May 22, 2025
12 Best Zoom Camera Phones We Tested in 2025 (Expert Pick)
Smartphone photography has hit a turning point in 2025. Zoom capabilities are now the new battleground for manufacturers. Main camera sensors have almost reached their size limit—hitting the 1" to 1/1.3" ceiling for modern smartphones. This makes telephoto cameras the next frontier for innovation.
Advanced zoom has become significant this year because it offers versatility and image quality that pocket-sized devices couldn't achieve before.
Optical vs. Digital: Why It Matters
Photography enthusiasts need to understand the key difference between these zoom types:
Optical zoom uses physical lens adjustments to magnify images without quality loss and keeps full resolution and detail
Digital zoom just crops and enlarges parts of images, which leads to reduced sharpness and pixelation
Optical zoom keeps image quality intact even during zoom, creating photos that stay crisp and detailed. These photos work great for large prints or digital displays. This basic difference explains why companies invest heavily in optical zoom technology.
The Periscope Revolution
Periscope and folded zoom technology changed everything by bending light 90 degrees like a periscope. This clever design allows longer focal lengths to fit horizontally without making phones thicker. Now high-magnification telephoto cameras fit easily in slim devices.
Today's flagship phones show amazing progress. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra pairs a 200MP main sensor with dual telephoto lenses. Some brands push even further—Honor uses a massive 180MP periscope to capture razor-sharp 2.5× to 5× shots.
Why Professional Photographers Are Taking Notice
Telephoto cameras do more than just zoom in on distant subjects:
They create better portraits with compressed backgrounds and less subject distortion
Natural bokeh effects come from shallow depth of field
Low-light performance beats earlier zoom systems
Optical zoom also maintains dynamic range that digital crops can't match. No wonder photographers now see smartphones as legitimate tools rather than just convenient gadgets.
The Practical Impact
Optical zoom stands out as one of the most exciting changes in smartphone camera technology. Most phones still use fixed focal length telephoto lenses instead of true variable optical zoom. Sony Xperia 1 V breaks this trend with its 3.5-5.2x movable periscope lens. Manufacturers blend great hardware with computational photography to create amazing results.
Looking for the best zoom camera phone in 2025? Focus on devices with true optical zoom capabilities. They'll give you sharper, cleaner images with details that digital zoom just can't match.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Image Source: Samsung
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra sits at the top of their 2025 lineup. This device shows what's possible in smartphone zoom photography. The titanium-framed powerhouse blends refined hardware with innovative technology to deliver exceptional telephoto performance.
Galaxy S25 Ultra zoom performance
The S25 Ultra features an impressive zoom system that combines hardware excellence and computational photography:
Optical Zoom: Native 3x and 5x optical zoom capabilities
Optical Quality Zoom: 2x and 10x zoom levels with near-optical clarity
Digital Zoom: Extends up to an astounding 100x Space Zoom
Real-life tests show the S25 Ultra delivers reliable image quality at close and medium ranges. Long-range photography is where it really shines, capturing remarkable detail in bright conditions. Noise becomes more noticeable in low light situations, but remains manageable compared to previous generations.
Galaxy S25 Ultra camera specs
Samsung's most advanced camera system to date includes:
Main Camera: 200MP wide-angle with f/1.7 aperture and OIS
Ultra-Wide: New 50MP sensor (upgraded from 12MP) with f/1.9 aperture
Telephoto 1: 10MP with 3x optical zoom, f/2.4 aperture
Telephoto 2: 50MP periscope with 5x optical zoom, f/3.4 aperture
Selfie Camera: 12MP with f/2.2 aperture
The new 50MP ultra-wide camera captures 4x more detail than its predecessor. This makes it great for landscape photography and group shots.
Galaxy S25 Ultra AI photo tools
Samsung's ProVisual Engine brings powerful AI capabilities:
Best Face: Captures multiple frames so you can choose the best facial expression for each person in group photos
Camera AI: Optimizes colors, contrast, and clarity automatically
Photo Assist: Gives real-time suggestions for composition, lighting, and filters
Object Eraser: Removes unwanted elements from photos accurately
Audio Eraser: Controls background noise levels in videos by filtering out wind, voices, or crowd noise
The S25 Ultra also has advanced editing features like Enhance-X that improves image quality by reducing noise and sharpening details.
