1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is noticeably larger, potentially harder to use one-handed and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 224g | iPhone 12 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 388 PPI | iPhone 12 displays finer details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra is much more visible under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and future-proofs the device. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is noticeably faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier performance in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra handles multitasking and memory-intensive apps much more smoothly. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. iPhone 12 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance, with Zenfone having a slightly wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5 | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra allows recording at a higher resolution. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 127, Video: 130) | 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Zenfone 11 Ultra scores higher overall and in photo, iPhone 12 has better video. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless, 7.5W Qi wireless | 65W wired, 15W wireless, 10W reverse wired | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster and can charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Different user experiences; iOS known for simplicity and ecosystem integration, Android for customization. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is future-proofed with the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better connectivity with newer devices and more codec support. |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB | 256/512GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers larger storage options for media and apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Security | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Asus offers biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, better for one-handed use.
- Higher Pixel Density: Slightly sharper display.
- Stronger Video Performance: According to DXOMark, the iPhone 12 has a superior video performance for its mobile camera.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging ecosystem.
- iOS Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Larger Display with Higher Refresh Rate: More immersive viewing experience and smoother animations.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer chipset and more RAM result in snappier performance.
- Better Battery Life and Faster Charging: Lasts longer and charges quicker.
- Telephoto Lens: Greater camera versatility with optical zoom.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for future-proofed connectivity.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Enhanced security.
- Reverse Wired Charging: Can be used as a power bank for other devices.
Trade-offs:
- The Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and heavier, sacrificing portability for a larger screen and battery.
- The iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display but a much lower refresh rate, resulting in less smooth animations.
- The iPhone 12 offers MagSafe, while Zenfone 11 Ultra has faster charging.
- The iPhone 12 has better video performance but the Zenfone has more versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Someone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, who values portability and ease of use over raw performance and battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, primarily focused on calls, messages, and social media.
- Users who prioritize seamless integration with other Apple devices (MacBooks, iPads, AirPods).
- Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Gamers, media consumers, and power users who prioritize performance, battery life, and a large, smooth display.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high refresh rate and powerful processor.
- Watching videos and movies on the large, bright display.
- Users who need all-day battery life and fast charging.
- Photographers who want a versatile camera system.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra likely offers better value for its price, considering its newer technology, significantly better performance, and larger feature set. However, this depends on the pricing of each device in the specific market and user preferences.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- What is your priority: Portability or a Larger Screen and Longer Battery Life? If portability is key, the iPhone 12 is better. If you value a larger screen and battery life, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better choice.
- Are you deeply invested in the Apple Ecosystem? If so, the iPhone 12 offers seamless integration. If you are platform-agnostic or prefer Android customization, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a better fit.
- How important is Gaming and Media Consumption to you? If gaming and watching videos are priorities, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's higher refresh rate and larger display make it a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User:
- Recommendation: iPhone 12. Its ease of use, smaller size, and integration with the Apple ecosystem are ideal for basic smartphone tasks.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The high refresh rate display, powerful processor, and ample RAM provide a superior gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: Power User Needing Long Battery Life:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The large battery and fast charging ensure you can go all day without worrying about running out of power.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I appreciate the iPhone 12's portability, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a much more compelling package overall. The significantly better performance, larger and smoother display, longer battery life, and more versatile camera system outweigh the benefits of the smaller size and iOS ecosystem integration. As someone who frequently consumes media, plays games, and values battery life, the Zenfone 11 Ultra better aligns with my usage patterns.
