AI Overkill: A Smartphone's Failed Experiment

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The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: A Familiar Feeling

Reviewing the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra brought on a strong sense of familiarity. It felt like I’d reviewed this phone before – and in a way, I have. The design and many key features are remarkably similar to its predecessor. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does raise the question: what’s new? Let’s delve into the details.

Design and Build: A Refined Familiar

The Zenfone 12 Ultra’s design maintains the same aesthetic as its predecessor. While ASUS hasn’t drastically altered its appearance, this isn’t necessarily a negative. The phone retains a comfortable feel in the hand and a premium build quality. The subtle design tweaks seem focused on refinement rather than revolution. One notable improvement is the introduction of a wider range of appealing color options. The Sage Green variant, for instance, stands out. But for those looking for a completely new design language, they might be slightly disappointed.

Internal Specifications: Incremental Upgrades

While the outside may look similar, under the hood, there are some notable, if iterative, enhancements. The most significant internal change is the inclusion of a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This upgrade translates to smoother performance and better handling of demanding tasks. The addition of eSIM support is a welcome addition, providing users with more flexibility in managing their mobile connections. Beyond the processor and eSIM, however, the internal changes are minimal.

Camera System: Subtle Improvements

The camera system on the Zenfone 12 Ultra is largely carried over from last year’s model. While the core hardware remains the same, ASUS has apparently focused on software improvements and refined the gimbal mechanism for improved video stabilization. Although photos from still images may show only marginal improvements, video recording and stabilization has been improved, providing smoother footage. This incremental improvement will greatly appeal to mobile videographers.

Display and Battery: No Major Changes

The display technology and battery capacity remain unchanged from the previous generation. While the display continues to offer vibrant colors and good sharpness, users expecting a significant upgrade in screen technology or battery life might be disappointed. The battery life is adequate for a day’s use, but users with exceptionally heavy usage patterns may still need to recharge before the end of the day. There’s also been no alteration to the charging speed.

Overall: Iteration, Not Innovation

The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is, in essence, a refined version of its predecessor. The improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. ASUS has focused on refining existing features and adding a few key upgrades like the faster processor and eSIM support. This means that users already familiar with the previous Zenfone model will find a familiar and comfortable experience, with a few welcome enhancements.

However, this approach might leave some users wanting more. Those seeking a radical departure in design or significant breakthroughs in camera technology, battery life, or display might find themselves looking elsewhere. The phone does what it does well, but it doesn’t redefine what a smartphone can do.

Here’s a summary of the key features and changes:

Key Features:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Processor
Improved Gimbal for Video Recording
Vibrant Display
Adequate Battery Life
eSIM Support
Range of Color Options

Changes from the Previous Model:

Faster Processor
eSIM Capability
Improved Gimbal Stabilization in Camera
New Color Options

What Remains Unchanged:

Battery Capacity and Charging Speed
Display Technology
Core Camera Hardware (though with software improvements)
Overall Design and Build

Who Should Buy This Phone?

The Zenfone 12 Ultra is an excellent option for users already familiar with and happy with the previous generation’s design and capabilities. It’s a solid and reliable device. It’s also well suited to users who prioritize performance and a smooth user experience. However, if you’re looking for significant leaps forward in camera technology, battery life, or display qualities, it’s worth considering other options on the market.

In conclusion, the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is an evolution, not a revolution. It refines and improves upon what has already proven successful but doesn’t dramatically change the game. It’s a solid and capable phone that benefits from refined features and a handful of notable upgrades. But the extensive similarities with the previous model may leave some users wanting a more significant step forward.