Galaxy S25 Ultra best use case
The Galaxy S25 Ultra excels as the perfect phone for:
Wildlife and sports photography: Exceptional long-range zoom performance captures distant subjects clearly
Low-light photography: Nightography capabilities produce bright, detailed images even in challenging lighting
Professional content creation: Pro Mode gives you full manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and exposure
All-day shooting sessions: The 5000mAh battery lasts up to 31 hours of video playback, so you won't miss important moments
Samsung's most complete offering yet delivers the ultimate zoom camera phone that excels in virtually all photography scenarios.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Image Source: Apple
Apple brings the sought-after 5x tetraprism zoom technology to both Pro models in its flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max. This represents a fundamental change from 2023 when all but one of these Pro variants had this feature.
iPhone 16 Pro Max zoom capabilities
The zoom system on iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers excellent range without quality loss:
5x Telephoto camera: A 12MP sensor with f/2.8 aperture and 120mm equivalent focal length powers the zoom
Tetraprism design: Light reflects four times through folded glass to extend focal length while keeping the phone slim
Optical zoom range: You get 5x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, creating a 10x optical zoom range
Digital zoom: The range extends to 25x for long-distance shots
Image quality varies between the primary and tele camera modules at middle zoom ranges. The detail drops noticeably when zooming past 2x until the tele camera kicks in at 5x, unlike competitors that use super-resolution algorithms.
iPhone 16 Pro Max camera features
The camera system comes with major upgrades:
48MP Fusion main camera: The f/1.78 aperture pairs with second-generation sensor-shift stabilization
Upgraded Ultra-Wide: The resolution jumps to 48MP from 12MP, letting you take super-high-resolution photos with better macro shots
Camera Control button: A physical button clicks mechanically for quick camera access and easy adjustments
HDR excellence: The phone scores best results yet in color, showing wider dynamic range with minimal ghosting
The Fusion Camera lets you switch between 28mm and 35mm equivalent focal lengths. Photographers often use this standard focal length range.
iPhone 16 Pro Max video quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads video rankings with these cutting-edge features:
4K 120fps Dolby Vision: No other phone matches this resolution and frame rate combo
Exceptional low-light video: The phone captures clear, detailed footage in dark conditions better than any other device
Audio improvements: Four studio-quality mics reduce noise floor and wind noise while capturing Spatial Audio
Professional options: You can record ProRes Log up to 4K at 120fps with external recording
Tests show the best texture-to-noise balance of any tested device, with great exposure and color accuracy in all recording conditions.
iPhone 16 Pro Max best use case
The iPhone 16 Pro Max shines in these scenarios:
Portrait photography: Professional portrait work benefits from excellent skin tones and sharp face detail
Action photography: Zero shutter lag helps capture instant shots of sports and wildlife
Cinematic videography: Filmmakers love the mix of 4K 120fps, adjustable playback speeds, and pro color options
Macro photography: The 48MP Ultra Wide captures stunning detail in close-up shots
The phone lacks variable aperture found in some competing devices. This limits depth-of-field control when shooting subjects at different distances, like group portraits.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Image Source: GSMArena.com
Google's computational photography expertise makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL stand out with zoom capabilities matching dedicated cameras. This flagship device combines advanced hardware with sophisticated AI to create what could be 2025's most versatile zoom camera phone.
Pixel 9 Pro XL zoom range
The Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers remarkable zoom performance at multiple focal lengths:
5x optical zoom through a dedicated 48MP telephoto camera with optical stabilization
Super Res Zoom technology extending up to 30x digital zoom
"Optical quality" results at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x zoom levels
The 5x telephoto lens creates images with exceptional detail and sharpness in real-life testing. The phone's computational photography enables what Google calls "optical quality" at 10x zoom, producing results that match actual 10x optical cameras. Details stay significantly clearer than previous generations even at maximum 30x zoom.
Pixel 9 Pro XL AI editing tools
The Pixel 9 Pro XL brings several game-changing AI photography features:
Magic Editor with Reimagine - You can modify photos using text prompts to turn brown grass green or add starry skies
Add Me - Combines two separate photos to include the photographer in group shots
Auto Frame - Suggests optimal cropping and expands image boundaries using generative AI
Video Boost - Works while zooming and enhances detail with smooth transitions between lenses
These tools turn the editing experience from technical adjustments into creative exploration. The upgraded Video Boost processes twice as fast as before and upscales footage to 8K resolution.
