The Snapdragon 8 Elite was launched at the end of last year.ROG Phone 9 seriesAfterwards, ASUS launched the annual flagship mobile phone Zenfone 12 series. The author also obtained the top-of-the-line Zenfone 12 Ultra to experience it and confirm how this mobile phone that integrates more artificial intelligence application technologies performs?
The overall design of Zenfone 12 Ultra is almost the same as that of the one launched last year.Zenfone 11 UltraMany of its designs are similar to the ROG Phone 9 series launched last year, including a full-flat screen design, a non-centrally placed USB-C port at the bottom, and the retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack.
However, compared to the ROG Phone series, which focuses more on the gaming experience, the Zenfone 12 Ultra still focuses on image capture. Therefore, although some specifications are similar to the ROG Phone 9 series, there are still some differences. For example, the ROG Phone 9 screen refresh rate can reach up to 185Hz, but the Zenfone 12 Ultra's screen refresh rate is only up to 144Hz.
Hardware specifications
In terms of hardware specifications, the Zenfone 12 Ultra uses a 6.78-inch, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution flexible AMOLED display panel, supports 1-120Hz LTPO dynamic dimming, and has a frame refresh rate of up to 144Hz. It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, configured with 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X memory, and 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage capacity. It also supports IP68 specifications for water and dust resistance.
Hardware performance:
The battery capacity is 5500mAh, supporting 65W wired fast charging and Qi 1.3 compatible wireless charging, with a maximum wireless charging power of 15W. Other designs include multi-magnetic dual stereo speakers, dual SIM dual standby, and eSIM support. The body is available in three colors: fir green, cherry blossom white, and sandalwood black.
Camera specifications
相機規格部分，Zenfone 12 Ultra搭載支援RGBW感光元件設計的3200萬畫素視訊鏡頭，主相機則分別採用5000萬畫素、1/1.56吋的Sony Lytia 700感光元件，並且支援六軸防震Hybrid雲台4.0設計的廣角鏡頭，另外也搭配1300萬畫素、120度拍攝視角、自由曲面設計的超廣角鏡頭，以及3200萬畫素、支援光學防震與3倍光學變焦的長焦鏡頭。
Comparison of photos taken with different lenses, from left to right: "Wide Angle", "3x Telephoto", "10x Telephoto", "30x Telephoto" (click the thumbnail to enlarge):
| Ultra-wide angle | Wide Angle | 2x telephoto | 3x telephoto | 10x telephoto | 30x telephoto |
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However, we can't confirm whether it's a firmware or camera software design issue. Different lenses have noticeable color differences when shooting at night (as shown below). The ultra-wide-angle lens has brighter colors, the wide-angle lens has more accurate colors, but the telephoto lens has noticeably abnormal colors. This is likely due to the fact that the device I'm using is still an early test version, so ASUS should release a firmware update later to correct the issue.
On the other hand, the Zenfone 12 Ultra did not follow suit and added a camera shutter button on the side of the phone. Instead, when the phone screen is locked, you can quickly enter the camera operation interface by double-pressing the volume button.
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Taking photos (mainly using wide-angle lens):
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As for the camera shooting function that introduces artificial intelligence technology, the dynamic video part supports AI portrait video 2.0, AI focus tracking video, AI video noise reduction and other functions, while the static shooting part supports AI smart elimination, AI blur repair, AI shutter focus tracking, document scanner and other functions.
Artificial intelligence application functions
As for general usage functions, ASUS has also added AI real-time call interpretation 2.0, AI voice noise reduction, AI recording notes 2.0, AI article summary and AI file summary, which are also driven by artificial intelligence. It also supports circle search and device-side AI search assistant that can be used without an Internet connection and can understand natural spoken language.
Among them, the instant call interpretation function can be enabled during the general phone answering process, and can also be used in the call function of third-party apps such as LINE and WhatsApp. As for the recording function, it can also automatically convert the audio content into text and then summarize the key points of the text content.
The camera function commonly used on mobile phones can use artificial intelligence to perform dynamic focus tracking, or keep the subject in the center of the screen during recording, and record the image with the optimal camera movement.
After the image is shot, the selected people and objects can be removed using artificial intelligence during the subsequent editing process. In addition, blurry images caused by hand shake can be corrected in post-production.
Other features include the ability to automatically generate wallpapers through artificial intelligence, but unlike other brands, it does not have the option to add text descriptions or generate additional images through graffiti in the mobile phone image editing function.
As for the artificial intelligence application functions on the Zenfone 12 Ultra, the computing performance behind it is not only provided by Snapdragon 8 Elite, but also connected to Google's Gemini and Meta's Llama 3.0 artificial intelligence models. In addition, it is connected to Taizhiyun's FFM Formosa large natural language model to meet the needs of Chinese applications, and it also emphasizes providing at least one year of free artificial intelligence function services.
Actual experience
Like the Zenfone 11 Ultra launched last year, the Zenfone 12 Ultra launched by ASUS this time also has many elements similar to the ROG Phone 9 series, but in fact there are also many differences in details.
In terms of overall hardware performance, the Zenfone 12 Ultra actually performs better than the ROG Phone 9 Pro in certain situations. However, the ROG Phone 9 series still has an advantage in terms of gaming experience, while the Zenfone 12 Ultra's focus is still on camera performance.
At the same time, like the ROG Phone 9 series, it adopts a 6.78-inch large-size screen and a large-capacity battery design. It also supports IP68 waterproof and dustproof, and has a built-in eSIM function, which makes it convenient for users to use telecommunications Internet plans in different countries when traveling abroad. The bottom also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack for convenient connection of wired headphones.
summary
To coincide with the launch of Zenfone 12 Ultra, ASUS also collaborated with Devilcase and Rhino Shield to launch protective case accessories, which include standard and magnetic designs. In addition, an antibacterial glass protective film accessory was also launched.
建議售價部分，Zenfone 12 Ultra 12GB記憶體與256GB儲存容量版本將以新台幣29990元，而16GB記憶體與512GB儲存容量版本售價則以新台幣31990元價格銷售。
Zenfone 12 Ultra將從2月7日下午6點在台開放銷售，並且將在2月14日於電信通路配合0元起的資費方案銷售，而3月15日前於全通路購機登錄，更可額外獲得價值新台幣2000元的DJB eSIM國際網路吃到飽方案，至於在華碩手機專賣店購機更加贈延長保固一年服務。
In addition, ASUS will also take reservations for the Zenfone 4 Ultra new phone experience plan before April 30, allowing users to experience the new phone for free for 12 days. During the experience period, users can upload photos and videos to share and participate in the Zenfone 7 Ultra lucky draw. ASUS has also launched a 12% off campus project for students, as well as a Zenfone 95 subscription plan with a monthly payment of NT$1624.
