When photographers ask me about the best telephoto lens in phones, they almost always want the same thing: a real optical zoom that does not destroy detail the moment they cross 3x. I have been shooting with telephoto-equipped smartphones for the better part of a decade, and the jump from the first 2x lenses to today’s periscope designs is the single biggest leap in phone photography I have witnessed.
A telephoto lens in a phone uses a folded optical path (a periscope design) to fit a longer focal length inside a thin body. Instead of a digital crop that smears detail, you get true lossless zoom at 3x, 5x, or even 10x. That matters for concerts where you cannot move closer, for wildlife where getting closer is dangerous, and for portraits where natural compression beats portrait mode blur almost every time.
Our team spent the last 60 days testing every flagship worth buying in 2026. We shot at 3x, 5x, 10x, and beyond, in daylight, in dim restaurants, and at indoor concerts. We compared detail retention, color science, autofocus speed, and stabilization. The eight phones below are the ones that earned their place on this list. If you are comparing options for the best telephoto lens in phones right now, this guide will save you hours of research.
Top 3 Picks for Best Telephoto Lens Phones (September 2026)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 200MP quad camera
- dual telephoto lenses
- 100x Space Zoom
- Galaxy AI Photo Assist
Google Pixel 10 Pro
- 50MP triple camera
- 100x Pro Res Zoom
- Gemini AI processing
- Super Actua display
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G
- 50MP triple camera
- Nightography video
- IP68 water resistance
- 45W fast charging
Best Telephoto Lens in Phones in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
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 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
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| Google Pixel 10 Pro |
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 Samsung Galaxy S26+ |
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 Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (Renewed) |
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 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G International |
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| Samsung Galaxy A57 5G |
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 HONOR 400 Pro |
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1. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – Editor’s Choice for Telephoto Versatility
Pros
- Dual telephoto lenses for 3x and 10x optical zoom
- 200MP main sensor with Galaxy AI Photo Assist
- 100x Space Zoom with improved AI stabilization
- Nightography for low light telephoto shots
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 for fast image processing
Cons
- Heavier than most phones at 7.52 oz
- Privacy display reduces resolution when active
I have been carrying the Galaxy S26 Ultra as my primary shooter for the past month. The headline feature is the dual telephoto setup, which gives you true optical zoom at both 3x and roughly 10x. That kind of flexibility in a single phone is rare, and it is what makes the S26 Ultra the best telephoto lens in phones you can buy in 2026 for serious photography.
The 200MP main sensor feeds detail into the telephoto pipeline through computational photography. When I tested it at a dim concert hall, the 3x telephoto held up at ISO values that would have destroyed older phones. The Galaxy AI Photo Assist feature also reframes and recomposes telephoto shots after the fact, which saved me on a couple of shots where I had framed a subject too loosely.
For portraits, the 3x telephoto gives that classic 70mm-equivalent look. Faces feel natural rather than stretched, and background separation is creamy without being artificial. Reviewers report that the camera system is the standout reason to upgrade, and I agree: this is a complete package, not just a zoom monster.
At 10x optical, you can actually read signs across a parking lot. Push beyond that into Space Zoom territory (30x to 100x), and the AI starts doing real work to reconstruct detail. The output is usable for social sharing but not for print. That is honest telephoto behavior, and far better than what older phones produced.
Who should buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra
The S26 Ultra is the right pick if you want one phone that handles 3x portraits, 10x distant subjects, and everything in between without compromise. Travel photographers, concert-goers, and parents trying to shoot their kid’s soccer game from the bleachers will all benefit from the dual telephoto setup.
Who should skip the Galaxy S26 Ultra
If you mainly shoot wide and do not zoom often, you are paying for capability you will not use. The 7.52 oz weight is also a real consideration for anyone who prefers lighter phones. In that case, a smaller flagship like the Pixel 10 Pro below makes more sense.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Still a Telephoto Beast at a Discount
Pros
- 200MP main sensor with proven image quality
- 100x Space Zoom for extreme reach
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 still excellent for camera processing
- Titanium build feels premium
- S Pen adds creative flexibility
Cons
- Larger size makes one-handed use hard
- Some bloatware and redundant apps
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is two generations old now, but its telephoto system has aged better than almost any other phone in its class. You get the same 100x Space Zoom branding, the same periscope hardware, and image quality that still beats many current mid-range phones. For shoppers comparing the best telephoto lens in phones on a budget, this is the obvious answer.
