Top 9 Phones with Telephoto Cameras You Should Consider

In recent years, smartphones have been equipped with advanced and impressive camera features that have evolved far beyond basic wide-angle shots. One feature that now plays a crucial role for users who enjoy photography is the telephoto camera system that allows users to capture distant subjects, portraits and detailed zoom shots without losing image quality. 

This new camera system makes it great for travel photography, events, wildlife and sports events, capturing sharp images even at high zoom levels. There are many new smartphones, ranging from upper-midrange to flagship models, that come with telephoto cameras. If you’re looking for a telephoto camera phone, below is a list of the best phones with a telephoto camera! 

1. iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the latest flagship phone by Apple, featuring the powerful A19 Pro chipset, offering significant performance gains. It has a 6.9″ Super Retina XDR display with a dynamic island providing a more vivid, true-to-life picture with amazing details in both photos and videos.

Speaking of photos, the iPhone 17 Pro Max focuses on professional-grade photography with its telephoto camera system that includes the longest iPhone telephoto ever, up to an equivalent 200mm focal length. So users can explore an even wider range of creative choices and add a longer reach to their compositions with a 16x optical zoom range. This telephoto camera phone is one of the latest phones to have if having a good camera is a top priority. 

Shop iPhone 17 Pro Max on KTS here.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S Series is among Samsung’s most advanced mobile camera phones. Boasting a telephoto system that features an all-new 50MP ultra-wide lens with a dedicated 10MP 3x optical zoom, allowing users to take clear and detailed close-up photos and videos. It’s also AI-powered to enhance scene optimization, noise reduction and overall image quality. 

Besides that, the telephoto lens performs very well in night photography, providing advanced low-light performance. Featuring a 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2x with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering clear and vibrant colours, and incredibly smooth visuals, great for gaming, scrolling and multitasking. This smartphone with a telephoto camera is a great option for travel and outdoor photography! 

Shop Samsung Galaxy S25 on KTS here.

3. Google Pixel 10

Image Source: Google 

The Google Pixel 10 is Google’s latest flagship smartphone series that features the powerful Tensor G5 chip. This smartphone stands out for its advanced photography using its telephoto camera system that uses AI to enhance zoom images with impressive details and colour accuracy, making photos and videos super clear and vibrant. 

It features an advanced triple camera system with a new 5x telephoto lens and Super Res Zoom up to 20x, allowing users to capture stunning and clean photos and videos in any lighting even from a far distance. Besides that, the phone is made of premium, super-durable materials that are built to last and comes with 7 years of OS and security updates, a great option for users who change smartphones very rarely! 

4. OnePlus 13

Image Source: OnePlus

Featuring a powerful Hasselblad co-engineered triple-camera system with a 50MP main camera Sony LYT-808 sensor with OIS, a 50MP 3x Triprism Telephoto camera with OIS and a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera, the OnePlus 13 produces sharp, detailed images with accurate and natural colours even when zoomed in. 

It also offers excellent digital zoom up to 120x along with AI enhancement to produce fantastic images. The OnePlus 13 also offers 4K Dolby Vision for cinematic capture with every camera, including studio-quality sound, creating an immersive soundscape. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it delivers fast and efficient performance, making the camera app fast and responsive, thus ensuring it performs well during extended shooting sessions. 

5. OPPO Find X9 Pro

Image Source: OPPO 

The OPPO Find X9 Pro focuses on amazing photography, delivering detailed photos and videos. It features a 200MP Hasselblad telephoto camera system, supports 120x super zoom and captures just the perfect natural-looking photos! It also works with AI to deliver sharp images even from a distance. 

This telephoto smartphone is ideal for users who enjoy concerts, sports events, wildlife and travel. Apart from the camera, it also boasts a large 7,500mAh silicon carbon battery that allows users to use the camera all day! With plenty of camera features including editing at your fingertips, the OPPO Find X9 Pro is one of the best telephoto phones to have, especially for users who are into photography!

Read more: 7 Best Phones with Hasselblad Camera Technology

6. Samsung Galaxy S24

Image Source: Samsung 

Equipped with an industry-leading camera, Samsung Galaxy S24 remains one of the telephoto smartphones worth considering. Offering 50MP wide-angle, 12MP ultra-wide, 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and 30x space zoom while the front camera includes a 12MP wide lens, they make pictures and videos look impressive, high-quality and professional. 

The AI-assisted processing enhances details and reduces noise at higher zoom levels. Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a 4,000mAh battery, users can expect fast and efficient performance throughout the day. Make the most of the Samsung Galaxy S24 advanced camera features to elevate your photography game!

7. Nothing Phone 3a

The stylish Nothing Phone 3a features a 50MP OIS main camera, 50MP telephoto camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera that can deliver up to 30x zoom range ensuring that even distant images are detailed and true-to-life. While it may not compete with the other flagship phones with telephoto cameras, it still delivers quality images for its mid-range price. 

Beyond its camera, it also features a 6.77” FHD+ flexible AMOLED display that delivers stunning 1.07 billion colours. Plus, it’s powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, delivering top-tier performance whether multitasking, gaming or photography. The Nothing Phone 3a is a great option for users who want a telephoto camera without breaking the bank. 

Shop Nothing Phone 3a on KTS here. 

8. HONOR 400 Pro

Featuring 200MP ultra-clear AI main camera, ultra-wide & macro camera, 50MP telephoto camera with 50x AI super zoom and a 50MP portrait selfie camera, the HONOR 400 Pro is serious about its camera performance. This phone with telephoto camera delivers sharp and detailed images and even reduces blur at higher zoom levels, thanks to its AI optimization. This camera is perfect for natural landscapes, capturing breathtaking scenery! 

With its 6,000mAh silicon carbon battery, it is designed to last all day, ensuring worry-free especially when using its camera. This device offers great value for money, ideal for users who enjoy photography without having to spend on premium pricing!

Shop HONOR 400 Pro on KTS here. 

9. Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Image Source: Xiaomi

If you’re looking for a high-end flagship smartphone with a telephoto camera, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra should be on your list. Offering professional photography, this device features the Leica quad camera system including 50MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP HDR main camera, 50MP floating telephoto camera and a 200MP ultra telephoto camera delivering top-tier photography performance like never before. It also supports professional camera modes for users who want to control manually. 

Designed with a camera-inspired aesthetic and made of premium materials, this device will not disappoint! The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for powerful performance, ensuring users have the best experience!

Conclusion

Telephoto cameras have become an essential part of the phone for users who enjoy photography. Each smartphone offers its own unique telephoto camera features, from capturing distant subjects to using AI to create stunning images. Looking to upgrade to a smartphone with a telephoto camera? Be sure to explore KTS for the latest telephoto camera smartphones featuring top brands that suit every budget and lifestyle. Shop today for the best prices!