Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review: Big Screen, Big Performance, and Big Impressions

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra through its paces, and I have to say, it's a phone that leaves a lasting impression, both literally and figuratively. At a starting price that positions it firmly in the premium segment, it’s targeting users who want a no-compromise experience, and after extensive testing, I have a solid understanding of who this phone is for, and where it shines.

Setting the Stage: A Contender in a Crowded Market

The Zenfone series has always held a unique position, often catering to those who appreciate thoughtful design and powerful internals. With the 11 Ultra, Asus is clearly aiming for a broader audience, embracing a larger form factor that brings it into direct competition with the flagship heavyweights. My testing involved typical daily use – browsing, social media, calls, and emails – alongside more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and extensive camera testing in various conditions. My initial impression was one of premium build quality and a vibrant display that immediately catches the eye. The price point signals a serious contender, and it’s crucial to evaluate if the Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers on that promise.

Finding its Place: A Shift in Strategy

Asus's strategy with the Zenfone 11 Ultra represents a noticeable shift. While previous Zenfones often championed compactness, this model embraces a larger footprint, indicating a desire to compete more directly with other "Ultra" branded devices. This decision makes sense given the market's general trend towards larger screens for media consumption and productivity. The Zenfone 11 Ultra slots nicely into the high-end Android market, offering top-tier specifications without necessarily hitting the absolute highest price points of some competitors. Personally, I find the pricing competitive, especially considering the hardware on offer, but the real test is whether the user experience justifies the investment.

Design and Hardware: A Solid, If Substantial, Feel

Picking up the Zenfone 11 Ultra for the first time, the immediate takeaway is its size. The 6.78-inch display is undeniably immersive, but the phone’s overall dimensions and 224-gram weight mean this isn't a device you'll easily forget is in your pocket. The build quality feels undeniably premium. The materials used exude quality, with a smooth finish that, while visually appealing, can be a tad slippery. During my time with it, I haven't subjected it to any accidental drop tests (thankfully!), but the general heft and solid construction suggest good durability. However, one-handed use can be challenging at times, a trade-off for that expansive screen.

Display: A Visual Treat for the Senses

The display is undoubtedly one of the Zenfone 11 Ultra's standout features. The 144Hz LTPO AMOLED panel is stunning, offering incredibly smooth scrolling and transitions. Brightness levels are exceptional; even under direct sunlight, visibility was never an issue. Media consumption is a joy on this display. Colours are rich and vibrant, and the HDR support enhances the viewing experience. Gaming also benefits significantly from the high refresh rate, providing a fluid and responsive feel. For daily use, from reading articles to navigating social media, the display is consistently sharp and pleasant to look at. It's a top-tier panel that rivals the best in the business.

Performance: Powering Through Everything with Ease

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lives up to its reputation. In my testing, the Zenfone 11 Ultra handled everything I threw at it with remarkable ease. Gaming sessions, even with graphically demanding titles, were consistently smooth with no noticeable frame drops or lag. Multitasking is a breeze; switching between numerous apps is instantaneous. I paid close attention to temperature management, and while the phone can get warm under sustained heavy load, it never became uncomfortably hot. One minor observation is that some background processes felt a little aggressively managed, occasionally requiring apps to reload, but this could be tweaked with software updates. Overall, the performance is exactly what you'd expect from a flagship device in 2024.

Camera System: Capturing Moments with Impressive Versatility

The camera system on the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a strong contender. My experience taking photos was generally positive, with the 50MP main sensor capturing detailed images with excellent colour accuracy, especially in good lighting conditions. I specifically tested the camera in challenging scenarios like low light and fast-moving subjects, and the results were impressive. The 13MP ultrawide lens offers a good perspective, although there's a slight difference in colour science compared to the main sensor. The 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom is a valuable addition, allowing for detailed shots from a distance without significant loss of quality. Video recording is also a strong suit, offering crisp footage up to 8K resolution, though I found 4K at 60fps to be the sweet spot for everyday use. Compared to other flagship phones, the Zenfone 11 Ultra holds its own, offering a versatile and capable camera system for various shooting scenarios. The real-world usage experience is intuitive, and the results are consistently pleasing.

Battery & Charging: Endurance and Convenience

Battery life is a major strength of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. With its substantial 5500mAh battery, I consistently got through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing to reach for the charger. My typical day involves a mix of social media, web browsing, music streaming, and some photography, and the phone comfortably handled it all. The included 65W fast charging is a welcome addition. In my charging tests, it significantly reduces downtime, getting the phone from empty to a substantial charge in a relatively short period. While 15W wireless charging is present, it's not the fastest, and I often opted for the wired option for quicker top-ups. The ability to reverse wire-charge other devices is a handy feature in a pinch, showcasing thoughtful power management. Real-world endurance is excellent, making battery anxiety a thing of the past.

Software: A Clean Experience with Room for Growth

The software experience on the Zenfone 11 Ultra, running Android 14, is generally positive. Asus has kept the interface relatively clean, avoiding excessive bloatware, which I appreciate. Daily usage is smooth and intuitive. The features offered are useful and well-integrated. My thoughts on the update policy are cautiously optimistic. Asus promises at least two major software updates and four years of security patches, which is decent but could be more competitive with some other brands offering longer support. Overall, the software experience is functional and user-friendly, but extending the update commitment would further enhance the phone's long-term value.

Value Analysis: A Premium Price for a Premium Experience

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra sits in a competitive price bracket. In my opinion, the price-to-feature ratio is generally favourable. You're getting a powerful processor, a stunning display, a versatile camera system, and excellent battery life. I believe this phone is ideally suited for users who prioritize performance, media consumption, and photography and don't mind a larger device. Those looking for a more compact phone or are heavily invested in a specific ecosystem might look elsewhere. Compared to other phones in its class, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a compelling package, but potential buyers should weigh its strengths against their individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender Worth Considering

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is a well-rounded flagship smartphone that delivers on its promises. My time with it has been overwhelmingly positive. It offers a potent combination of performance, a beautiful display, and a capable camera system, all wrapped in a premium design. While its size might not appeal to everyone, for those seeking a large-screen experience without sacrificing power or features, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a strong contender. Ultimately, if you're looking for a reliable, powerful phone with a great multimedia experience and don't mind the larger form factor, I can confidently recommend giving the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra serious consideration. It's a device that has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, and I believe it could do the same for many others.