro additionally has an Extreme Battery Saver mode that may lengthen this to as much as 72 hours, excellent for those who’re touring and forgot your charger at house. In addition to assist for quick wi-fi charging, the telephone may also use battery share to recharge different suitable units, like a pair of Google Pixel Buds. Find an identical function set like stereo audio system, three mics with noise suppression, fingerprint unlock, face unlock, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and 5G. This telephone, nevertheless, doesn’t have a headphone jack.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Comparing specsHead-to-head, how do these two telephones evaluate by way of specs?Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 ASUS Zenfone 11 UltraGoogle Pixel 8 ProOSAndroid 14Android 14ColoursSkyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, Desert SandObsidian, Porcelain, Bay Screen Size6.78 inches6.7 inchesScreen Resolution1,080 x 2,4001,344 x 2,992Screen TypeFlexible E6 AMOLEDLTPO OLEDRefresh Rate1-120Hz (144Hz increase)120HzProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Google Tensor G3RAM12GB, 16GB12GBStorage256GB, 512GB (not expandable)128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (not expandable)Cameras50MP primary, 32MP telephoto, 13MP ultra-wide, 32MP entrance50MP primary, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto, 10.5MP ultra-wide entranceSpeakersStereo Speakers, Hi-Res AudioStereo Speakers, Spatial AudioBattery5,500mAh5,050mAhWireless ChargingYesYes (with powershare)Bluetooth5.45.3Water ResistantIP68IP68Cellular5G5GSize6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches6.4 x 3.01 x 0.35 inchesWeight225 grams213 gramsThe two telephones are fairly comparable in the case of the specs, which every having a leg up in several areas on the opposite. But let’s dive deeper.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Power, processing, and audio(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both these telephones have highly effective processors and different goodies to maintain up together with your each day duties. The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra comes powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, so that you don’t have to fret that it gained’t be zippy and in a position to sustain with all of your multitasking and data-intensive productiveness or leisure wants. Get 12GB RAM as much as a blazing quick 16GB, relying on the mannequin you select. The telephone is loaded with tons of AI-powered options. You’ll see issues like AI noise cancellation to cancel out background noises, however most of the options are nonetheless in beta mode. With AI name translator, for instance, it would translate your phrases into textual content and voice so the particular person on the opposite finish of a name or message can perceive you and vice versa. This makes it fairly seamless to have a dialog with somebody who speaks one other language. Also in beta is AI transcript, which transcribes telephone calls in real-time, a dream for a journalist (current firm included!), scholar, or anybody else making an attempt to furiously take notes from a name or recording and transcribe it manually later. Another beta possibility is AI wallpaper, which is powered by Qualcomm’s NPU. With this function, the telephone crafts personalised pictures in your most popular type so the machine intelligently adapts to a feel and look you’ll love. The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra excels in the case of audio efficiency based mostly on its spectacular specs. Along with twin stereo audio system, there’s assist for lossless audio and Hi-Res audio as much as 384kH2/32-bit when listening through wired headphones. There’s additionally Dirac Virtuo for Headphone spatial sound, so that you get an immersive expertise when listening to tunes, podcasts, enjoying video games, or watching movies. Indeed, Jonnalagadda says the tuning makes a “legitimate difference” when enjoying video games or streaming content material. With the total AptX suite of audio codecs, you’ll be able to confidently stream high-res tunes via an excellent pair of headphones. Additionally, there’s a PC continuity function that may be likened to Samsung’s DeX. With ASUS GlideX, you’ll be able to mirror your telephone and share movies and photographs throughout completely different units. Along with extending the display, you may also use the telephone’s digicam as a webcam, enhancing your desktop set-up. Meanwhile, Phone Link permits for syncing with a laptop computer or PC to switch information, take calls, and handle duties. For gaming, there’s the sport turbo engine, which Jonnalagadda says is the “best you’ll find on any phone.” A neat function known as Video Genie mutes calls and notifications when you’re enjoying so that you don’t get distracted. But Jonnalagadda notes that generally he skilled overheating throughout prolonged gaming classes.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)What concerning the Google Pixel 8 Pro? It is powered by Google Tensor G3 with Google AI and has 12GB RAM, whatever the storage possibility, which suggests you’ll get a improbable expertise throughout the board. Google provides helpful options within the AI realm as properly, like Call Screen for mechanically screening spam calls, silently answering them for you so that you don’t need to take care of them, nor the telephone constantly ringing. Sutrich says it’s simply his favourite Pixel function, however it’s additionally easy to show off for many who don’t need it. Live Translate works out of the gate, making it simple to attach with colleagues, pals, and household in a number of languages. Use Google Assistant to summarize, learn aloud, and even translate internet pages, in addition to compose messages utilizing your voice. There are additionally helpful apps like Google Wallet and Google Maps with upgraded immersive views. Gmail additionally provides new and helpful prompts. For safety, the Titan M2 chip and VPN by Google One is an additional advantage, as are options like automobile crash detection. AI Wallpaper is one other neat addition, permitting you to select from preset themes that embody work, terrains, textures, and extra. Once you choose a time period, like glacier or seaside, context-sensitive choices seem. When you might be prepared, choose Generate, and also you’ll see 4 pictures created by generative AI from which you’ll be able to select or ask for extra. Gaming is doable on the telephone, however framerate dips commonly, Sutrich finds. While he may simply play video games like Minecraft, he had a tough time operating even easy visible video games like Fortnite. If you’re searching for a telephone for gaming, you then’ll wish to maintain this in thoughts. The temperature sensor has confirmed to be extra of a novelty function than anything, however it’s nonetheless a cool choice to have. Hold the telephone by an object, like a boiling pot of water or a child bottle, and it could possibly let you know the temperature. This function will turn into extra helpful if it formally works like a thermometer: Google has utilized to the FDA for the power to make use of it to take your personal temperature (or that of another person) and retailer the information within the Fitbit app. But that is nonetheless pending. While the Google Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t have all of the audio options you’ll discover on the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, it does assist Spatial Audio, so you’ll be able to anticipate a splendidly immersive sound expertise from this machine as properly.