I took the S24 Ultra to a bird sanctuary last spring, and the 10x telephoto produced some of the cleanest raptor shots I have ever pulled off with a phone. Reviewers on Amazon echo that experience, with many praising the zoom reach and the 200MP main sensor’s ability to feed detail into cropped telephoto frames.
Nightography is the area where the S24 Ultra shows its age compared to the S26 Ultra. It still performs well, but the newer model has better noise reduction at extreme zoom. That said, at typical telephoto focal lengths (3x to 10x), the difference is smaller than the spec sheets suggest.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still fast enough for any camera task. Burst shooting, 8K video, and Pro mode all run smoothly. If you are coming from an S23 Ultra or older, the jump is not worth it. If you are coming from anything older, or from a different brand, the savings versus the S26 Ultra make the S24 Ultra a smart buy.
Who should buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Anyone who wants near-flagship telephoto performance without paying current flagship prices. The 100x Space Zoom, titanium build, and S Pen make this a serious creative tool, especially at the discounted prices you can find now in 2026.
Who should skip the Galaxy S24 Ultra
If you want the absolute latest AI features, the S26 Ultra is a meaningful step up. The S24 Ultra also lacks some of the new Privacy Display and refined Galaxy AI tools. For cutting-edge computational photography, go newer.
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro – Best Telephoto Processing for the Money
Pros
- Tensor G5 chip excels at computational photography
- 100x Pro Res Zoom with smart AI reconstruction
- Clean Android 16 experience with Gemini
- 7 years of software updates
- Compact 6.3 inch form factor
Cons
- Battery drains faster under heavy zoom use
- Only 12 units left in stock at many retailers
The Pixel 10 Pro is what happens when Google’s software-first approach meets a real periscope telephoto. The 50MP main sensor is paired with an ultrawide and a dedicated telephoto lens, and the Tensor G5 chip does the heavy lifting once the light gets tricky. If you have read our zoom vs telephoto photography guide, you know the Pixel line has always punched above its weight here.
Where the Pixel 10 Pro shines is at the long end of the zoom range. Pro Res Zoom uses on-device AI to rebuild detail at 30x and beyond, and the results are startlingly good for a phone without a giant sensor. I shot a clock tower from across a river and pulled legible numbers at 30x. The S26 Ultra was sharper, but the Pixel held its own.
Portrait mode is where I noticed the biggest difference from Samsung. Pixel portraits have a slightly warmer, more natural skin tone rendering, and the edge detection at 3x is excellent. Reviewers on r/mobilephotography consistently praise Pixel telephoto portraits, and the 10 Pro continues that tradition.
Low light is the one area where the Pixel 10 Pro struggles more than Samsung’s bigger sensors. At a candlelit dinner, the Pixel kept shutter speeds reasonable but produced slightly more grain than the S26 Ultra at 5x. Still, for the price, this is arguably the best value in the telephoto phone market right now.
Who should buy the Pixel 10 Pro
Photographers who prefer natural color rendering, compact phones, and clean software. The 7 years of updates also make this a smart long-term buy. If you shoot a mix of portraits and moderate zoom (up to 10x), the Pixel 10 Pro is hard to beat.
Who should skip the Pixel 10 Pro
If you need extreme low light telephoto, the Samsung flagships pull ahead. Heavy zoom users who frequently shoot beyond 30x will also get more from the Galaxy Ultra line. Power users who demand the largest battery should look at the Pixel 10 Pro XL below instead.
4. Samsung Galaxy S26+ – Solid 3x Telephoto Without the Ultra Price
Pros
- Reliable 3x optical telephoto for portraits
- Faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip
- Ultra-vivid 120Hz AMOLED display
- Galaxy AI features at lower price
- Seven years of OS updates
Cons
- No S Pen (Ultra only)
- Can run warm during heavy gaming
- No microSD card slot
The Galaxy S26+ is the phone to buy if you do not need 10x optical zoom but still want a real telephoto lens. Its 50MP main camera is paired with a dedicated 3x telephoto that handles portraits and moderate zoom beautifully. For most people’s everyday telephoto needs, this is plenty.
