What is optical zoom?
Traditional DSLR cameras have optical zoom, which works by extending or retracting the lens until the ideal degree of focus is achieved.
Phones, on the other hand, do not (usually) have extendable or retractable lenses. Instead, multiple cameras with varying focal lengths create an optical zoom effect when you magnify the picture. This is why so many modern smartphones have two, three or even four cameras/lenses.
But which are the best phones with optical zoom? Let’s take a look!
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
If you’re a photographer or simply want to spend extra for better picture quality, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Costing £1,144.99, it is pricey, but the colour and level of detail you get are second to none. You certainly don’t need to be the next Annie Leibovitz or David Bailey to appreciate how this handset looks, feels and performs!
Camera specs
- 108 MP wide camera
- 10 MP periscope telephoto camera
- 10 MP telephoto camera
- 12 MP ultrawide camera
- 10x optical zoom
- 3x optical zoom
Key features
- 6.8” Dynamic AMOLED 2x display
- Extended battery life
- Facial recognition
- Wireless charging
- Water resistance
- 5G connectivity
Why we like it
This phone has not one but two, yes, two optical zooms! 3x is great for more relaxed close-ups, while 10x allows you to take proper long-distance shots and still achieve picture-perfect clarity.
Seamlessly transition between each lens and unleash your photography talent; we promise the results are worth a little extra money!
Get your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra here.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
For an amazing optical zoom that delivers quadruple the picture quality, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is ideal. Smart and fast, its intuitive build turns everything into a memorable experience you’ll want to photograph from every angle.
Camera specs
- 50 MP wide camera
- 48 MP telephoto camera
- 12 MP ultrawide camera
- 11 MP front camera
- 4x optical zoom
- 4k video recording
Key features
- 6.7” LTPO AMOLED display
- 512 PPI resolution
- Android 12 OS
- Fast charging
- Water and dust resistance
- 5G connectivity
Why we like it
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is exceptionally versatile; everything you need from a phone is right here! If you buy this handset, expect vivid detail and brilliant colour when you snap your close-up photos.
Discover which Google phone is right for you here.
Nokia 7 Plus
Large display, extended battery life, incredible durability - there are just some of the reasons why people love the Nokia 7 Plus! ‘A phone you can rely on’ is the slogan for this product, and with its built-to-last design and powerful performance, we wholeheartedly agree.
Camera specs
- 12 MP wide camera
- 13 MP ultrawide camera
- 16 MP front camera
- 2x optical zoom
- 4k video recording
- Visual effects including Bokeh and Beautify
Key features
- 6” Full HD+ display
- 64 GB storage
- Android 10 OS
- Up to two days’ battery life
- Fast charging
- Scratch-resistant glass
Why we like it
First released back in 2018, the Nokia 7 Plus continues to impress all types of phone users, casual or committed! This handset’s 2x optical zoom will enhance your picture quality in ways you never expected, while various visual effects can be applied to perfectly complement each image.
Discover fantastic Nokia phone deals here.
Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G
Boasting a stunning outer shell and fun, photography-friendly features, the Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G is one of the best phones with optical zoom available on today’s market! No matter how far away you take a picture, each of its four cameras (one front, three rear) ensures superb detail even under difficult conditions.
Camera specs
- 50 MP wide camera
- 8 MP ultrawide camera
- 2 MP macro camera
- 32 MP front camera
- 2x optical zoom
- 4k video recording
Key features
- 6.5” Soft AMOLED display
- 402 PPI resolution
- ColourOS 12 (based on Android 11)
- Facial recognition
- Fast charging
- 5G connectivity
Why we like it
Sleek and stylish, the Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G has been designed with nothing less than the full needs of smartphone users in mind! Expect double the picture clarity with a 2x optical zoom that will transform any everyday image into flawless, Insta-worthy perfection.
Find out which Oppo phone is right for you here.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
While the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a somewhat expensive price tag (£1,047.99) you definitely get your money’s worth! Dolby Vision HDR, ProMotion graphics performance, the best battery life on an iPhone to date, and 25% brighter outdoor display are just a few of the features available with this handset.
Camera specs
- 12 MP wide camera
- 12 MP ultrawide camera
- 12 MP telephoto camera
- 12 MP front camera
- 3x optical zoom
- Night mode selfies
Key features
- 128 GB storage
- 6.7” Super Retina display
- iOS 15
- Apple A15 Bionic chip
- Water resistance
- 5G connectivity
Why we like it
If Apple is best known for effortless integration between hardware and software, the iPhone 13 Pro Max more than delivers on this front! Also, auto focus mode allows you to take clear, sharp images each time, right down to the last pixel.
3x optical zoom triples the picture clarity of your close-ups, too, so even if you’re photographing at a distance, the images you take will come out exactly how you want them.
Get your iPhone 13 Pro Max here.
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