Robert Triggs from Android Authority discusses the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, noting that while rumors of the Zenfone line’s demise last year were proven wrong, the new model still feels different from its predecessor, the Zenfone 10. Resembling the ROG Phone 8 Pro, both internally and externally, the Zenfone 11 Ultra has received mixed reactions from users.
Triggs highlights that despite the impressive features and positive reviews, ASUS faces challenges in terms of distribution and availability. Without strong partnerships with carriers and stores, the Zenfone struggles to reach a wider audience in the US market. Limited availability and delayed shipping dates hinder the Zenfone’s ability to compete with popular flagship phones like iPhones and Galaxies.
Although the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers compelling features such as back-tap gestures, a triple camera setup, and AI enhancements, its success is hampered by availability issues. Triggs suggests that ASUS may be considering a more mainstream approach going forward, potentially incorporating design elements from the ROG series while focusing on glass materials and advanced camera technology to attract a broader audience.
Despite concerns about the Zenfone’s future, Triggs believes that the Zenfone 11 Ultra, priced competitively at $899, offers strong performance and features that warrant consideration. While the shift away from a compact form factor may disappoint some users, the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s impressive display, fast charging, and versatile cameras make it a compelling choice in its price range.
Triggs concludes by speculating that ASUS may still release a compact Zenfone 11 model in the future, as the Zenfone 10 is still relatively new. The Ultra moniker suggests the possibility of multiple models in the Zenfone series, catering to different preferences.