Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps drawing the reviewer back for one reason: its 50MP 5x optical telephoto camera, which is described as unusually versatile despite broader complaints about the phone.
That lens can stretch to 10x optical-like quality, but the report says true 5x optical zoom delivers cleaner, less over-processed shots for animals, distant landscape details, presentations and tighter framing.
The praise comes even as the S26 Ultra is criticized for limited hardware progress, including a still-5,000mAh battery, a high $1,300 price and 60W charging that trails rivals such as Xiaomi’s 90W offering.
Samsung still offers strong zoom hardware, but the report argues its edge is narrowing as rivals push further—Xiaomi with variable 3.2x and 4.3x zoom, and OPPO with a 50MP 10x optical telephoto lens.