Camera Draw and Shoot Extravaganza
Which device will take the Best Smartphone for Zoom Photography 2025 prize in a winner-takes-all contest? When it comes to killer zoom camera smartphones in 2025, two heavyweights battle for the crown—Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. As mobile photography enters the realm of professional-grade telephoto capabilities, users demand not just zoom, but precision, clarity, and low-light performance. This article compares their periscope lens systems, sensor technologies, and image output to identify the undisputable winner.
Periscope Lens Technologies Explained
Periscope lenses revolutionized smartphone zoom photography by enabling long-range shots through folded optics. In 2025, both Xiaomi and Samsung deployed this tech to new extremes—but they did it differently.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Zoom Lens Specifications
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Sensor Size & Type | 200MP Samsung HP9 (1/1.4″) | 50MP (1/2.52″) |
| Optical Zoom Range | 4.3x (100mm equivalent) | 5x (111mm equivalent) |
| Hybrid Zoom Capacity | Up to 120x (AI-enhanced) | Up to 100x (AI-enhanced) |
| Aperture | f/2.6 | f/3.4 |
| Pixel Size | 0.56µm | 0.7µm |
| Stabilization | OIS + Multi-Directional PDAF | OIS + PDAF |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps across all lenses | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps (limited to select lenses) |
| Low-Light Capability | Superior light intake and detail at high zoom | Moderate clarity in low-light long-range shots |
Analytical Breakdown
- Sensor & Resolution Advantage: Xiaomi’s 200MP sensor allows vast digital cropping with minimal loss in detail. Its larger 1/1.4″ sensor captures significantly more light, crucial for nighttime zoom or indoor events.
- Aperture Superiority: The f/2.6 aperture gives Xiaomi better depth, exposure balance, and subject isolation compared to Samsung’s narrower f/3.4.
- Zoom Performance: While Samsung’s 5x native zoom is sharper at mid-ranges, Xiaomi’s hybrid zoom clarity from 10x to 30x is unmatched, offering true-to-life rendering even at extreme ranges.
- Stabilization & Autofocus: Xiaomi’s multi-directional PDAF translates to faster lock-on and steadier framing at high zoom levels—especially for fast-moving subjects.
The Verdict: The Winner Takes It All
Xiaomi 15 Ultra claims the throne in the killer zoom smartphone category. Its combination of a 200MP sensor, larger aperture, and next-gen Leica optics delivers unrivaled long-range clarity and low-light performance. Samsung’s S25 Ultra remains a strong all-rounder, particularly at mid zoom ranges, but it doesn’t match Xiaomi’s periscope dominance when push comes to shove.
Conclusion
If your goal is precision long-distance mobile photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t just better—it’s undeniably the best zoom camera smartphone of 2025. In a landscape flooded with specs and promises, Xiaomi backed its ambitions with results—and this year, the winner truly takes it all.
Check out our exclusive article providing a comprehensive comparison and ranking of the top Camera Smartphones in 2025.