Pixel 9 Pro XL camera specs
The triple camera array has:
Main: 50MP Octa PD wide camera with 1/1.31" sensor, f/1.7 aperture, OIS
Ultrawide: 48MP Quad PD with 1/2.55" sensor, f/1.7 aperture, 123° field of view
Telephoto: 48MP Quad PD with 1/2.55" sensor, f/2.8 aperture, OIS
Selfie: 42MP front camera with 103° field of view
Google's updated HDR+ pipeline benefits all cameras by delivering accurate skin tones, better exposure, sharper details, and improved tone mapping.
Pixel 9 Pro XL best use case
The Pixel 9 Pro XL shows its true potential in these scenarios:
Low-light photography - Colors and dynamic range shine even in challenging lighting conditions
Creative photography - AI tools let you express artistic vision without advanced editing skills
Portrait photography - Face exposure, colors, and skin tones make it one of the best devices to capture people
Video creation - Video Boost Night Sight transforms dark scenes into bright, detailed footage
Photographers who value computational breakthroughs and reliable zoom performance will find the Pixel 9 Pro XL to be Google's most sophisticated camera system yet.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Image Source: XiaomiTime
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra sets new standards in smartphone photography with its revolutionary 200MP periscope telephoto lens that expands mobile imaging possibilities.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra zoom sharpness
The device's zoom capabilities shine through its powerful 200MP ultra telephoto camera with a 100mm equivalent focal length:
4.3x optical zoom featuring f/2.6 aperture and OIS that delivers steady shots
Exceptional detail when zooming between 1-10x in good light
Digital zoom reaches up to 120x magnification
The phone earned DXOMARK's highest tele zoom score yet, surpassing other flagship devices at long-range settings. A closer look reveals crisp details with minimal noise under bright lighting conditions.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra sensor size
The camera system features robust imaging hardware:
Main camera: 1-inch type Sony LYT-900 sensor with fixed f/1.63 aperture
Ultra-wide: 50MP sensor with 13mm equivalent focal length
Short telephoto: 50MP sensor with 70mm equivalent focal length (3x zoom)
Long telephoto: 200MP 1/1.4-inch type sensor (4.3x zoom)
These large sensors create natural depth-of-field effects without heavy computational processing.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra low-light zoom
Note that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers exceptional results in challenging light:
Night shots shine with both telephoto lenses
Warm white balance pairs with smart noise reduction in dim conditions
Wide dynamic range captures both shadow and highlight details
The periscope camera needs steady hands but rewards users with remarkable clarity in low light.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra best use case
The device particularly excels in these scenarios:
Portrait photography: Both 70mm and 100mm focal lengths capture stunning portraits with lifelike skin textures
Macro photography: The 3x telephoto focuses as close as 8.5cm
Low-light photography: Results look natural with film-like grain instead of digital artifacts
Concert/sports photography: Long-range zoom captures distant subjects clearly
Photographers who need versatility from 14mm to 200mm without quality compromise will find the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's camera system among the most comprehensive available today.
OnePlus 13
Image Source: Yahoo
The OnePlus 13 stands out with its incredible action photography features. This phone ranks among the best zoom camera phones you can buy. When you combine its 3x optical zoom with advanced processing, you get amazing results for both still and moving subjects.
OnePlus 13 action zoom shots
The OnePlus 13 brings several game-changing features to capture motion:
Clear Burst: Uses dual exposure algorithm to shoot multiple high-quality images per second
Action Mode: Bumps viewfinder from 30FPS to 60FPS for perfectly timed shots
Dual Exposure: Combines long and short exposures simultaneously for crisp action with wide dynamic range
Recent tests against the Pixel 9 Pro show that the OnePlus 13's action mode captures sharp, clear images of moving subjects at 3x zoom. The phone performs well even in dark conditions, where it can capture detailed shots of rolling bowling balls or kids jumping around.
OnePlus 13 Hasselblad tuning
The OnePlus 13 features the company's 5th-generation Hasselblad Camera system with advanced color science that creates a unique look. This partnership delivers:
Hasselblad Portrait Mode with improved subject separation
Master Mode with manual control over tint, contrast, saturation, and vignetting
XPan Mode that captures panoramic 65:24 images with a single click
The Hasselblad tuning produces photos with richer contrast than other Android phones, which gives them a professional, cinema-like quality.
