A certification body from Indonesia indicates that a Zenfone 11 Ultra will be launched in 2024 as the successor to the Zenfone 10.
Last year, Asus supposedly discontinued the Zenfone series and shifted staff towards its ROG segment, as media reports claimed in 2023, but what has now surfaced at a certification authority does not fit into this picture at all. Apparently, Asus is planning an Ultra Zenfone phone for 2024.
Could Asus' PR department have been right in denying the end of Zenfone? Normally, such statements from PR departments are not necessarily always credible, as proven by the example of LG shortly before the official discontinuation of its smartphone division. What was recently discovered in Indonesia certainly speaks for the continuation of the Zenfone brand, even with potentially several models.
A new Asus smartphone, model number AI2401_H, recently surfaced at the Indonesian certification authority (see screenshot below), which is listed there by name. The Asus smartphone appears to be called "Zenfone 11 Ultra" and will be launched on the market soon, at least in Indonesia. The name is exciting because the existence of a Zenfone 11 Ultra at least also points to a regular Zenfone 11 as the successor to the Zenfone 10 from last year.
It is still unclear whether Asus will stick to the current compact phone design or abandon the mini phones in favor of larger display diagonals, similar to Apple after the iPhone 13 mini. Asus has always been willing to try out new form factors in the past, especially with the earlier Zenfones with a flip camera. Unfortunately, apart from the name and model number, the certification body does not provide any further details, such as technical data. On the other hand, it can be assumed that Asus will install a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 here, especially in the Ultra model.
Reactions and Assessments
Upon discovering the certification for the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation and curiosity. The unexpected revelation challenges the earlier reports of Asus discontinuing the Zenfone series, leaving tech enthusiasts eager to see what the company has in store for the successor to the Zenfone 10.
The skepticism raised by Asus' PR department denial of the Zenfone's demise is now met with intrigue. The Indonesian certification adds a layer of credibility to the possibility of a new Zenfone lineup, potentially debunking the premature rumors of its discontinuation.
The emergence of model number AI2401_H at the certification authority sparks discussions about the features and design of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. The name itself suggests a leap in numerical progression, hinting at a regular Zenfone 11 as well. This raises questions about Asus' design choices, particularly regarding the phone's size and display characteristics.
As Asus has a history of experimenting with innovative form factors, the uncertainty surrounding the compact phone design or a shift towards larger displays adds an element of unpredictability to the upcoming Zenfone lineup. Comparisons to Apple's decisions with the iPhone 13 mini showcase the dynamic nature of the smartphone market and the need for manufacturers to adapt.
While the certification provides a glimpse of the device's existence, the lack of detailed technical information leaves room for speculation. However, the assumption that Asus might opt for a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Ultra model hints at a commitment to delivering high-performance devices to the market.
As the tech community eagerly awaits official announcements from Asus, the certification revelation serves as a reminder that the smartphone landscape is ever-evolving, with manufacturers continuously striving to surprise and impress consumers with cutting-edge technology.
