1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 224g | The iPhone 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | The iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly sharper display, but the difference may not be noticeable to all users. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 388 | The higher PPI of the iPhone 12 Pro results in slightly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. Differences are minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone 11 Ultra's 144Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is much easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra provides better protection against scratches and drops. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers superior performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has a noticeable performance advantage, leading to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 750 | The Adreno 750 in the Zenfone 11 Ultra provides better graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | The Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. The iPhone 12 Pro performs better in low light due to its wider aperture and computational photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher resolution zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture captures more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra's wider aperture allows better low-light photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | The Zenfone 11 Ultra can record in 8K, offering higher resolution videos. |
| Stabilization | OIS, Ultra stable video | OIS, Gimbal, EIS | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more video stabilization methods for smoother footage. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 (Photo: 126, Video: 130) | 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | The iPhone 12 Pro excels in video recording, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra performs better in still photography, according to DXOMark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5500mAh | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W wireless | 65W wired, 15W wireless, 10W reverse wired | The Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster and can also be used to charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to Android 16) | iOS offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience with strong privacy features. Android provides more customization options and open-source flexibility. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better efficiency and range. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone 12 Pro's eSIM allows for easier switching between carriers. The Zenfone 11 Ultra allows for two physical SIM cards. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB or 16GB | The Zenfone 11 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding apps much better. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio, but Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated DAC that enhances audio output quality, especially with headphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- More compact and lighter design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Slightly sharper display: Though the difference is not drastic.
- Superior video recording (Based on DXOMark): Better video quality and stabilization (though Zenfone 11 Ultra has more stabilization methods).
- iOS ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Larger and brighter display with a 144Hz refresh rate: Provides a more immersive and smoother visual experience, particularly in sunlight.
- Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers superior processing and graphics power.
- Much longer battery life and faster charging: Ensures all-day usage and quick recharging.
- Higher resolution cameras and more versatile video capabilities: Offers more detailed photos and 8K video recording.
- More RAM: 12GB/16GB vs 6GB.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS (L1+L5) support
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 11 Ultra is bulkier and heavier than the iPhone 12 Pro.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller battery capacity.
- The iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra runs Android. This is a matter of personal preference.
- The Zenfone 11 Ultra's camera, while having higher resolution, is not necessarily better than the iPhone 12 Pro in all scenarios, especially video (DXOMark).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who value seamless integration.
- Those prioritizing a more compact and pocketable device.
- Users who prefer iOS and its user-friendly interface.
- Users who prioritize video recording.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Everyday use for users familiar with iOS.
- Content creators focused on video.
- Users who prefer a smaller phone for one-handed operation.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Gamers and power users who demand high performance and smooth graphics.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a large, high-refresh-rate display.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Android enthusiasts who value customization and open-source flexibility.
Use Cases for Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Gaming: The high refresh rate, powerful processor, and ample RAM deliver a superior gaming experience.
- Media Consumption: The large, bright display is ideal for watching movies and TV shows.
- Photography and Videography: Captures detailed photos and videos with its high-resolution cameras and advanced stabilization.
- Productivity: Handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease, thanks to its powerful processor and abundant RAM.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
Given that the iPhone 12 Pro is an older model, the Zenfone 11 Ultra likely offers a better price-to-value ratio, delivering more modern features and performance for a similar or potentially lower price, depending on current market conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- Operating System Preference: Do you prefer the simplicity and ecosystem of iOS, or the customizability and open-source nature of Android?
- Size and Weight: Do you prioritize a compact and lightweight device, or are you comfortable with a larger and heavier phone for a bigger screen and better battery life?
- Performance and Features: Do you need the absolute latest processor and features like a high refresh rate display and fast charging, or are you willing to compromise for a more affordable option?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a casual user who primarily uses their phone for social media, browsing, and occasional photos. The iPhone 12 Pro is suitable if you prefer iOS.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer or power user who needs a phone for demanding tasks and long battery life. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: You value a compact design and seamless integration with other Apple devices. The iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While the iPhone 12 Pro has its merits in terms of size and iOS integration, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a significantly more compelling package for my needs. The larger, brighter 144Hz display, the dramatically improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the vastly superior battery life, and the faster charging are all features that would enhance my daily usage. As someone who enjoys mobile gaming and watching videos on the go, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's advantages in these areas are too significant to ignore. Finally, even though the iPhone 12 Pro takes better videos (based on DXOMark score), I believe the Zenfone 11 Ultra provides enough camera features that I won't have an issue with the photo/video taking capabilities.
