Best Periscope Telephoto Camera Phones for Optical Zoom to Capture Every Detail
By Himani Jha | Updated Jul 31, 2024, 3:30 PM IST
Want a phone that will capture every tiny detail, even from a distance? Look only for the periscope telephoto camera phones that support optical zoom and capture those perfect moments without compromising quality. However, only a few phones come with a telephoto lens. Hence, we have curated a list of the best telephoto camera phones.
Best Periscope Telephoto Camera Smartphones
When we talk about best camera phones, we typically refer to the primary lens, however, for a smartphone to be considered a great camera phone, a comprehensive lens suite is as important as the primary one. A good ultrawide camera let users capture the moments that require a wider field of view. With advancements in smartphones, nowadays, even the most basic smartphones have standard combinations of a primary and ultrawide lens. However, to push smartphone photography to the next level, manufacturers add a third lens to the mix i.e., telephoto lens. It gives the phone a proper zoom lens letting users capture the subjects and scenes that are often out of range for primary or ultrawide lenses without losing image quality.
However, the telephoto lenses are not enough as they could only offer up to 3x zoom and here's when the periscope lens comes in picture providing a better zoomed-in photo without physical limitations. In this article we have curated a list of best smartphones with periscope telephoto camera. But before you go through our top picks, let us know about the periscope lens.
A periscope lens are the folded lens, which has the same structure as a periscope found on submarines. They refract and reflect light onto the sensor, which magnifies the image helping users to achieve a higher level of zoom without compromising image quality.
Now, here are our top picked smartphones with periscope telephoto camera lens.
1. Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
However, the telephoto lenses are not enough as they could only offer up to 3x zoom and here's when the periscope lens comes in picture providing a better zoomed-in photo without physical limitations. In this article we have curated a list of best smartphones with periscope telephoto camera. But before you go through our top picks, let us know about the periscope lens.
What Is a Periscope Lens?
A periscope lens are the folded lens, which has the same structure as a periscope found on submarines. They refract and reflect light onto the sensor, which magnifies the image helping users to achieve a higher level of zoom without compromising image quality.
Now, here are our top picked smartphones with periscope telephoto camera lens.
Best zoom camera smartphones
| Periscope camera phone | Zoom camera |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 3X and 5X Telephoto camera |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | 5x Telephoto camera |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | 5x Telephoto camera |
| OnePlus 12 | 3x Optical Zoom |
| Realme 12 Pro+ | 64MP Telephoto with 3x optical zoom |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5G | 3.2x Optical Zoom |
1. Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Operating System: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
If you want the best telephoto camera system without worrying about money, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The smartphone outdoes every phone on this list in terms of optics. Shipping with four cameras to the table, the handset packs two telephoto camera comprising a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with OIS and 3x optical zoom and a 50MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens with OIS and a 5x optical zoom. The former one has phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and a 67mm focal length enablig users to capture far-away photos.
The S24 Ultra also has a 200MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The set up of all four cameras gives it unparalleled versatility while capturing photos.
Users’ review: Customers like the features, material and display of the cellular phone. They mention that the editing features collab with AI, the pictures are more crisp and that it's a truly remarkable device.
Why should you buy this?
- The best display available in any smartphone
- Battery life remains among the best in class
- AI features deliver new value
Pros:
- Solid performance
- Versatile camera
- Reverse wireless charging
Cons:
- The phone feels heavy, according to users
2. Best in performance: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Operating System: iOS 17| RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Apple A17 Pro
The next on our list has to be Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max for those looking for a premium flagship with a great Telephoto camera for quality zoom images. It features ‘Tetraprism’ technology, which works on the same principle as a periscope zoom camera, resulting in a longer path required for 5X optical zoom. Do note that, this Tetraprism periscope technology is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As for the camera hardware, the 12MP Telephoto camera with a 120mm lens and Apple’s 3D Sensor shift stabilisation. Additionally, the 3nm process-based Apple A17 Pro chipset handles the advanced image processing algorithms, giving amazing results.
Users’ review: Customers like the performance, charging, battery life, appearance and camera of the cellular phone. They mention that it works flawlessly, has super fast charging and the battery life is awesome.
Why should you buy this phone?
- The phone has a great inhand feel
- Additionally, the display and the camera system are also great
- Tripple rear camera setup led by 48MP is great
Pros:
- Titanium frame
- Reverse wireless charging
- Dynamic island
Cons:
- The phone offers average battery life and slower charging than many of its competitors in this price range
3. Best in size: Samsung Galaxy S24
Operating System: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Samsung loves to put telephoto lenses on their premier phones, and that continues with the Samsung Galaxy S24. It’s the smallest on this list and hence, is a huge bonus for those who don’t like large devices.
