Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Design

The Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and heavier than its predecessor, breaking away from the compact form of earlier models. Measuring 6.78 inches, it fits a huge, sturdy frame that looks almost identical to the ROG Phone 8 series. Reviewers noted it’s a “big, hefty phone” that stands out strongly against the typical compact Zenfone design.

Its display uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, one of the toughest materials for smartphones. This offers screen protection against drops and scratches. The IP68 rating means the phone can survive dust and water immersion, making it a practical choice for active users.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom edge adds versatility for those who prefer wired headphones. Reviewers from PCMag praised the phone for providing a “premium experience in an attractive but simple design.”

Display(s)

The phone’s 6.7-inch OLED display offers a high refresh rate, making everything from scrolling to gaming feel fluid and quick.

You won’t struggle to see the screen outdoors thanks to its impressive brightness levels. Even on sunny days, the display remains clear and vibrant.

A reviewer at Tom’s Guide noted, ‘We found it’s the brightest and most colorful of all its peers.’

Though it has top-notch color and clarity, some experts did mention that color accuracy isn’t as strong compared to rivals like Google and OnePlus’ latest phones.

Performance

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivers a robust and swift performance. This means you can launch multiple apps and switch between them effortlessly.

Reviewers from Tom’s Guide noted the phone’s powerful yet game-friendly nature, praising its handling of resource-heavy games like Asphalt 9 with ease.

Even though it does not have specialized gaming accessories, the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s core performance remains exceptional, providing a seamless user experience daily.

Software & Storage

The Zenfone 11 Ultra features Asus’ Android-based UI that brings several AI enhancements for better performance. You’ll find options like noise cancellation and speech transcription helpful for daily tasks.

However, the phone’s software update policy is a drawback. Reviewers from PCMag and Tom’s Guide point out that the device only gets two years of major updates and four years of security patches, which is below the industry standard.

This limited support could mean less access to new features and security improvements over time. For those seeking a longer-lasting experience, this should be a consideration.

Cameras

The Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a robust camera setup with a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor. The main camera’s 6-axis gimbal stabilizer reduces shake for clearer photos and videos.

Photographers will notice the phone tends to capture cooler tones, often making scenes look grayer than they are. The 32MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, but reviewers, including Tom’s Guide, note it shoots at 8MP by default, affecting detail.

Despite the reduced resolution for telephoto, videos benefit from excellent stabilization, making it a solid choice for video enthusiasts. The Zenfone’s AI Portrait Video also adds a smooth focus shift between subjects, enhancing video creativity.

Battery

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra excels with its 5,500mAh battery, promising up to two days of moderate use. That’s ideal if you’re tired of constantly searching for a charger.

Experts from Tom’s Guide highlighted, ‘The Zenfone lasted nearly 20 hours in our tests,’ which is impressive and ensures peace of mind.

Moreover, the 65W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities make recharging quick and versatile. This combination provides efficiency and convenience, especially when on the go.

However, note that the phone doesn’t include a charger in the box, meaning you need a compatible charger to fully leverage these speeds.

Audio

The dual stereo speakers on this phone provide clear and balanced sound. Reviewers noted the lack of tinniness even at high volumes, which is common in many devices. This feature enhances the overall media experience, whether you are watching a movie or playing a game.

For calls, the microphones ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments. An AI-assisted noise-canceling feature helps to reduce background noise, but experts have found it can sometimes overcompensate and muffle your voice.

Overall, the sound quality supports both entertainment and communication needs effectively, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The Bottom Line

This phone blends robust battery life with high performance, making it suitable for daily use and mobile games. Its build quality is solid, offering good durability with features like dust and water resistance.

The large, bright display is excellent for both media consumption and outdoor use.

However, the phone’s camera system doesn’t excel, and its software support is shorter than many competitors.