Honor Magic4 Pro vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: A Deep Dive
Let's dissect these two intriguing smartphones, the Honor Magic4 Pro and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, going beyond the spec sheet to understand what they truly offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor Magic4 Pro | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.7 x 9.1 mm, 209g | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm, 224g | Zenfone 11 Ultra slightly wider and heavier; Magic4 Pro noticeably lighter for more comfortable one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Significantly improved scratch and drop resistance on the Zenfone 11 Ultra. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference; both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1312 x 2848 | 1080 x 2400 | Magic4 Pro boasts significantly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density (460 ppi vs. 388 ppi). |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors, with AMOLED potentially having a slight edge in power efficiency and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra dramatically brighter, ensuring exceptional outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Zenfone 11 Ultra significantly faster and more power-efficient thanks to the newer generation processor. |
| AnTuTu | 945,832 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers a substantial performance boost in benchmarks, translating to smoother multitasking and superior gaming capabilities. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more RAM, enabling seamless multitasking and handling of demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX890 | Comparable main camera performance expected, but real-world image quality will depend on processing. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Different approaches to telephoto; Honor opts for higher resolution, Asus for potentially improved low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 50MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Honor offers a much higher resolution ultrawide, capturing more detail. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra capable of recording in higher resolution (8K), but 4K@60fps is likely more practical for most users. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra boasts significantly larger battery capacity, promising longer usage time. |
| Charging | 100W Wired, 100W Wireless | 65W Wired, 15W Wireless | Honor charges significantly faster wired, but Asus offers a more powerful reverse wireless charging capability. |
2. Key Insights
The Zenfone 11 Ultra clearly leads in raw performance, display brightness, battery capacity, and build quality. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, brighter display, and larger battery provide a tangible advantage in speed, outdoor usability, and longevity.
The Magic4 Pro, however, holds its own with a sharper display, faster wired charging, and arguably a more versatile camera system with its higher-resolution ultrawide and dedicated periscope telephoto lens. Its lighter weight might also appeal to some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Zenfone 11 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, and those who prioritize performance, future-proofing, a robust build and exceptional battery life. The brighter display is a boon for outdoor use.
Magic4 Pro: A compelling choice for photography enthusiasts, users seeking a lighter phone, and those who value a sharper display and incredibly fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What matters most? Raw performance and longevity, or a sharper display, lighter weight, and faster charging?
- What's your budget? Pricing will likely be a key factor in the decision-making process.
- What's your typical usage? Heavy gaming and media consumption would favor the Zenfone, while photography and portability might tilt the scales towards the Magic4 Pro.
My Choice: While both phones have compelling features, I would lean towards the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The significant performance leap with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, combined with the brighter display for outdoor use, larger battery, and more robust build, outweighs the advantages of the Magic4 Pro for my personal needs. The future-proofing offered by the newer chipset and the potential for longer software support also makes it a more compelling long-term investment. While I appreciate the faster wired charging of the Magic4 Pro, the overall package of the Zenfone 11 Ultra resonates more with my priorities as a tech enthusiast who values performance, longevity, and a great user experience.
