Reading Time: 6 minutes | Updated: January 2026

Phonak has once again raised the bar in hearing technology with its latest Infinio Ultra platform. But within this new family, two distinct models are vying for your attention: the Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra R and the Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra Sphere. While both are built on the same powerful foundation, they are designed for very different users. One is a discreet, all-day powerhouse, while the other is a specialized AI-driven marvel for conquering noisy environments.

This article will break down the key differences to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We'll compare them on performance, battery life, sound processing, and AI features, and explain what each feature means for you in the real world.

The Core Difference: The DEEPSONIC AI Chip

The main distinction between the Infinio Ultra and the Ultra Sphere is the presence of the DEEPSONIC AI chip in the Sphere model. This dedicated processor is a game-changer for anyone who struggles to hear in noisy environments.

Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra R: The Discreet All-Rounder

The standard Infinio Ultra R is a fantastic hearing aid for a wide range of users. It's built on the new Infinio platform and features the latest AutoSense OS 7.0, which is 24% more accurate at detecting your listening environment. This means the hearing aid automatically and seamlessly adjusts to deliver the best sound quality, whether you're in a quiet room, on a bustling street, or listening to music.

Real-World Impact: For most everyday situations, the Infinio Ultra R is more than capable. It offers excellent sound quality, long battery life, and a discreet design. If you spend most of your time in relatively quiet environments, this is an excellent choice.

Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra Sphere: The AI-Powered Noise Conqueror

The Ultra Sphere takes everything great about the Ultra R and adds the DEEPSONIC AI chip. This dedicated processor runs Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0, a powerful AI algorithm trained on over 22 million sound samples. This allows the Ultra Sphere to do something truly remarkable: separate speech from noise in real time, from any direction.

Real-World Impact: If you frequently find yourself in noisy restaurants, crowded family gatherings, or any situation where multiple people are talking at once, the Ultra Sphere is a revelation. It reduces listening effort by 35% and makes you 3x more likely to understand every word. It's like having a superpower for your ears.

Performance and Sound Quality: A Tale of Two Brains

While both models share the same core platform, the DEEPSONIC chip in the Ultra Sphere gives it a significant advantage in complex listening situations.

Feature	Infinio Ultra R	Infinio Ultra Sphere
AutoSense OS 7.0	Yes (24% more accurate )	Yes (24% more accurate)
DEEPSONIC AI Chip	No	Yes
Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0	No	Yes
Speech from any direction	Standard directional mics	360° AI-powered
Listening effort reduction	Standard	35% reduction

What Does This Mean for You?

The technology behind these hearing aids is impressive, but what really matters is how it affects your daily life. Here's a breakdown of what each feature means in practice:

Feature	What It Does	Real-World Impact
AutoSense OS 7.0	Automatically detects your environment and adjusts settings. Recognizes 18x more sound scenarios.	You never have to manually change programs. The hearing aid does the work for you, seamlessly transitioning from quiet to noisy environments.
DEEPSONIC AI Chip	A dedicated processor that separates speech from noise in real time using AI trained on 22 million sound samples.	In a noisy restaurant, you can focus on the person speaking to you, even if they're not directly in front of you. Conversations become effortless.
Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0	Extracts, enhances, and integrates speech from any direction.	You can follow a conversation at a dinner table, even when multiple people are talking at once. You're 3x more likely to understand every word.
EasyGuard System	A sealed membrane that protects the receiver from earwax.	Less maintenance, fewer service visits (up to 38% reduction), and more reliable performance over time.

Battery Life and Size: A Clear Trade-Off

This is where the choice between the two models becomes most apparent. While the 'Ultra' update is a firmware change that doesn't alter the physical device, there is a size difference between the base models. The extra processing power of the DEEPSONIC chip in the Ultra Sphere requires a slightly larger casing to accommodate the additional hardware.

Feature	Infinio Ultra R	Infinio Ultra Sphere
Max Battery Life	Up to 31 hours	Up to 56 hours (standard use)
Battery with Sphere Mode Active	N/A	Minimum 16 hours (with 3 hrs SSC 2.0 + 5 hrs streaming)
Size	Standard RIC (more discreet)	Larger RIC (to accommodate DEEPSONIC chip)

Key Insight: The Ultra Sphere actually has a longer maximum battery life (56 hours) than the Ultra R (31 hours) when used in standard mode. However, when the powerful Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 mode is engaged in noisy environments, battery consumption increases. The good news is that the Ultra update improved this significantly—you can now get a full day of use (minimum 16 hours) even with heavy use of the AI features.

Quick Decision Guide: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose This Model...	If You...
Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra R	Prioritize a discreet design, spend most of your time in less noisy environments, and want a reliable all-rounder at a lower price point.
Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra Sphere	Frequently find yourself in noisy restaurants, group conversations, or other challenging listening situations and want the absolute best speech clarity available.