Asus has officially announced the global launch date for its much-anticipated Zenfone 12 Ultra, scheduled to debut on February 6, 2025. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the upcoming flagship is expected to introduce significant upgrades in design, performance, and features. A teaser shared by the company hints at a “makeover,” while early reports suggest that the handset may share similarities with the ROG Phone 9, which launched in select markets in November 2024.
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is shaping up to be a powerhouse device, boasting cutting-edge hardware, AI-powered features, and a refreshed design. Here’s everything we know so far about this flagship smartphone.
Design: A Refreshed Look with Slim Bezels and Redesigned Camera Module
In a teaser shared on Asus’ official X handle, the company revealed a glimpse of the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s front panel. The image showcases slim bezels and a centered hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera, suggesting a sleek and modern aesthetic. Asus also hinted at a redesign, captioning the post with, “The Zenfone 12 Ultra has received a makeover.”
The teaser poster highlights the letter “O” in “Coming Soon” with a circular outline, possibly hinting at a revamped rear camera module. While details about the redesign remain sparse, this could mark a significant upgrade over the Zenfone 11 Ultra, which launched in March 2024.
Performance and Hardware: Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and Upgraded Features
The Zenfone 12 Ultra has appeared on Geekbench under the model number ASUSAI2501H, revealing some key specifications. The smartphone is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, ensuring top-tier performance. It will reportedly come paired with 16GB of RAM, making it ideal for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
Out of the box, the Zenfone 12 Ultra will run Android 15 with Asus’ ZenUI skin on top. The device is also rumored to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) features aimed at enhancing the user experience, particularly in imaging and editing.
Display and Battery: High-End Specs for Power Users
According to early leaks, the Zenfone 12 Ultra will feature a 6.78-inch full-HD+ AMOLED LTPO display with up to a 165Hz refresh rate. This ultra-smooth refresh rate ensures seamless scrolling, fluid animations, and an immersive gaming experience.
The handset is expected to pack a robust 5,800mAh battery, offering extended usage for even the most demanding users. Charging options include 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging support, making it a versatile option for those who prioritize battery life and convenience.
Cameras: Upgraded Optics with AI-Driven Features
Asus is expected to equip the Zenfone 12 Ultra with a triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle shooter, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. For selfie enthusiasts, the phone will likely sport a 32-megapixel front-facing camera housed in the centered hole-punch cutout.
Reports suggest that AI-powered imaging features will play a significant role in improving photo and video quality. This could include enhancements to night photography, portrait mode, and real-time editing capabilities, positioning the Zenfone 12 Ultra as a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.
Comparison with ROG Phone 9
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is rumored to share several features with the ROG Phone 9, Asus’ gaming-focused flagship. Both devices are expected to include similar hardware specifications, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, and a large battery. However, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is likely to prioritize a balanced approach to performance, catering to both everyday users and gamers.
Expected Pricing and Availability
While Asus has not yet disclosed the price of the Zenfone 12 Ultra, it is expected to target the premium segment, competing with other flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16. Given its high-end specifications and premium design, the device will likely appeal to tech enthusiasts and professionals looking for a powerful, feature-rich smartphone.
The global launch on February 6 will provide more details about availability and pricing in different regions.
Conclusion: A Flagship to Watch
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most exciting flagship smartphones of 2025. With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, AI-driven features, stunning display, and upgraded cameras, the device promises to deliver a well-rounded experience for users.
The teaser’s emphasis on a “makeover” and the redesigned rear camera module suggests that Asus is keen on addressing user feedback and pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. As the launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting more information about the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s features and capabilities.
For now, the Zenfone 12 Ultra appears to be a worthy successor to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, offering significant upgrades that could solidify Asus’ position in the competitive smartphone market.
