5 smartphones with the best zoom cameras in 2026

Smartphone cameras have become increasingly sophisticated in 2026, with manufacturers competing to deliver sharper photographs, improved low-light performance and, particularly, better zoom capabilities. One of the biggest developments has been the introduction of more advanced periscope telephoto cameras, larger image sensors and optical zoom systems capable of capturing distant subjects without relying entirely on digital enlargement.

These improvements have made it possible to photograph wildlife, sporting events, concerts, buildings and other distant subjects with a level of detail that was previously difficult to achieve with a smartphone. While several manufacturers advertise zoom capabilities of up to 100x or 120x, the actual quality of photographs at those magnifications varies considerably.

Optical zoom, sensor size, optical image stabilisation and image processing are therefore more important considerations than the maximum zoom figure alone. Here are five smartphones with some of the best zoom camera systems available in 2026, based on their camera hardware and independent reviews. 1. Oppo Find X9 Ultra The Oppo Find X9 Ultra stands out as one of the most capable zoom smartphones of 2026, particularly because it features two dedicated telephoto cameras rather than relying on a single zoom lens.

The smartphone comes with a 200-megapixel primary telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom and a separate 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera capable of 10x optical zoom. The combination gives users greater flexibility when photographing subjects at different distances, from portraits and street photography to distant buildings, wildlife and performers at concerts.

Its 10x optical zoom is particularly important because it allows the camera to magnify distant subjects using its dedicated optical hardware rather than simply enlarging pixels digitally. According to Digital Trends, the phone can extend its zoom capabilities to 120x digitally. Its 200-megapixel telephoto camera also provides additional room for cropping images while retaining useful detail.

The publication highlights the phone’s impressive telephoto sharpness, autofocus performance and ability to capture distant subjects. For people who regularly photograph sporting events, wildlife or concerts, the Find X9 Ultra is a particularly compelling option. 2. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra is another smartphone that deserves recognition for its unusual approach to long-range photography.

Its biggest attraction is a switchable dual-telephoto camera system that offers 3.7x and 9.4x optical zoom. Unlike conventional smartphones that use separate telephoto sensors for different magnification levels, Huawei developed a system in which two telephoto lenses share a large 50-megapixel, 1/1.28-inch sensor. A moving optical mechanism switches between the two lenses, allowing users to photograph subjects at different distances while maintaining the benefits of optical magnification.

The 9.4x telephoto camera has a 212mm equivalent focal length, making it particularly useful for photographing distant subjects. Huawei also includes optical image stabilisation on both telephoto configurations, helping to reduce camera shake when taking photographs at high magnification. According to DXOMARK’s camera assessment, the Pura 80 Ultra achieved outstanding telephoto performance, with impressive detail preservation, low noise and accurate colour reproduction.

Its digital zoom extends to 100x. However, the phone comes with an important consideration for international buyers: Huawei devices do not offer native Google Mobile Services support, which may affect access to familiar Android applications. 3. Vivo X300 Ultra Vivo has continued to push the boundaries of smartphone photography with the X300 Ultra, particularly through its advanced telephoto camera and optional external zoom accessories.

The smartphone features a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a 3.7x optical zoom capability, supported by optical image stabilisation. Its large telephoto sensor helps preserve details when photographing distant subjects, making it suitable for wildlife photography, portraits and outdoor events. However, one of its most interesting features is its compatibility with an optional telephoto extender.

According to Android Authority, Vivo offers a second-generation external telephoto lens that extends the camera’s reach to approximately 400mm equivalent, or around 17x magnification. This accessory allows users to photograph subjects much farther away than they ordinarily could with a conventional smartphone camera. DXOMARK also praised the X300 Ultra’s telephoto performance, highlighting its ability to preserve details across different zoom ranges, including at longer distances.

There are limitations, however. The external lens adds bulk, and image quality can deteriorate in challenging lighting conditions, particularly when AI processing becomes more aggressi