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Optical zoom gives better clarity than just digital zoom when capturing distant subjects.
Periscope-style telephoto lenses are now found in several premium phones and some mid-tier ones, too.
Always check the actual optical zoom factor (e.g., 3×, 5×), not just the max zoom number (which may be digital).
Optical zoom is a highly sought-after feature in smartphones for those who need effective telephoto capabilities. A telephoto lens allows photographers to capture clear and detailed images of distant subjects, such as wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and architectural structures, without the need to crop or digitally enlarge photos taken with the main camera.
A number of premium smartphones now feature true optical zoom via advanced periscope telephoto modules. This allows an amateur photographer to have guaranteed professional-level sharpness when zooming.
Also Read: Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus Gets Major Price Drop, Now Available Under Rs. 25,000 on Amazon
Here are the best mobile phones with optical zoom in 2025 –
One of the best phones with optical zoom, Samsung Galaxy S24 SE offers a balanced mix of strong camera power and value. While its specs fall short of the more premium models, it has a telephoto lens with excellent optical zoom, which, paired with a wide main lens and ultra-wide support, makes it a good option for some amazing photo sessions.
More powerful than S24, Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out for its exceptional telephoto system. It boasts a dual telephoto lens, offering up to 10x optical zoom to capture distant scenes with clarity and definition. When combined with a large sensor and computational photography, it’s one of the best mobile phones with a telephoto lens.
Realme 12 Pro 5G is a surprisingly decent mid-range option that offers optical zoom. With a periscope-style telephoto lens providing around 3x optical zoom, it makes zoomed photography more accessible to users who don’t want to pay for ultra-premium phones. This is perfect for budget-conscious users.
Tecno Camon 30 focuses more on camera capabilities, and its telephoto module with optical zoom shows that one doesn’t need an expensive phone to get adequate zoom power. Along with a dedicated telephoto lens and a strong primary camera, it offers a good balance of zoom functionality and daily use．
For photography enthusiasts, having optical zoom on a mobile phone is essential. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its dual telephoto lenses and impressive zoom capabilities. For those on a budget, Realme 12 Pro and Tecno Camon 30 are great options that provide strong zoom features and excellent value. If you're seeking a well-rounded device, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Xiaomi 14 CIVI deliver solid zoom performance and overall good functionality.
Also Read: OnePlus 15 5G to Launch in India Soon: Price, Features, and Release Date Revealed
1. What does “optical zoom” mean in a smartphone？
Optical zoom refers to the magnification achieved by the lens and optical elements inside the camera module, not just digital cropping.
2. Is 3× optical zoom enough for good distant shots？
Yes, a 3x optical zoom can make a significant difference compared to digital zoom．
3. Do phones with optical zoom cost significantly more？
Yes, the telephoto module and periscope lenses add more complexity and increase the price.
4. Does optical zoom help in low light？
It definitely helps, but only partially. A good telephoto lens with optical zoom needs a decent sensor and a wide lens aperture to capture good night shots.
5. Can optical zoom be combined with digital zoom for higher magnification？
Yes, many of these phones use a hybrid zoom package that combines both optical and digital zoom．
