Exploring Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra ZU680KL Specs Prices and More

Design and Build

The Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra ZU680KL is a testament to Asus's commitment to combining stylish design with functionality. The device has dimensions of 186.4 x 93.9 x 6.8 mm, which makes it relatively large, catering to users who prefer phablets. The slim profile, at just 6.8 mm thick, is quite impressive given the device’s large battery capacity. It weighs 233 grams, which is substantial but expected for a device of this size and feature set.

The construction material provides a premium feel, crucial for users who consider aesthetics just as important as performance. The options for color finishes include Glacier Silver, Titanium Gray, and Metallic Pink, ensuring that the device can appeal to a wide range of personal styles. The build also incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which offers enhanced protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the Zenfone 3 Ultra is its enormous 6.8-inch IPS LCD display. This display size makes it ideal for media consumption and productivity tasks. It offers a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 16:9 ratio and a pixel density of approximately 324 ppi. While not the sharpest available, the display quality is more than sufficient for everyday use, providing vibrant colors and good viewing angles.

The large screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which ensures durability. Asus has achieved a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.8%, giving users ample screen space in relation to the device’s overall size. This makes the Zenfone 3 Ultra not just a phone, but a portable media center.

Performance

The Zenfone 3 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 chipset, a popular choice for mid-range devices at the time of its release. The chipset integrates an Octa-core processor, consisting of 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 and 4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, which provides a balance between performance and power efficiency. The Adreno 510 GPU complements the CPU, ensuring smooth graphics rendering for most applications and games available during the device’s active periods.

This handset came with various configurations of RAM and internal storage: 3GB RAM with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and a 4GB RAM variant paired with 128GB of storage. It also supports expandable storage with a microSDXC card, though it shares the SIM slot, which users must consider if they need the dual-SIM functionality.

Camera Capabilities

The Zenfone 3 Ultra offers a robust camera experience with its 23 MP main camera. It features a f/2.0 aperture, 1/2.6" sensor size, and 1.0µm pixel size. Advanced technologies like phase detection autofocus (PDAF), laser autofocus, and a 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) provide users with excellent tools to capture detailed and clear images even in challenging conditions.

Additional features include a dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes, which enrich the overall photography experience. The camera can record videos in 1080p at 30fps, ensuring good video quality. For selfie enthusiasts, the device has an 8 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of the same 1080p video recording.

Battery Life

The Zenfone 3 Ultra houses a mighty 4600 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, one of the major selling points of the device. This large capacity lends itself to excellent battery life, catering well to users who need a device that lasts throughout the day with active use. With an advertised talk time of up to 34 hours on 3G, the Zenfone 3 Ultra stands out in terms of endurance.

Charging is efficient thanks to Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing the device to reach 60% in just 45 minutes with the included 18W wired charger. This feature reduces the downtime required for charging, which is beneficial for users on the go.

Software and Features

Out of the box, the Zenfone 3 Ultra runs Android 6.1 Marshmallow with Asus’s proprietary ZenUI 3.0 on top. ZenUI is known for its customization options and additional features, which enhance user experience beyond the stock Android offering. Although it doesn't launch with the latest Android version, the UI tweaks by Asus help in optimizing the device for daily use.

The phone is equipped with a range of sensors including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors enhance the interactivity and usability of the device, providing more than just basic smartphone functionalities.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra is well-equipped. It supports a variety of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with bands that cater to global usage. Speed capabilities on LTE are marked at Cat6 300/50 Mbps, providing fast internet services where available.

Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, EDR, and LE for efficient wireless communication, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port ensuring fast data transfer and charging capabilities. Although it lacks NFC, it includes GPS, GLONASS, BDS for navigation, FM radio, and supports USB OTG.

Audio and Multimedia

The Zenfone 3 Ultra does not cut corners with multimedia capabilities. It incorporates dual speakers for enhanced stereo sound which is essential for media consumption. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a significant inclusion, as it allows users to use traditional wired headphones without the need for an adapter.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra ZU680KL is a compelling phablet option that was well-regarded for its high-capacity battery, expansive display, and capable performance when it was released. Although the device has since been discontinued, it remains a solid option for users who value screen size and battery life, along with decent camera capabilities and expandable storage options.

Overall, this device was positioned as a multimedia powerhouse within the mid-range segment, appealing particularly to users who enjoy viewing content on a larger screen without sacrificing too much in terms of portability and elegance.