OnePlus 13 camera specs
A powerful triple 50MP camera array sits at the OnePlus 13's heart:
Main: 50MP Sony LYT-808 (1/1.4", f/1.6) with OIS
Telephoto: 50MP Sony LYT-600 (1/1.95", f/2.65) with triprism design (24% flatter, 30% lighter)
Ultrawide: 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 (1/2.76", f/2.0) with 120° FOV
The telephoto camera shines at 3x zoom and produces detailed, noise-free images. Thanks to triprism technology, the phone maintains a compact design without compromising image quality. You get full optical clarity up to 3x zoom and can push it to 120x maximum zoom.
OnePlus 13 best use case
You'll love the OnePlus 13 especially when you have these needs:
Portrait photography: The telephoto lens's 73mm equivalent focal length matches professional photographers' preferred 85mm lens
Action photography: Takes crystal-clear shots of fast-moving subjects
Low-light photography: Creates natural night shots that keep proper darkness while showing details
Creative photography: Features like XPan mode help you create unique compositions
The phone also shoots impressive video with 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision on all cameras. This makes it a complete package for photography enthusiasts.
OPPO Find X8 Pro
Image Source: Forbes
OPPO has raised the bar in the zoom smartphone world with its Find X8 Pro, the first globally available device to feature dual periscope telephoto lenses. This breakthrough gives the phone some of the best zoom capabilities you'll find in 2025's camera phones.
OPPO Find X8 Pro 6x optical zoom
The Find X8 Pro's star attraction is its 50MP 6x periscope telephoto camera that comes with:
A powerful 135mm equivalent focal length with f/4.3 aperture
Two-axis optical image stabilization that keeps shots steady
A 1/2.51" sensor size that captures rich detail
A sophisticated periscope design using 1G3P lens configuration
The system really shines when paired with its second 50MP 3x telephoto camera (73mm equivalent), which creates seamless zoom quality. This dual-periscope setup helps the Find X8 Pro maintain crystal-clear images from ultra-wide to super telephoto ranges.
OPPO Find X8 Pro zoom clarity
The Find X8 Pro's zoom capabilities are impressive:
Crystal-clear detail at 6x native zoom when lighting conditions are good
Great results at 10x zoom thanks to smart AI processing
Better clarity at 60x zoom than competitors like Samsung
Digital zoom up to 120x, though you might want to stick to lower ranges for better photos
The phone's AI Telescope Zoom kicks in automatically at 10x zoom and beyond. This feature enhances details and makes colors pop even when lighting isn't perfect. The Find X8 Pro has left other flagships in the dust during long-range zoom tests.
OPPO Find X8 Pro best use case
This phone really shows its strengths in these situations:
Architecture photography - You'll get amazing detail when shooting distant buildings
Portrait photography - Expect soft, natural rendering with sharp details and true-to-life skin tones at any zoom level
Bright outdoor photography - The zoom quality really comes alive in good lighting
Creative zoom composition - You get tons of creative freedom with focal lengths from 15mm ultrawide to 135mm telephoto
The zoom range from 0.6x to 120x makes this phone a great choice for photographers who need reliable performance at any distance.
Google Pixel 9a
Image Source: CNET
Google's Pixel 9a shatters expectations of what a budget phone can do. Its zoom capabilities exceed its price point, and this affordable powerhouse brings remarkable camera features to the mid-range segment. The newly added macro capabilities make it even more impressive.
Pixel 9a zoom quality vs price
The Pixel 9a takes a fresh approach to zoom photography:
Digital zoom only: The 48MP main sensor handles all zooming without a dedicated telephoto lens
Convenient 2x shortcut: Quick access to 2x zoom through the camera app maintains solid image quality
Extended range: Manual zoom goes up to 8x, though quality drops after 2x
Super Res Zoom: Machine learning algorithms enable digital zoom up to 8x magnification
The 2x zoom photos look almost identical to 1x shots on phone displays and computer monitors. The Pixel 9a delivers exceptional value with zoom capabilities that outshine many phones in its price range.