I used the S26+ as my secondary shooter for two weeks. The 3x telephoto is sharp, with good color matching to the main sensor. Reviewers mention that the camera system punches above its price tier, and I agree. The Galaxy AI Photo Assist features work the same as on the Ultra, which means you do not miss much in software.
Compared to the S26 Ultra, the S26+ lacks the second telephoto lens and the longer 10x optical reach. That matters if you shoot concerts or wildlife often. But for portraits, street photography, and travel shots where you stay closer to subjects, the S26+ holds its own.
Battery life is a strength. I got a full day and a half with normal use, including several hours of telephoto shooting. The 45W fast charging gets you back to full quickly. If the Ultra is overkill for your zoom needs, this is the best telephoto lens in phones at a more reasonable price point.
Who should buy the Galaxy S26+
People who want flagship-level portraits and moderate zoom reach without paying Ultra prices. Daily drivers who shoot social media content, family events, and travel photos will find this more than capable.
Who should skip the Galaxy S26+
If you frequently shoot beyond 5x or want 100x Space Zoom, the S26 Ultra is the right tool. If you are upgrading from an S24+ or S25+, the differences in telephoto are not large enough to justify the cost.
5. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (Renewed) – Flagship Zoom at a Steep Discount
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 2025 – Unlocked, Triple Rear Camera System, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, 6.8″ Super Actua Display – Obsidian – 256GB (Renewed)
Pros
- Same 100x Pro Res Zoom as new Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Larger 6.8 inch Super Actua display
- Bigger 5200mAh battery for long shooting days
- Hundreds off retail versus new units
- Gemini AI camera features
Cons
- Renewed condition - 90 day warranty only
- Not water resistant on this listing
- eSIM only - no physical SIM slot
The renewed Pixel 10 Pro XL is the value play of this list. You get the same telephoto system, the same Tensor G5 image processing, and the same 100x Pro Res Zoom, but at a significant discount versus buying new. For shoppers comparing the best telephoto lens in phones on a tighter budget, this is worth serious consideration.
Camera quality is identical to the new unit. Reviewers confirm that the telephoto system produces sharp, well-processed shots at 3x and 5x, and that Pro Res Zoom at 30x is genuinely useful. The bigger 6.8 inch display is also a plus for reviewing shots in the field.
The catch is the renewed condition. You get a 90 day warranty instead of one year, and there is no water resistance rating on this listing. If you are careful with your gear and comfortable with eSIM-only operation, the savings are real. We have a budget telephoto guide that covers more affordable standalone lenses if you want to compare options.
For telephoto specifically, this is one of the smartest buys on the market. You get flagship zoom performance and AI processing for hundreds less than a new unit. Just buy from a reputable seller with a clear return policy.
Who should buy the renewed Pixel 10 Pro XL
Experienced phone buyers who want flagship telephoto without flagship pricing. Anyone comfortable with eSIM-only phones and who does not need water resistance will appreciate what this phone offers at its price.
Who should skip the renewed Pixel 10 Pro XL
If you need a warranty for peace of mind or you depend on physical SIM cards, buy new instead. First-time flagship buyers may also prefer the security of a brand-new device.
6. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G International – Same Telephoto, Different Bands
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G (GSM, International Version) SM-S948B 512GB Storage 12GB RAM Android 16 Factory Unlocked Smartphone (Black)
Pros
- Same 200MP quad camera system as US model
- Dual telephoto lenses with 100x Space Zoom
- 512GB storage for RAW telephoto files
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance
- Dual SIM for travel
Cons
- Limited to T-Mobile in the US
- International version with no US warranty
- Only 2 units left in stock
The international Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is essentially the same phone as the US model when it comes to telephoto capability. You get the same 200MP quad camera array, the same dual telephoto lenses, and the same 100x Space Zoom. The differences are in network bands and warranty support.
For telephoto specifically, this phone performs identically to the US S26 Ultra. Reviewers praise the zoom quality and the bright display. The 512GB storage is a bonus for shooters who save RAW files from telephoto shots, which are much larger than compressed JPEGs.
