The Zenfone, typically favored as a smaller Android phone, takes a different approach this year by embracing the Ultra designation. Asus has essentially transformed its gaming-centric ROG Phone 8 into a more conventional device. Priced at $899, it’s notably large and heavy, catering to those who prefer such dimensions (although it’s not my personal preference). However, after testing it for a week, I haven’t found any compelling reasons to choose it over other similarly sized phones already available.
While there’s speculation that Asus might release a smaller Zenfone 11 later in the year, the company hasn’t confirmed or denied these plans. This uncertainty leaves the fate of the once-great small Android phone unknown. Meanwhile, another hefty Android device has entered the market, which, while competent, may not necessarily address a pressing need.
I understand the allure of large phones. They offer an expansive screen, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra, much like the ROG Phone 8 Pro, boasts a 6.78-inch OLED display. While it can reach up to 144Hz in gaming mode, during regular use it typically operates at 120Hz or even as low as 1Hz thanks to its LTPO technology for better battery efficiency. However, it’s worth noting that its resolution is capped at 1080p, which may not match the crispness of competitors like the OnePlus 12 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus with their 1440p displays.
Large phones often accompany large batteries, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra impresses with its sizable 5,500mAh battery. I found its battery life to be excellent, easily lasting through a full day without dropping below 50 percent, and I would feel confident in its ability to last for two days. Additionally, it supports wireless charging, albeit at a standard 15W Qi rate rather than the faster Qi2 standard.
The Zenfone 11 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the preferred top-tier processor for Android phone manufacturers. The base model offers a substantial 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While I didn’t fully test its gaming capabilities, as evident in my sessions with Pocket City 2, the 11 Ultra effortlessly handled every task I threw at it.
Similar to previous Zenfones, the 11 Ultra is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks but not Verizon. However, in theory, it could be used on the Verizon network in areas with robust 5G coverage and with a physical SIM card, though this is purely hypothetical.
I wouldn’t recommend using it full-time because you might encounter occasional “No Service” notifications and difficulties making phone calls, which is quite a crucial feature.
In theory, I appreciate the design of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. If I came across it in a design magazine ad, the sleek blue finish and unique camera bump might catch my eye. However, truthfully, it’s not my personal favorite design.
The contrasting black edges and camera bump don’t quite match the sleek, slightly matte back panel. However, my main gripe lies in its weight and density. On more than one occasion, it slipped out of my jacket pocket with a heavy thud, landing in the narrow gap between the driver’s seat and center console, which was quite frustrating.
Asus has incorporated several AI features into the 11 Ultra, including a call translation feature similar to Samsung’s. While convenient, the AI noise cancellation for calls seems more universally practical, enhancing audio quality for both the listener and speaker. Unfortunately, I couldn’t test it due to being on Verizon, as Google’s version for the Pixel only cancels noise on the other end of the call, aiding the listener in noisy environments.
While AI features are appreciated, the camera remains a priority for most users. The standout feature of the Zenfone’s camera is its gimbal-like stabilization, which remarkably smooths out bumps and movements during video recording. You can even observe the main camera lens moving to ensure the stabilization is active.
The Zenfone 11 Ultra features a HyperSteady mode that effectively corrects significant camera movements, making even vigorous shaking appear as moderate swaying. Although this mode crops the frame considerably and requires ample lighting, it’s an impressive feature.
In non-video modes, the 11 Ultra’s camera performance is rather ordinary. Portrait mode cutouts are surprisingly accurate, and the system selects fast shutter speeds, resulting in sharp indoor shots of my child playing. However, the overall camera performance of the 11 Ultra is somewhat inconsistent. Auto white balance occasionally fluctuates, and photos may sometimes appear overly bright and overexposed. The inconsistency in image quality poses a challenge.
It’s currently the season for large Android phones, with the Zenfone 11 Ultra joining the ranks of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, and the OnePlus 12. They all share the same chipset (except for the US version of the S24 Plus) and none of them have a screen smaller than 6.7 inches. While I can confidently recommend three out of the four phones, I’m hesitant about the Zenfone.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is an obvious choice for those seeking top-tier performance, while the $799 OnePlus 12 offers a large screen at a slightly lower price point. For most users, the Galaxy S24 Plus is the go-to option with its widespread availability and various trade-in and carrier deals. Unfortunately, the Zenfone struggles to carve out a distinct niche among these options.
Perhaps if it boasted exceptional camera capabilities, broader network support in the US, or a unique form factor unlike anything else on the market, the Zenfone 11 Ultra could stand out. While it performs adequately in various aspects, it doesn’t excel in any particular area. Ultimately, it feels like just another oversized smartphone in a crowded market.
