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The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is designed for people who want to photograph subjects at a great distance. The smartphone features a 50 MP Hasselblad telephoto lens with native 10x optical zoom and a focal length equivalent to 230 mm. The periscope design allows for high magnification in a relatively slim body, and optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake when taking photos handheld.
The manufacturer also claims a 20x optical zoom. This provides additional framing options, but it should not be confused with a native 20× optical zoom. The camera setup is rounded out by a 200 MP telephoto lens with 3× zoom and a 200 MP main camera. This combination makes the OPPO suitable for photographing nature and sporting events, as well as for taking portraits and architectural photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains an attractive option for those who prioritize high zoom capabilities. The smartphone has two 10 MP telephoto lenses: one with 3× optical zoom, the other with 10× optical zoom. The latter uses a periscope design, which allows you to photograph distant subjects without relying solely on digital zoom. The 200 MP main camera rounds out the setup and allows you to take detailed photos at lower zoom levels.
In practice, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is great for concerts, trips, and photographing architectural details. Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake, although at long focal lengths, it’s still a good idea to hold the phone as steady as possible. It’s also a model worth considering on the refurbished market if you want to use a 10× telephoto lens without spending the amount required for the latest flagship model.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra features two telephoto lenses: a 10 MP lens with 3× optical zoom and a 10 MP lens with 10× zoom. This allows you to choose between shooting from a moderate distance and capturing subjects that are much farther away. The 108 MP main camera delivers high-resolution photos, and optical image stabilization supports handheld shooting.
Although this is an older model, its native 10× zoom remains one of its strengths. Before buying, however, it’s worth checking the battery life, the condition of the cameras, and the warranty terms—especially if you’re purchasing a used or refurbished device. If a long telephoto lens range is more important to you than having the latest processor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra could be a reasonable alternative in terms of price.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra stands out with its dual-telephoto camera system featuring mechanical switching. It offers 3.7× and 9.4× optical zoom, with the longer focal length equivalent to approximately 212 mm. The 12.5 MP telephoto lens with optical image stabilization allows you to capture distant subjects, while the 50 MP main camera, featuring a 1-inch sensor and an adjustable aperture, supports photography in a variety of lighting conditions.
A major advantage of this solution is the ability to use two optical zoom ranges without relying solely on digital zoom. The phone is ideal for photographing landscapes, architecture, and events where you can’t get any closer. Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to check the device’s availability in Poland and make sure the app’s user interface meets your needs.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 48 MP Fusion rear camera system and a telephoto lens with focal lengths of 100 and 200 mm, corresponding to 4× and 8× zoom. Apple describes the maximum zoom as 8× optical-quality zoom. What does this mean in practice? It’s not a separate lens with native 8× optical zoom, but rather a zoom that, according to the manufacturer, delivers quality comparable to optical zoom.
The telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture and a 48 MP four-pixel sensor is designed to deliver highly detailed photos at longer focal lengths. This model will appeal to users who take photos and record videos within the Apple ecosystem and want a versatile camera setup. However, before the ranking is published, it’s worth confirming these specifications in the manufacturer’s official documentation.
The iPhone 18 Pro lets you zoom in on distant subjects up to 8x at a quality Apple describes as “optical.” The 48 MP Fusion camera system and telephoto lenses with focal lengths of 100 and 200 mm offer greater flexibility when photographing architecture, concerts, or details visible from a distance. This is an ideal choice for those who want to capture more detail without having to get closer.
Compared to the Pro Max version, the smaller iPhone 18 Pro may be more comfortable for people who prefer a more manageable phone but don’t want to sacrifice advanced photography features. When making your choice, it’s worth paying attention not only to the maximum zoom but also to image stabilization and photo quality in low light.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 MP Fusion telephoto lens with 4× native optical zoom and a focal length equivalent to 100 mm. Apple also claims 8× optical-quality zoom at a focal length of 200 mm. Optical image stabilization helps produce sharper photos, and the advanced camera system makes it easy to switch between shooting wide scenes and close-ups.
This phone will appeal to people who want to take photos and videos while traveling, at events, and during their daily activities.