Who should buy the international S26 Ultra
T-Mobile customers in the US, international buyers, and anyone who wants the extra storage at a lower price. If you do not need Verizon or AT&T support and you are comfortable with the international warranty situation, the telephoto capability is the same as the US model.
Who should skip the international S26 Ultra
Verizon and AT&T customers will have a poor experience due to limited band support. Anyone who wants a standard US warranty should buy the US model instead. With only 2 units left, this option is also limited.
7. Samsung Galaxy A57 5G – Budget Telephoto That Actually Works
Pros
- Dedicated telephoto lens at budget price
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0
- Smooth 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus display
- Six years of OS updates
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Not optimized for Verizon or AT&T
- Telephoto reach is limited compared to flagships
The Galaxy A57 5G is the budget surprise of this roundup. Most phones at this price either skip the telephoto lens entirely or use a low-resolution 2MP sensor that exists only on the spec sheet. Samsung gave the A57 a real triple camera system with a dedicated telephoto, and it shows in the photos.
I tested the A57 in bright daylight, and the telephoto shots were noticeably better than I expected. Reviewers mention the camera improvement over previous A-series models, and I confirmed it. For social media and casual travel photography, this is more than enough telephoto.
The A57’s telephoto does not have the reach of flagship periscope lenses. You are working with a shorter optical zoom range, which means more reliance on digital zoom beyond a certain point. But within its range, the image quality holds up. For the price, this is easily the best telephoto lens in phones you can buy new in 2026 without breaking the bank.
IP68 water resistance is a rarity at this price point. It means you can shoot in light rain without panic. The 45W fast charging is also a meaningful upgrade over older budget Samsung phones. If you want a telephoto phone and your budget is tight, start here.
Who should buy the Galaxy A57 5G
Budget shoppers who still want a real telephoto lens, water resistance, and long software support. Students, first-time smartphone buyers, and anyone upgrading from a much older phone will find real value here.
Who should skip the Galaxy A57 5G
Photographers who need extreme zoom reach or low light telephoto performance. Anyone on Verizon or AT&T should also check network compatibility first. Power users will want a flagship instead.
8. HONOR 400 Pro – Strong Optical Zoom at a Mid-Range Price
Pros
- Real 3x optical zoom telephoto
- 200MP main sensor for cropped detail
- Large 5300mAh battery
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship performance
- 50x digital zoom
Cons
- Not water resistant
- GSM only - no Verizon or AT&T in US
- Smaller brand with limited US support
The HONOR 400 Pro is the sleeper on this list. It combines a 200MP main sensor with a true 3x optical zoom telephoto and a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, all at a price that undercuts Samsung’s flagships. Reviewers compare it favorably to Samsung, and after testing it for two weeks, I understand why.
The 3x telephoto is the highlight. It produces sharp images with natural color rendering, and the optical zoom reach is enough for most people’s needs. The 200MP main sensor also gives you significant cropping headroom, which can extend your effective zoom when you need it.
Who should buy the HONOR 400 Pro
Photographers who want flagship telephoto hardware at a mid-range price. International buyers and T-Mobile customers in the US will get the best experience. If you are willing to look beyond Samsung and Apple, this is one of the best deals in telephoto phones.
Who should skip the HONOR 400 Pro
Verizon and AT&T customers will face network issues. Anyone who values water resistance or after-sales support from a major US brand should look at Samsung instead. If you rely on long-term carrier support, the HONOR is harder to recommend.
How to Choose the Best Telephoto Lens in Phones for Your Needs
Picking the best telephoto lens in phones comes down to matching your shooting habits to the right hardware. A bird photographer and a portrait shooter need very different things from a telephoto lens, even if both appear in the same spec sheet. Here is how I think through the decision.
Match Optical Zoom Range to Your Subjects
The single most important spec is optical zoom range. If you mainly shoot portraits, a 3x telephoto is enough, and you will get better low light performance from a shorter lens with a wider aperture. If you shoot wildlife, sports, or concerts, look for a phone with a 5x or 10x optical zoom periscope lens. The Galaxy S26 Ultra with dual telephoto lenses covers both ends. Our telephoto lens accessories guide also covers add-on optics if you want even more reach.
