How does the Zenfone 11 Ultra's low-light performance stack up against other phones in its price range

Low-Light Performance Overview

1. Main Camera:
- The main camera captures images with plenty of detail and minimal noise, which is impressive for low-light conditions. It features automatic night mode processing that enhances image quality without significant loss of detail[1][5].
- The camera offers two exposure modes: a short and a long exposure, with the latter sometimes requiring up to seven seconds for capture. While this can yield better results, the improvements are often marginal[1].

2. Telephoto and Ultrawide Cameras:
- The telephoto camera performs well in low light, producing clear images with accurate colors and minimal noise[1]. However, it does struggle slightly with detail retention in very dim conditions[6].
- The ultrawide camera is less impressive, showing some limitations in low-light scenarios. While it can produce decent images, they often lack the same level of detail as those from the main camera, and colors may appear oversaturated[1][5].

3. Selfie Camera:
- The low-light selfies taken with the Zenfone 11 Ultra are generally good, although they may appear somewhat processed. They maintain detail and natural skin tones, making them suitable for social media sharing[1].

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other smartphones in its price range:

- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: While both phones offer solid performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra tends to have superior low-light capabilities due to more advanced camera algorithms and hardware. This makes it a better choice for users who prioritize photography in challenging lighting conditions[4].

- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Known for its exceptional computational photography, the Pixel 8 Pro outshines the Zenfone 11 Ultra in low-light scenarios. It consistently produces clearer images with better dynamic range and color accuracy in dark environments[6].

- OnePlus 11: This phone competes closely with the Zenfone 11 Ultra but generally offers slightly better low-light performance due to its effective noise reduction techniques and image processing capabilities[6].

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a solid low-light performance, particularly for its price point. It excels with its main camera but shows some weaknesses with the ultrawide lens and under certain conditions with the telephoto lens. Users looking for a capable all-rounder may find it satisfactory, but those specifically seeking top-tier low-light photography might want to consider alternatives like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro for better results in challenging lighting situations.