The smartphone has the same standard telephoto lens as its much more expensive sibling. Though the phone doesn't have the periscope telephoto camera but the 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with its 67mm focal length, PDAF, and OIS manages to capture details even from a far distance without loosing the quality. It also packs a 50MP f/1.8 primary lens with OIS and a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view.
With just 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and weighing 167g, the Galaxy S24 is pure bliss for those who don't want a hefty weight in their palm. Samsung also offers a beautiful, 6.2-inch, 120Hz, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2x display into this tiny frame.
Users’ review: Customers loved the appearance, quality and features of the cellular phone. They added that the display is lovely, impressive and the AI capabilities truly shine.
Why should you buy this?
- The compact form make it easy to handle with single-hand and offer a good grip
- The phone also gets a host of exciting AI features
- The display feels smooth and offers great visuals
Pros:
- Impressive camera
- Reverse wireless charging
- Clean UI
Cons:
- Though Exynos 2400 looks promising on paper, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could have done a better job
4. Value for money: OnePlus 12
Operating System: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
If you are looking for a complete package smartphone that's worth the money the OnePlus 12 with fourth-gen Hasselblad camera is a great option. The smartphone includes a 70mm Periscope Telephoto camera with a 64MP sensor for 3X optical zoom and OIS. It also houses a 50 MP primary camera with OIS and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter with auto-focus. This 2024 OnePlus flagship has also packed the advanced image processing of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 paired with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. The other notable highlights of the phone include 50W wireless charging, a 5400mAh battery and stereo speakers.
Users’ review: Customers appreciated the smooth performance, camera, value, battery life, and the quality. They shared that it delivers a smooth and fluid user experience. They also liked the camera.
What we like about this product?
- OnePlus 12 5G offers great value for money
- It's touted as flagship killer as you can get premium experience at a comparatively lower price
- It supports 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
Pros:
- A big and bright screen
- Alert Slider
- Hassleblad 4th Gen Camera
Cons:
- Though there are no major cons, but the phone lacks generative AI features
5. Best in budget: Realme 12 Pro+
Operating System: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
If there is one common thing among phones with telephoto lenses, it’s that they are all flagship devices that carry high price tags. However, Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a periscope zoom camera for a competitive mid-range price of Rs. 31,999 making it a sweet deal. The handset houses a 64MP periscope telephoto camera (Sony) with 3x optical zoom and 6X in-sensor zoom capabilities. There is also 120X digital zoom which adds a cherry on the cake. It is the lowest-priced option on this list. Powering the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 2 chipset. Not only that, the phone also looks stylish. Its attractive leather design is created by Luxury Watch Designer Ollivier Savéo.
Users’ review: Customers loved the appearance, performance, and camera quality of the smartphone. They shared that it looks awesome, and has a good screen.
Why should you buy this?
- Sports a stand-out design with vegan leather back
- Most affordable option featuring telephoto camera
- Offers decent performance
Pros:
- Great display
- Versatile camera
- 67 SuperVOOC charging
Cons:
- Some users have complained about battery life
2. Best in camera: Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5G
Operating System: Android 14 | RAM: 12 GB | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
2024 has been a terrific year for phone cameras and Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out among all of them with its Leica tuned cameras. With a 1-inch 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary camera led setup, your photos will be nothing short of spectacular. Not only that the phone also got that something little something extra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered system under the hood. The phone handles multitasking like a pro whether you're jumping between apps or running the most demanding games. With a 6.73-inch AMOLED panel and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support you're getting vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from streaming your favorite shows to gaming a visual delight. Additionally, the screen goes up to 3,000 nits in HDR content and with a 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through the feed smoother.
Users’ review: Customers loved the overall performance, comfort, battery backup, charging speed, and camera quality of the smartphone. They mentioned that it's a very good phone, has a good battery, and feels premium in hand.
What we like about this product?
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a stand-out design
- It's premium features and a robust processor that can manage even the most demanding tasks at ease
- It features 120Hz refresh rate offering smooth animation
Pros:
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
- 120W Hypercharger
- Leica-tuned cameras
Cons:
- Though there are no major cons, but the UI could have been more polished
FAQs:
1. Do more megapixels translate to better photos?
Not really. Camera sensors can offer great quality with fewer megapixels. Sensor size, pixel size, and other factors make a more significant difference.
2. Can smartphones' cameras capture as good photos as DSLR cameras?
DSLR cameras are starting to phase out of the consumer market. However, professionals still prefer full systems for many reasons. They usually have larger sensors, better lens options, more customizable settings, and offer more versatility.
3. Which phone has the best camera?
The best camera phone is the Galaxy S24 Ultra, because it has many cameras with versatile options. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best combination of cameras.
Disclaimer: Times Shopping Guide is committed to bringing you the latest products from the best brands. Our selection is based on market research and positive consumer feedback. Times Shopping Guide is also a part of an affiliate partnership. In line with this, we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. Please note that the product prices are subject to change based on the retailer's deals.