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: What concerning the cameras?(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The AI-powered options in each telephones work with their cameras as properly. The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra has a 50MP primary digicam, 32MP telephoto digicam with a 90° FOV, 3x telephoto, and built-in optical picture stabilization (OIS), a 13MP ultra-wide digicam, and a 32MP entrance digicam for selfies. Jonnalagadda’s verdict: the telephone takes nice photographs in daylight with good dynamic vary and shade accuracy, and detailed photographs in low gentle situations as properly, albeit with some fringing and lack of element. The 3x zoom lens leaves one thing to be desired, however general, he says the digicam on this telephone are the most effective of any Zenfone mannequin he has tried thus far. A portrait video mode makes use of an AI algorithm to supply a pure depth-of-field impact when capturing movies. It may also acknowledge focal factors in actual time and faces, together with these of pets in addition to folks. This is a function pet house owners (and lovers!) will admire. You’ll purportedly get easy photographs and movies because of the 6-axis hybrid stabilizer 3.0 and Super Hyper Steady EIS algorithm. OZO Audio expertise, in the meantime, is used for guaranteeing lifelike audio and 3D sound in recordings. With the 10x zoom with HyperReadability AI algorithm, the telephone may also deal with direct processing of RAW information. AI Object Sense can acknowledge objects and optimize them utilizing a particular algorithm. Another cool photo-related function is for after the photographs are captured: semantic search makes it simple to search out what you’re searching for through related outcomes supplied by AI and utilizing pure language. You can seek for photographs based mostly on parameters like occasions, instances, areas, and even objects that seem within the photographs.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The Google Pixel 8 Pro isn’t any slouch within the AI picture division both. It has a 50MP primary digicam, a 48MP telephoto digicam, a 48MP ultra-wide digicam with improved Macro Focus, and a 10.5MP selfie entrance digicam. With Super Res Zoom, you’ll be able to rise up shut and private with topics, zooming as much as 30x with out dropping element, focus, or readability. Sutrich says the cameras are the most effective general of any Android telephone he’s used thus far. There are skilled controls, too, with superior digicam settings for shutter velocity in addition to Night Sight and astrophotography. With any picture, Google AI expertise works within the background to scale back noise and increase high quality, each in nonetheless photographs and movies, and in any lighting situation. Google’s picture modifying options have turn into favorites, together with Magic Editor for making customized edits and high quality enhancements to photographs. While Sutrich says it really works extremely properly, he additionally seen the telephone tends to get heat when utilizing it, however it doesn’t overheat. There’s additionally Best Take for combining comparable photographs of the identical factor to maintain the “best take” shot (no extra closed eyes or fidgeting infants when everybody else is smiling!), Photo Unblur and Face Unblur, Portrait Mode, and Magic Eraser for eradicating undesirable components from photographs. AI extends to video as properly, with options like Audio Magic Eraser that makes use of Google AI to scale back distracting sounds when taking pictures outside or in louder circumstances, like when a furnace is buzzing within the background of your dance video. Video Boost can be used to regulate shade, lighting, stabilization, and graininess.ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which do you have to purchase?It’s determination time now. In the showdown of ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro, which do you have to purchase as your subsequent machine? When it involves the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, which is successfully a rebadged ROB Phone 8, as Jonnalagadda factors out, it won’t reside as much as expectations. “ASUS went from making the best small phone,” he says within the evaluation, “to a device that doesn’t quite have a distinct visual identity.” He loves the AI options and says ZenUI is one in all his favourite Android skins. However, the cameras aren’t nearly as good as these in its class, specifically the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The Google Pixel 8 Pro won’t be as highly effective a telephone general, and it doesn’t have as large a battery. But it has higher cameras and is supported for longer than you’ll most likely even maintain the telephone. That means when you’re able to improve, you’ve got a greater likelihood of getting good cash if you wish to resell or commerce it in. You may also confidently hand it over to a buddy or member of the family, they usually’ll nonetheless be capable to get pleasure from years of use with it. That counts for lots. Sutrich calls the Google Pixel 8 Pro the “king of the Androids,” and for good motive. With its mixture of premium options, AI integration, fabulous cameras, and reasonably priced value, it’s powerful to beat. Thus, it is smart as the highest choose between these two. You’ll get extra bang to your buck, and it’ll final a protracted, very long time with stable new options flowing constantly via Feature Drops. If you wish to discover different choices, try the most effective Android telephones accessible as we speak to see what different manufacturers may need to supply as properly.
short-term telephone
With solely two years of software program updates, the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra is a stable premium but reasonably priced machine to make use of for now for those who plan to improve in just a few years. Along with futuristic AI options, a few of that are nonetheless in beta mode, it has a gloriously vibrant display, first rate cameras, and provides stable gaming efficiency. Plus, it has one thing just about no telephone has anymore: a headphone jack!
Still the one to beat
The Google Pixel 8 Pro stays the Android telephone to beat in the case of premium options but reasonably priced value. It won’t boast as excessive specs because the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, together with a decrease decision entrance digicam, smaller battery, and arguably much less highly effective processor, significantly for gaming. But it’s the all-around finest bang to your buck in the case of Android telephones.