Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Review: Gaming Beast & Camera Powerhouse

Unboxing the Underdog Flagship

For smartphone enthusiasts tired of predictable flagship options, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra emerges as a compelling dark horse. After extensive testing, I confirm this device delivers exceptional performance that challenges industry giants. The eco-friendly packaging contains essentials: SIM ejector, documentation, a premium hard case with textured grip, and USB-C cable (note: no charger included). Holding the 224g device reveals its first quirk – the glossy "Dove Black" finish feels surprisingly slippery despite its premium build. This immediately signals the included case isn't optional but essential for secure handling.

Performance: Raw Power Unleashed

Benchmark Dominance

Driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB RAM, the Zenfone 11 Ultra posted an AnTuTu score of 2,197,353 – firmly in elite territory. 3DMark Wild Life Extreme reached 8,670 points, maxing out the test. During 30-minute CPU throttling tests, it maintained 81% average performance with remarkable stability. The real revelation is its 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display (6.78", 1080x2400) paired with a 370Hz touch sampling rate (peaking at 500Hz). This combination creates buttery-smooth responsiveness that hardcore gamers will appreciate.

Gaming Prowess Tested

Genshin Impact (Highest Settings, 60FPS): Averaged 53FPS over 7 minutes, dipping to 50FPS when temperatures hit 42°C. Thermal throttling is present but manageable.
PUBG Mobile (Smooth + Extreme+ Mode): Achieved a stable 89FPS average with lows of 82FPS during combat – among the first phones to reliably hit 90FPS in Extreme+ mode. Max temperature capped at 40°C.
Cooling & Audio: The aluminum chassis effectively dissipates heat, while dual speakers deliver loud, distortion-free audio with clear positional cues.

Display and Build Quality

The near-bezel-less screen features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Brightness and color accuracy are excellent for HDR content. Despite its 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm dimensions, weight distribution prevents fatigue during long sessions. The IP68 rating is a welcome but unmentioned addition. The major ergonomic flaw is the slippery back panel – using the included case is non-negotiable for safe daily use. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and dual nano-SIM (no microSD or IR blaster).

Camera Capabilities: Beyond Specs

Hardware & Real-World Performance

Main: 50MP Sony IMX890 (f/1.9)
Ultrawide: 13MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto: 32MP (f/2.4) with 3x optical/10x digital zoom
Front: 32MP Omnivision OV32C (f/2.5)

Daylight photos exhibit natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and sharp detail. The telephoto lens delivers usable 10x shots with minimal noise. Low-light performance is competitive, with Night mode effectively brightening scenes without excessive smearing. Video stands out with stabilized 8K/24fps and 4K/60fps output. The "gimbal-like" EIS in 1080p mode produces remarkably smooth walking footage. Selfie video in bright conditions handles exposure well, preserving background detail.

Battery Life & Daily Use

The 5,500mAh battery delivered:

2% drain (30 mins 1080p video)
5% drain (30 mins social media scrolling)
10% drain (30 mins intensive gaming)

Face unlock is fast but requires close proximity, while the under-display fingerprint sensor works reliably after initial setup. Audio output through the 3.5mm jack (with Hi-Res certification) is clean and powerful.

Final Verdict: Flagship Alternative?

Asus's Zenfone 11 Ultra excels where it counts: raw performance, display smoothness, and versatile cameras. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers class-leading gaming results, especially in PUBG Mobile. The telephoto camera punches above its price point, and video capabilities are exceptional. Drawbacks include the slippery back, occasional thermal throttling in sustained loads, and lack of expandable storage.

Key Decision Points:

Buy if: You prioritize gaming performance, high refresh rates, and telephoto versatility.
Consider alternatives if: You need wireless charging, absolute thermals, or matte finishes.

Pro Tip: Enable the 144Hz mode in settings immediately – it transforms scrolling and gaming fluidity.

Which feature excites you most – the 90FPS PUBG gameplay or the 8K video? Share your priority below!