ASUS unveils its 2025 flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6-axis gimbal stabilization, and AI features, but India availability remains unconfirmed.

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder of DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs at a glance

What’s new vs Zenfone 11 Ultra?

• Snapdragon 8 Elite upgrade — The new chipset delivers 45% better CPU performance and 40% faster GPU compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making it significantly more capable for gaming and AI tasks.
• Enhanced 6-axis gimbal stabilizer — Version 4 of ASUS’s signature camera stabilization can now correct ±5° of movement, a 66% improvement over the previous generation for smoother videos.
• Sony Lytia-700 main sensor — Replaces the IMX890 with better low-light performance and improved computational photography capabilities.
• Earlier launch timing — Arrives in February instead of the usual mid-July launch window, giving ASUS a head start against competitors.

Rivals to consider

Real-World Performance & First Impressions

Display & Design

The 6.78-inch Samsung E6 AMOLED display maintains the high standard set by its predecessor. With LTPO technology enabling 1-120Hz refresh rates and a gaming-specific 144Hz mode, the screen adapts intelligently to conserve battery. The 2,500 nits peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility, while Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides robust protection. At 220g and 8.9mm thick, the phone feels substantial but manageable in daily use.

Performance & Thermals

The Snapdragon 8 Elite represents a significant leap forward from the previous generation. Early benchmarks suggest performance rivaling flagship competitors while maintaining better thermal efficiency. The 4nm fabrication process helps manage heat during intensive gaming sessions, though extensive real-world testing remains to be conducted by reviewers.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

The transition to Sony’s Lytia-700 sensor promises improved low-light photography compared to the IMX890. The headline feature remains the 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilizer, now capable of correcting ±5° of movement – a substantial improvement for video creators. The 32MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS rounds out a versatile triple-camera setup. Official samples show impressive detail retention and color accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Battery Life & Charging

The 5,500mAh dual-cell battery configuration supports rapid 65W charging, reaching full capacity in 39 minutes according to ASUS claims. This matches the capacity of the previous generation while adding more efficient wireless charging at 15W. ASUS promises up to 26 hours of usage on a full charge, though real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns and display settings.

Software & Updates

Launching with Android 15 and ASUS’s refined ZenUI, the software experience emphasizes AI integration. New features include AI Call Translator 2.0 for real-time voice translation and AI Transcript 2.0 with multi-speaker identification. However, ASUS has not yet confirmed its long-term software update policy for this device, which remains a concern for longevity-focused buyers.

Price & Availability

• Expected India pricing: ₹85,000 – ₹99,990 for base and top variants (unofficial estimates)
• Confirmed markets: Europe (€1,000 early bird, €1,100 regular), Taiwan, Hong Kong from February 6, 2025
• India availability: Not officially confirmed by ASUS as of August 2025

Should You Upgrade?

From Zenfone 11 Ultra: The upgrades are meaningful but incremental. If you’re satisfied with your current camera performance and gaming capability, the improvements may not justify the cost. However, content creators will appreciate the enhanced gimbal stabilization.

From a 2-year-old flagship: Users with phones from 2022-2023 will see substantial improvements in processing power, camera quality, and battery efficiency. The AI features and improved build quality make this a worthwhile upgrade for most users.

For budget-conscious buyers: With expected pricing above ₹85,000, this targets premium buyers. Consider waiting for official India pricing and availability confirmation, or explore alternatives like the OnePlus 12 or Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

FAQs

Does ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra include a charger in the box? No, it does not come with a charger in the box, only a USB-C to USB-C cable and a phone case.

Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack? Yes, ASUS retains the 3.5mm headphone jack with Hi-Res Audio support up to 384 kHz/32-bit.

Does it support expandable storage? No, there’s no microSD slot. Storage options are limited to 256GB and 512GB variants with UFS 4.0.

What about eSIM support? Yes, it supports dual nano-SIM plus eSIM functionality, making it convenient for international travelers.

Pros

• Exceptional 6-axis gimbal stabilization for video creators
• Premium build quality with IP68 rating and 3.5mm jack
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite performance with efficient thermals
• Bright, responsive AMOLED display with gaming-optimized 144Hz mode

Cons

• No official India launch confirmation despite strong regional interest
• Software update policy remains unclear compared to Samsung’s 7-year commitment
• Premium pricing may limit market appeal
• No expandable storage despite content creator focus

Verdict

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra establishes itself as a compelling flagship for photography enthusiasts and mobile content creators. Its signature gimbal stabilization technology, now in its fourth generation, remains unmatched in the Android ecosystem. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers flagship performance and the build quality feels premium, the lack of confirmed India availability and unclear software support policy create uncertainty for potential buyers.

For users in confirmed markets seeking the best mobile video stabilization, this phone offers unique value. However, Indian consumers should wait for official pricing and availability announcements before making purchasing decisions. If ASUS can match Samsung’s long-term software support commitment, the Zenfone 12 Ultra could become a serious flagship contender.