The Curious Pairing Of Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro And Zenfone 12 Ultra

Forbes - Feb 16th, 2025
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Asus has released its new Zenfone 12 Ultra, complementing the gaming-centric ROG Phone 9 Pro, as part of a strategy to target different market segments with nearly identical hardware. Both phones share high-end specifications, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, substantial RAM and storage, and impressive camera systems. The Zenfone 12 Ultra, however, omits certain gaming-centric features like the Airtrigger shoulder buttons and additional USB port, making it a more consumer-friendly flagship while still capable of handling high-performance tasks. This dual-release strategy allows Asus to cater to both gaming enthusiasts and everyday smartphone users, providing a tailored user experience through software customization.

The significance of this approach lies in Asus' ability to maintain a common hardware base while differentiating the devices through software and minor component adjustments. The Zenfone 12 Ultra offers a clean Android experience with optional AI enhancements for photography and video, distinguishing it from the gaming-focused ROG Phone 9 Pro. However, a notable downside of the Asus lineup is the limited commitment to software updates, with only two years promised, which falls short compared to competitors offering longer support. This aspect may affect consumer perception of the brand's longevity and value proposition in a competitive market.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra and ROG Phone 9 Pro, focusing on their specifications and market positioning. It is accurate in detailing the technical aspects of the phones, though some claims, particularly regarding Android updates and market impact, require further verification. The article is well-structured and clear, appealing to tech enthusiasts and potential buyers with its timely content. However, it lacks transparency in source attribution and could benefit from more balanced perspectives, especially concerning consumer disadvantages. While the article is informative, its potential for controversy and broader public impact is limited, catering primarily to a niche audience interested in high-performance smartphones.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed comparison of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, focusing on their specifications and market positioning. Most of the factual claims about the specifications, such as RAM, storage, chipset, and camera details, align well with the known data about these devices. For instance, the article correctly states that both phones use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and have similar camera setups. However, the claim about the release dates and the commitment to Android updates needs verification, as these are crucial for assessing the longevity and market impact of the devices. The mention of the Zenfone 12 Ultra's software customization and AI features also aligns with typical smartphone offerings, although specific user feedback would further validate these claims.

7
Balance

The article maintains a relatively balanced perspective by discussing both the strengths and potential drawbacks of Asus' strategy. It highlights the similarities and differences between the two phones, providing a fair assessment of their market positioning. However, the article leans slightly towards emphasizing the innovative aspects of Asus' approach without equally exploring the potential consumer disadvantages, such as the limited Android update policy. This could lead to a perception of favoritism towards Asus' strategy without fully considering alternative viewpoints or consumer concerns.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the information. It logically compares the two phones, making it easy for readers to understand the differences and similarities. The use of subheadings and a consistent format helps maintain clarity throughout the article. However, the inclusion of unrelated content, such as references to 'SNL 50: The Anniversary Special' and 'Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King,' detracts from the overall clarity and focus of the piece.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. While the technical specifications and features discussed are consistent with known data about these devices, the lack of direct attribution to authoritative sources like Asus' official announcements or expert reviews limits the ability to fully trust the claims. The disclaimer about receiving a device for evaluation suggests potential bias, which should be considered when assessing the source quality.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of source attribution and the basis for some of its claims, such as market impact and consumer preferences. The inclusion of a disclaimer about receiving a device for evaluation is a positive aspect, as it discloses a potential conflict of interest. However, the article would benefit from more explicit explanations of how conclusions about market strategies and consumer benefits were reached. Providing context or methodology for these assessments would enhance transparency and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Asus-ROG-Phone-9-Pro,Asus-Zenfone-12-Ultra/phones/12479,12616
  2. https://beamstart.com/news/the-curious-pairing-of-asus-17397097695973
  3. https://nanoreview.net/en/phone-compare/asus-zenfone-12-ultra-vs-asus-rog-phone-9-pro
  4. https://rog.asus.com/phones/rog-phone-9-pro/
  5. https://www.gsmarena.com/asus_rog_phone_9_pro-13469.php