Check the Aperture and Sensor Size
Aperture matters more than most spec sheets suggest. A wider aperture (f/2.0 or so) lets in more light, which is critical for indoor and evening telephoto shots. Smaller sensors with brighter apertures often outperform larger sensors with narrow apertures in real-world low light. Look for f/2.8 or wider on the telephoto lens if you shoot indoors at all.
Look at Computational Photography
Modern telephoto images are as much about software as hardware. Google’s Tensor chips and Samsung’s Galaxy AI both do heavy lifting at the long end of the zoom range. Pro Res Zoom and Space Zoom are real features, not marketing fluff. If you shoot beyond 10x often, computational photography matters as much as the optical hardware.
Consider Video Stabilization
If you shoot video at telephoto focal lengths, optical image stabilization (OIS) is essential. Even small hand movements get amplified at 5x or 10x. All eight phones on this list have OIS on the telephoto lens, but the effectiveness varies. The Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro have the best stabilization I have tested.
Think About Software Updates
Camera processing improves over time through software updates. Phones with longer update support (Samsung and Google both promise 7 years) will get better telephoto results for years after you buy them. That makes a bigger difference than spec sheet bumps in many cases. Phones with shorter support windows lose value faster.
Optical vs Digital Zoom: What Actually Matters
The difference between optical zoom and digital zoom is the difference between a real photograph and a crop. Optical zoom uses physical lens elements to magnify the image before it hits the sensor, so all the resolution is preserved. Digital zoom just crops and upscales the existing image, which loses detail. This is why phones with periscope telephoto lenses produce dramatically better zoom shots than phones that rely on digital zoom alone.
Most flagship phones now use a hybrid approach: optical zoom up to a certain point, then computational zoom that uses AI to fill in detail. Samsung’s 100x Space Zoom and Google’s 100x Pro Res Zoom both work this way. The output at 100x is not the same quality as at 10x, but it is far better than naive cropping. For the best telephoto lens in phones, look for hardware that supports at least 5x true optical zoom, with strong computational processing beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mobile phone has the best telephoto lens?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra currently has the best telephoto lens in phones thanks to its dual telephoto design that covers both 3x and roughly 10x optical zoom. The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a close second, with excellent computational photography that produces great results at longer zoom ranges. For most users, the S26 Ultra is the best overall choice in 2026, while the Pixel 10 Pro offers the best value.
Is a telephoto lens worth it in a phone?
Yes, a telephoto lens is worth it in a phone if you shoot portraits, travel, concerts, wildlife, or any subject where you cannot physically move closer. A dedicated telephoto lens produces better portraits with natural compression and creamy background blur. It also lets you capture distant subjects without the quality loss of digital zoom. If you mainly shoot wide-angle subjects, you can skip the telephoto, but most users benefit from having one.
Which phone has the highest telephoto zoom?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and S24 Ultra both offer 100x Space Zoom, which is the highest advertised zoom range on a mainstream phone. The Google Pixel 10 Pro also offers 100x Pro Res Zoom using AI reconstruction. However, true optical zoom on these phones tops out at around 10x. Anything beyond 10x uses hybrid optical-digital zoom with AI processing, which is useful but not the same quality as the optical range.
What is a periscope lens in phones?
A periscope lens in phones uses a folded optical path, similar to a submarine periscope, to fit a longer focal length inside a thin phone body. Light enters the lens, hits a prism or mirror that redirects it 90 degrees, then travels along the length of the phone to the sensor. This design lets manufacturers achieve 5x or 10x optical zoom without making the phone camera bump enormous. Most modern flagship telephoto cameras use some form of periscope design.
Final Verdict on the Best Telephoto Lens in Phones
After testing all eight phones extensively, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra remains our top pick for the best telephoto lens in phones in 2026. Its dual telephoto design covers both portrait and distant subject needs better than any competitor. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Google Pixel 10 Pro delivers nearly flagship telephoto quality at a lower price, while the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G proves you can still get a real telephoto lens without paying flagship prices.
Whatever you shoot, there is a phone on this list that will do it justice. Take your time, match the zoom range to your subjects, and pick the one that fits your budget. If you want to extend your reach even further, check our zoom vs telephoto guide for external lens options. Either way, you are getting the best telephoto lens in phones has ever offered, and 2026 is a great time to upgrade.