The iPhone 17 Pro is worth considering as an alternative for those who want to take advantage of Apple’s advanced camera system in a smaller form factor than the Pro Max. This generation’s model features a 48 MP Fusion telephoto lens, and the manufacturer claims a maximum optical zoom of 8×.
In everyday use, a telephoto lens is useful for portraits, photographing details, and capturing events from a distance. Image quality is also influenced by image stabilization, lighting, and image processing, so the zoom range alone does not determine the final result. Before publication, please check the exact technical specifications for the Pro model in Apple’s official specifications.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 50 MP telephoto lens with 5× native optical zoom and an additional 10 MP telephoto lens with 3× zoom. The manufacturer also claims 10× optical-quality zoom. A 200 MP main camera and advanced image processing round out the camera system.
Although the Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t at the top of the pack in terms of native optical zoom, it’s a versatile flagship for everyday photos, portraits, and videos. The two telephoto lenses let you choose the right frame for different situations, and the stabilization helps when shooting handheld. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a newer device and a versatile camera, rather than just the maximum optical zoom.
The Google Pixel 11 Pro is designed for people who want to photograph distant subjects without having to get closer. The telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom lets you capture details of architecture, animals, or events taking place in the distance. It’s also useful when traveling, when you can’t always get close to the subject you’re photographing.
It’s important to distinguish between optical and digital zoom. A 5× optical zoom uses a telephoto lens to achieve greater magnification, while higher digital zoom levels rely on image processing. Therefore, the maximum zoom value alone does not determine the quality of a photo—lighting, stabilization, and the camera’s algorithms also play a significant role. The Pixel 11 Pro is worth considering if you’re looking for a combination of a telephoto lens and advanced image processing.
Optical zoom uses the camera’s optical system to zoom in on the image. In smartphones, this is most often handled by a telephoto lens with a longer focal length than the main camera. This allows you to photograph distant subjects without having to rely solely on zooming in on a portion of the photo after it has been taken.
Many modern phones use a periscope design, which allows for a longer optical path to fit inside a slim body. Light is directed through prisms or mirrors to a lens array, allowing the smartphone to offer high magnification without a long lens protruding from the body. It’s worth noting, however, that the mere presence of a periscope telephoto lens does not automatically mean a 10× zoom.
That’s why, when comparing smartphones, it’s worth checking not only the maximum zoom value but also the telephoto lens’s focal length, resolution, and stabilization. A claim of 100× zoom does not mean that the camera offers a 100x optical zoom. With such high magnification, image processing plays a significant role.
A refurbished smartphone lets you save money on a premium phone without sacrificing a good camera. It’s worth considering not just one model, but also older refurbished Samsung smartphones, refurbished iPhones, or other smartphones with advanced telephoto lenses—their photographic capabilities may still be more than sufficient for everyday photography and travel. Before buying, check the device’s condition description, battery health, and warranty terms to choose a device that fits your needs and budget.
At SWOPiFY, refurbished smartphones undergo a 44-point inspection to verify the device’s condition and functionality before sale. This provides an additional layer of assurance for customers concerned about hidden defects and the uncertainty of buying a used device. Before placing an order, it’s a good idea to review the description of the specific unit and the terms of purchase.
Choosing a refurbished phone also helps extend the life of electronic devices. Instead of replacing your device with a new model, you can reuse a smartphone that still has a lot to offer. This is good for your wallet and a way to support more responsible use of electronics.
If you’re interested in photographing distant subjects, take a look at the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. This model is designed for people who want to capture details visible from a distance—for example, while traveling, at concerts, or when photographing architecture. Before choosing a phone, it’s worth comparing the capabilities of its telephoto lens with those of other models on this list.
No. Optical zoom uses the camera’s optical system, while optical-quality zoom may also utilize the high resolution of the image sensor and image processing. Therefore, 10× optical zoom and 10× optical-quality zoom do not always indicate the same capabilities of the camera.
Yes, if your main priority is a high zoom and you can find a device in good condition. Before buying, check the battery, the condition of the cameras, the warranty, and whether the phone still receives software updates.
Yes, provided that its cameras and other components are in working order. It’s a good idea to choose a seller who performs a technical inspection, clearly describes the device’s condition, and specifies the warranty terms.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.
