Today marks the official launch of the Zenfone 12 Ultra, a device that continues Asus' tradition of powerful, feature-rich smartphones. Yet, despite its appealing specs and advanced features, Asus has decided not to release this model in the United States, much to the disappointment of tech enthusiasts across North America.
High-Performance Roots with a Touch of Elegance
Derived from the ROG Phone 9 Pro, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has shed its overtly gaming-centric design for a more subtle aesthetic while retaining much of its high-performance DNA. At its core, the device is powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and boasts a 6.78-inch LTPO display capable of variable refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz. While the 1080p resolution might not break new ground, it's perfectly adequate for delivering sharp and fluid visuals.Next-Level Camera Technology
One of the standout features of the Zenfone 12 Ultra is its advanced camera system, highlighted by a unique gimbal-like stabilizer—now in its fourth iteration. This feature provides hardware-based shake correction, significantly enhancing video capture by smoothing out bumpy footage, a boon for content creators and casual users alike. The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 32-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x zoom, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, ensuring versatility across all types of photography.
Packed with Smart Features
Asus continues to integrate artificial intelligence across its device functionalities, with the Zenfone 12 Ultra featuring AI enhancements like background noise removal during video recording, semantic search within the photo gallery, voice memo transcription, and document summarization. These AI features not only improve user experience but also signify a move towards more intelligent and responsive devices.A Battery That Goes the Distance
To support its robust feature set, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is equipped with a large 5,500mAh battery, supporting 65W wired and up to 15W wireless charging. This ensures that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks without frequent recharges.A Glimpse of Hope for Future Availability?
Despite the current decision against releasing the Zenfone 12 Ultra in the US, Asus spokesperson Anthony Spence mentioned that this "does not rule out the possibility of future Zenfone models being made available in the US." This statement leaves a glimmer of hope for fans of the brand, suggesting that Asus might still consider the US market for upcoming releases.