Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 Stands Out with Its Telephoto Lens
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has arrived, and now that we’ve had time to evaluate these flagship phones, it’s clear that each model has its own strengths. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a refreshed design and the new Galaxy S25 Edge introduces a different form factor, the standard Galaxy S25 has taken a more subtle approach to upgrades. However, despite its similarities to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 remains the only globally available flagship at its price point with an optical telephoto zoom lens.
A Telephoto Lens: The Game-Changer in Smartphone Photography
For $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, the Samsung Galaxy S25 continues to offer a feature that neither Apple’s iPhone 16 nor Google’s Pixel 9 can match in their base models: a dedicated optical telephoto zoom lens. While competitors limit telephoto capabilities to their Pro or XL models, Samsung has once again ensured that even its baseline flagship provides superior zoom functionality.
Why does this matter? Optical zoom delivers:
- Sharper images with minimal noise
- Better low-light performance compared to digital zoom
- Increased versatility for capturing distant subjects
Whether you’re photographing concerts, wildlife, or portraits, a telephoto lens enhances your ability to take professional-grade images without compromising on quality.
Samsung vs. Competitors: Who Really Wins?
Looking at the competition, neither the iPhone 16 nor the Pixel 9 includes a telephoto lens at their base level. Instead, both rely on a main sensor and an ultra-wide lens, requiring users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro ($999) or the Pixel 9 Pro ($999) to access a zoom camera. This puts Samsung at an advantage, offering high-end camera technology without forcing consumers into pricier models.
Comparing Camera Performance: Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 15
We tested the 3x optical zoom on the Galaxy S25 against the iPhone 15’s digital zoom at the same focal length. The results?
- The S25 delivered richer detail and sharper contrast
- The iPhone 15 struggled with digital noise and lower dynamic range
If you frequently rely on zoom photography, the Galaxy S25 is an obvious winner.
More Than Just a Camera Phone
Beyond its impressive telephoto lens, the Samsung Galaxy S25 packs:
- 12GB of RAM for seamless multitasking
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for top-tier performance
- A premium design with industry-leading hardware
Samsung’s commitment to offering pro-level hardware at an accessible price point reinforces its position as an industry leader.
Will Apple and Google Catch Up?
Historically, Apple and Google have been slow to introduce telephoto lenses in their base models. The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 continue that trend, keeping zoom functionality locked behind their Pro models. While brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and even Samsung’s own Galaxy S24 FE offer telephoto lenses, these options either lack global availability or fall short in processing power.
For now, the Galaxy S25 stands alone as the best affordable flagship for photography enthusiasts.
