Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review: A ROG Phone in Disguise, But Can It Shine on Its Own?

The Asus Zenfone line has always been an enigma. Powerful specs, unique features, and competitive prices – yet it often lacked the mainstream appeal of some competitors. Now, Asus returns to the ring with the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This phone boasts top-of-the-line specs and a design heavily inspired by the ROG gaming phone series. But is the Zenfone 11 Ultra simply a toned-down ROG Phone, or does it offer something new and exciting for users? Our Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra review will help you decide.

A Familiar Face: Borrowing the ROG Phone’s Bold Look (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Design)

The Zenfone 11 Ultra doesn’t shy away from its ROG Phone lineage. From the large, square camera bump on the back to the sharp edges and accents, the design screams “gaming phone.” This bold look might appeal to some, but others might find it bulky compared to the sleeker designs of some flagships. The phone comes in two color options: a classic black and a shimmering silver. Both sport a glass back that screams premium but attracts fingerprints and scratches easily. A case is highly recommended.

A Display Built for Entertainment: Big, Beautiful, and Smooth (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Display)

The Zenfone 11 Ultra shines in the display department. It boasts a massive 6.78-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While some high-end competitors offer higher resolutions, the 11 Ultra’s display delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. The phone features a variable refresh rate that can hit 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and a responsive user experience, especially for gaming. Those prioritizing battery life can lock the refresh rate at 60Hz for extended usage.

Unleashing the Power: A Performance Beast for Work and Play (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Performance)

Under the hood, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a powerhouse. It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a top-of-the-line mobile chipset translating to smooth performance for even the most demanding tasks. Multitasking with heavy apps and running graphically intensive games are a breeze. The phone comes with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and background app management.

Camera System: Promising Hardware Held Back by Software (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Camera)

The Zenfone 11 Ultra features a triple-camera system on the back. The main sensor is a powerful 50MP unit with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). It captures detailed photos with accurate colors in good lighting. However, low-light performance seems to be a weak spot. The secondary sensor is a 48MP ultrawide sensor, great for capturing expansive landscapes, while the third is a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

While the hardware is promising, initial reviews suggest the camera software needs refinement. Hopefully, Asus can optimize the camera app through updates to unlock the full potential of the sensors.

Long-Lasting Power and Blazing-Fast Charging (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Battery Life)

The Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a massive 5,500mAh battery, ensuring it lasts a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Power users might need a top-up before the end of the day, but overall, the battery life is impressive. When it’s time to refuel, the phone supports Asus’s 65W fast charging technology, allowing you to get back to 50% in just 30 minutes and fully charged in under an hour (advertised figures).

Clean Software with a Hint of Asus (Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Software)

The Zenfone 11 Ultra runs on Android 14, a welcome sight. Asus includes a near-stock experience with minimal bloatware, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. However, some reviewers noted a few pre-installed Asus apps that can be uninstalled if not needed. You’ll also be among the first to receive the latest Android updates.

The Verdict: Powerful Potential with Room for Improvement

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a powerful and feature-packed phone that offers a large, beautiful display, top-tier performance, long battery life, and fast charging. The camera system has potential but needs software optimization.

But is it the right choice for you?

If you prioritize raw power, a big display, and long battery life, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a strong contender, especially if the price is right. Gamers will appreciate the smooth performance and high refresh rate display, but might miss some of the features found on dedicated gaming phones. However, if you prioritize camera quality, you might be better off looking elsewhere until Asus refines the software.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Who should get the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:

Power users who need a phone for demanding tasks and multitasking
Gamers looking for a powerful phone with a smooth display
Users who value long battery life and fast charging

Who might want to look elsewhere:

Users who prioritize camera quality, especially in low light
Users who prefer a more compact and lightweight design
Users who dislike Asus’s custom software additions (although minimal)

FAQs about the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:

Does the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra have a headphone jack?
No, the Zenfone 11 Ultra does not have a headphone jack. You’ll need to use a USB-C adapter or wireless headphones.

Is the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra waterproof?
Yes, the Zenfone 11 Ultra has an IP68 rating, which means it’s dustproof and water-resistant.

What storage options does the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra come with?
The Zenfone 11 Ultra comes in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB.

How much does the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra cost?
Pricing information for the Zenfone 11 Ultra may vary depending on your region. Expect it to be priced similarly to other high-end flagship phones.

In Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a powerful phone with a lot to offer, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Whether it stands out in a crowded market depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a powerful all-rounder with a big personality, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is definitely worth considering. But if you need the absolute best camera or a more compact design, you might want to explore other options.

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