Pixel 9a macro zoom features
This budget champion shines with its impressive macro photography capabilities:
First A-series with Macro Focus: A breakthrough feature in Google's affordable lineup
Ultra-close focusing: Subjects can be captured from just 2cm (0.8") away
Automatic detection: A sunflower icon appears to indicate macro mode
2x macro zoom: Sharp close-up shots with enhanced detail
The Pixel 9a beats the Nothing Phone 3a Pro with superior macro shots that show better detail and clarity. The 2x zoom macro photos reveal intricate textures and fine details that surpass competitors with dedicated macro modes.
Pixel 9a best use case
The Pixel 9a proves its worth in these scenarios:
Budget macro photography: Small objects, flowers, and textures come alive with exceptional detail
Standard photography: Sharp, vivid images at normal focal lengths
Wide-angle shooting: The 13MP ultrawide camera matches the main camera's colors perfectly
Night photography: Night Sight continues to deliver impressive results in low light
Photographers looking for excellent zoom features without spending too much will find the Pixel 9a a perfect match. Its blend of computational photography and impressive hardware creates outstanding value in the mid-range market.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Image Source: PCMag
The iPhone 15 Pro Max made the most important breakthrough in 2023 with Apple's first 5x optical telephoto lens. This set a new standard for zoom photography in the Apple ecosystem. The device remains a great choice in 2025 for photographers who want excellent zoom capabilities without getting the latest models.
iPhone 15 Pro Max 5x zoom lens
The 5x telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with these impressive features:
120mm equivalent focal length with f/2.8 aperture, the brightest among 120mm phone cameras
Tetraprism design that reflects light four times before reaching the sensor, enabling a compact form factor
3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization - the first in a smartphone - performs 10,000 micro adjustments per second
5x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, creates a 10x optical zoom range with digital zoom extending to 25x
The original telephoto lens was exclusive to the Pro Max model, while the smaller iPhone 15 Pro kept a 3x telephoto. Users notice the difference between digital 5x zoom on the 15 Pro and optical 5x zoom on the Pro Max when they look at details closely.
iPhone 15 Pro Max camera upgrades
The iPhone 15 Pro Max brought several great improvements beyond its impressive telephoto:
48MP main camera with a slightly shorter 24mm focal length (down from 26mm)
New 28mm and 35mm digital focal lengths that use the 48MP sensor to produce 24MP images
24MP HEIF files that make full use of HDR color space while taking up minimal storage
Revamped Portrait Mode allows focus point and aperture adjustments after taking the shot
Night mode with 16-bit color space improves tonality and color accuracy
We noticed the portrait improvements deliver more natural transitions from in-focus areas to background. The camera handles challenging elements like wispy hair more realistically.
iPhone 15 Pro Max best use case
The iPhone 15 Pro Max shows its true potential in these specific scenarios:
Telephoto portraits - The 120mm focal length creates flattering compression with subtle background blur
Night photography - It captures remarkably steady handheld shots in low light, even with the telephoto lens
Action videography - The 5x zoom paired with Action Mode creates stunning orbiting shots that look remarkably stable
Wildlife and architecture photography - The long reach makes it perfect for distant subjects
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great choice for photographers who find the 3x telephoto too short but don't need the latest features. It continues to deliver outstanding results as a zoom camera phone in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Image Source: Samsung
Samsung's 2024 flagship still stands strong as one of the best zoom camera phones you can buy today. The Galaxy S24 Ultra keeps up with newer models and delivers zoom capabilities that compete well in today's market.
Galaxy S24 Ultra zoom vs S25 Ultra
The S24 Ultra packs an impressive quad-camera system that produces optical-quality zoom at various focal lengths:
Similar telephoto hardware to the S25 Ultra with 10MP 3x and 50MP 5x zoom lenses
10x zoom performance that matches or comes close to the S25 Ultra's detail preservation
30x zoom shots that sometimes outperform the S25 Ultra under specific lighting conditions
The S24 Ultra's ability to preserve sharper definition at high zoom levels shows up clearly in wooden textures and signage. Notwithstanding that, the S25 Ultra edges ahead with better white balance accuracy at 5x and 10x zoom ranges.
Galaxy S24 Ultra AI tools
The S24 Ultra comes loaded with AI photography features that boost its zoom capabilities:
ProVisual Engine applies AI processing to all digital zoom functions
Generative Edit lets you move or remove objects from photos
Edit Suggestions analyzes images and recommends improvements
Portrait Studio and Live Effect create artistic photo transformations
These tools blend naturally with the camera system and maintain excellent image quality through smart processing. The S24 Ultra gets most Galaxy AI features that came with the S25 series through software updates.
