In recent years, Asus’ smartphone offering featured a regular Zenfone and the gaming-centric ROG Phone. Next year, they are expected to launch the Zenfone 11 and the ROG Phone 8 series. However, 2024 could also see Asus switch its strategy by introducing an Ultra device in the former lineup while dropping the compact version, at least based on a new listing.
Spotted in the Bluetooth SIG’s certification (via My Smart Price), Asus is working on multiple smartphones, including the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, or the successor to the ROG Phone 7 (review). What was surprising was the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s appearance in the list as well, which we only heard of for the very first time. This also marked the first related information about the range.
While there’s no definite conclusion to be made based on the new name, it does depict the Ultra shares the same model number as the ROG Phone 8 series, that is,ASUS_AI2401. The primary difference would be how the Zenfone 11 Ultra uses H as a model identifier instead of A, C, D, E, and F for the two gaming models.
Will the Zenfone 11 Ultra bring a bigger display and better specifications?
If there’s anything we can make from this, though, it’s possible the Zenfone 11 Ultra may also share some key specifications with the ROG Phone 8 as well, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a massive battery, and memory configuration. It could also mean Asus is departing from the Zenfone 10’s (review) compact form factor as suggested by the Ultra moniker in the past. However, we don’t rule out that two Zenfone 11 models can exist side-by-side.
At the moment, the Zenfone 10 sports a 5.9-inch OLED panel, which is relatively one of the smallest options in the market. With the Zenfone 11 Ultra, we might see Asus increase the viewing estate north of the sub-7-inch territory that is comparable to the likes of the Galaxy S23 Ultra (review) or iPhone 15 Pro Max (review). Then again, the Ultra may end up being nothing more than having beefed-up internal hardware.
There is no word on the specific timetable of when the ROG Phone 8 and Zenfone 11 Ultra will be announced. However, Asus had already begun to tease its next-generation gaming catalog, which reveals an imminent launch and shows an overhauled design for the camera housing. It’s unknown whether the Ultra will feature a similar exterior. What do you think?
Would it be logical for Asus to offer a bigger Zenfone model? We look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section.