Galaxy S24 Ultra best use case
The S24 Ultra shines brightest in these photography scenarios:
Long-range photography - You can capture distant subjects clearly using the 5x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom
Low-light zoom photography - Nightography features combined with powerful telephoto lenses create bright images with less noise
Action photography - A better stabilization system (wider Tele OIS) reduces blur in moving subjects
Professional-level photography - High-megapixel sensors and sophisticated camera system make it perfect for serious photographers
Photographers looking for flagship zoom capabilities without the latest model's premium price tag will find the S24 Ultra an attractive option.
Vivo X200 Pro
Image Source: Mashable ME
Vivo revolutionizes smartphone zoom photography with the X200 Pro. This device features the industry's largest telephoto sensor that delivers exceptional long-range capabilities. The groundbreaking 200MP periscope lens changes the way we capture distant subjects.
Vivo X200 Pro macro zoom
The X200 Pro brings a macro experience that stands out from other zoom phones:
Close focusing capability allows shooting as near as 15cm with the telephoto lens
200MP telephoto sensor (1/1.4-inch size) captures stunning detail in macro shots
3.7x optical zoom (85mm equivalent) helps you capture close-ups from a comfortable distance
We tested this system's special combination of high-resolution and macro capabilities extensively. The 200MP periscope lens earned the highest zoom rating in DXOMARK testing and keeps its sharpness remarkably well in close-up photography. These full-resolution macro photos show textures that other phones can't match.
Vivo X200 Pro Zeiss optics
The Zeiss partnership takes the X200 Pro's imaging capabilities to new heights:
ZEISS APO color correction removes chromatic aberration for true-to-life colors
T lens coating* minimizes ghosting and improves light transmission
Three color modes: Vivid (default), Natural, and Textured for different photographic styles
Zeiss engineering shines in portrait photography. The telephoto lens creates natural bokeh effects at both 85mm and 135mm focal lengths. Vivo's V3+ imaging chip matches these optical capabilities and optimizes computational photography while using power efficiently.
Vivo X200 Pro best use case
The X200 Pro shows its true potential in these scenarios:
Concert/event photography - Scene mode adjusts settings perfectly for low-light distant subjects
Night telephoto shots - You'll get amazing clarity in dark conditions even at 10x zoom
Portrait photography - Both 85mm and 135mm options deliver studio-quality results
Street photography - A special mode combines textured color with classic black-and-white options
Photographers looking for the ultimate zoom experience in 2025 will find the X200 Pro exceptional. Its massive sensor size, Zeiss optics, and versatile focal range make it stand out among the best zoom camera phones available.
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Image Source: ProVideo Coalition
Sony stands out in the smartphone camera market with its Xperia 1 VI. This device caters to photography enthusiasts who prefer manual controls and optical purity over AI-powered image processing.
Xperia 1 VI manual zoom controls
The Xperia 1 VI takes a fresh approach to zoom compared to typical smartphones with fixed telephoto lenses:
True variable optical zoom ranges from 85-170mm (3.5-7.1x) with smooth adjustment
Manual focus slider shows focus peaking to help you nail the focus
Telephoto macro mode lets you shoot at 120mm focal length and focus from just 4cm away
Exposure slider gives quick brightness adjustments in auto mode
Sony's pro-grade manual controls make this phone special. The Pro mode gives you histogram displays, focus peaking adjustments, and detailed creative options that you'd expect from dedicated cameras.
Xperia 1 VI camera hardware
This phone comes with a powerful triple camera system:
Main camera: 48MP Exmor T (1/1.35") with f/1.9 aperture and OIS
Ultrawide: 12MP (1/2.5") with f/2.2 aperture and 123° field of view
Telephoto: 12MP (1/3.5") with f/2.3-f/3.4 variable aperture and OIS
Selfie: 12MP (1/2.9") with f/2.0 aperture
Sony has united its camera apps into one seamless experience. This change keeps all pro features while making the interface easier to use. The image quality stays strong through most zoom ranges, though you'll notice a drop in quality beyond 7.1x optical zoom without AI help.
Xperia 1 VI best use case
This phone shines in specific photography scenarios:
Macro photography and videography - You get unmatched 4K 120fps macro video capabilities
Manual photography - Great for photographers who want full control instead of AI assistance
Video creation - Shoots 4K 120fps on all cameras with S-Cinetone color profiles
Portrait photography - The 85-170mm telephoto range creates beautiful, flattering portraits
The Xperia 1 VI puts photographers first, giving them creative control rather than focusing on simple point-and-shoot features.
Comparison Table
Phone Model | Optical Zoom Range | Max Digital Zoom | Main Camera | Telephoto Specs | Special Features | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 3x and 5x | 100x | 200MP, f/1.7 | 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) | Best Face, Camera AI, Photo Assist | Wildlife, sports, low-light photography |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | 5x optical in, 2x optical out | 25x | 48MP Fusion, f/1.78 | 12MP, f/2.8, 120mm | Camera Control button, HDR excellence | Portrait, action photography, cinematic video |
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 5x | 30x | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.7 | 48MP, f/2.8 | Magic Editor, Add Me, Video Boost | Low-light, creative photography, portraits |
Xiaomi 15 Ultra | 4.3x | 120x | 1-inch Sony LYT-900 | 200MP, f/2.6 | Dual telephoto system | Portrait, macro, low-light photography |
OnePlus 13 | 3x | 120x | 50MP Sony LYT-808 | 50MP Sony LYT-600 | Clear Burst, Action Mode | Portrait, action photography |
OPPO Find X8 Pro | 6x | 120x | Not mentioned | 50MP, 135mm, f/4.3 | Dual periscope system | Architecture, portrait photography |
Google Pixel 9a | Digital only | 8x | 48MP | N/A | Super Res Zoom, Macro Focus | Budget macro, standard photography |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | 5x | 25x | 48MP | 120mm, f/2.8 | Tetraprism design | Telephoto portraits, night photography |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 3x and 5x | 100x | Not mentioned | 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) | ProVisual Engine | Long-range, low-light photography |
Vivo X200 Pro | 3.7x | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 200MP, 85mm | Zeiss optics, macro capability | Concert/event, night telephoto |
Sony Xperia 1 VI | 3.5-7.1x variable | Not mentioned | 48MP Exmor T | 12MP, f/2.3-3.4 variable | True variable optical zoom | Macro, manual photography |
Final Zoom Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
The Future of Pocket Photography Is Here
Smartphone photography has reached an amazing milestone! Our tests of 12 zoom camera phones showed how mobile photography has grown dramatically in 2025. These phones now match the optical zoom capabilities that dedicated cameras had just a few years ago.
Samsung and Apple still lead the pack with their premium models. Google's computational magic makes the Pixel series a strong contender too. Xiaomi, Vivo, and OPPO are redefining the limits of what's possible with their massive sensors and innovative periscope designs.
The best zoom camera phone for you depends on your photography style. Wildlife and sports photographers might love the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 100x Space Zoom. Portrait photographers could find the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's dual telephoto system perfect for capturing stunning angles.
Good news for budget-conscious photographers! The Pixel 9a proves that computational photography creates impressive results even without telephoto hardware.
Note that optical zoom creates better image quality than digital zoom. Light collection physics plays a huge role in creating photos you'll cherish for years.
This zoom revolution keeps gaining momentum. Folded optics, larger sensors, and AI improvements will reshape the scene of pocket photography. Take time to think over your typical shooting needs before picking your next smartphone camera. Each device brings unique strengths to different photography styles.
From capturing distant wildlife to framing perfect portraits, these powerful zoom features are changing how we capture our world—one focal length at a time.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best overall camera phone in 2025? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is widely considered the best overall camera phone in 2025, featuring a versatile quad-camera system with impressive zoom capabilities and advanced AI processing.
Q2. Which smartphone offers the best value for photography enthusiasts? The Google Pixel 9 Pro provides excellent value, combining powerful computational photography features with a high-quality camera system at a more affordable price point than some premium flagships.
Q3. What phone is ideal for astrophotography in 2025? The Google Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, excel at astrophotography thanks to their advanced night mode capabilities and computational photography algorithms optimized for low-light scenes.
Q4. Which phone has the best zoom capabilities? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads in zoom performance with its dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical) and up to 100x Space Zoom, though the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and OPPO Find X8 Pro also offer exceptional long-range capabilities.
Q5. What's the best camera phone for videography? The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out for videography with its ability to shoot 4K 120fps Dolby Vision HDR video, along with professional features like ProRes recording and excellent stabilization across its camera system.
