Periscope cameras on cell phones in 2025: how they work and which brands are leading the way

The race to offer extreme optical zoom on smartphones has led manufacturers to embrace periscope technology , an advancement that allows for zooms of up to 10x without significant loss of quality. By 2025, more and more high-end phones will incorporate this type of camera, which has become a key differentiator for mobile photography enthusiasts.

But how do periscope cameras work, and which brands are mastering this technology?

Periscope cameras use a lens system arranged horizontally inside the body of the phone, accompanied by a prism that redirects light 90 degrees. This allows the focal length to extend much further than traditional modules, achieving higher levels of optical zoom without adding bulk to the device.

Thanks to this design, manufacturers are able to include lenses with magnifications of 5x, 6x, 10x, and even more, while maintaining image quality and avoiding the exclusive use of digital zoom, which deteriorates detail.

• True optical zoom : allows sharp close-ups without the distortion typical of digital zoom.
• Naturally compressed portraits : Using long focal lengths, faces appear proportional and have a more natural background blur.
• Greater photographic versatility : you can capture distant details, such as landscapes, architecture or concerts, without losing sharpness.

In 2025, advances in optical stabilization and image processing have also significantly reduced shake at high zoom levels.

Manufacturers mastering periscopic technology include:

• Samsung , with models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra , which offers up to 10x optical zoom combined with a digital Space Zoom that reaches 100x. Its stabilization improvements allow for surprisingly smooth telephoto video recording.
• Huawei , a pioneer in introducing periscope cameras with the P30 Pro and which continues to stand out in recent models such as the Pura 70 Ultra , with 10x optical zoom and impressive macro capabilities.
• Xiaomi , which with its Mi 14 Ultra incorporates a 5x periscopic zoom with large sensors, achieving excellent performance in low-light conditions.
• Oppo , with its Find X7 Pro series, where it integrates a 6x periscope and new image fusion techniques that expand the dynamic range to the maximum.

Apple, for its part, made the leap to periscopic cameras with the iPhone 15 Pro Max , although its zoom levels are still more conservative (5x optical), but with excellent computational processing.

The main challenge for periscope cameras is space: while horizontally positioned lenses save space, they still take up considerable volume inside the phone, limiting battery life and the availability of other sensors.

Another challenge is low-light performance, as the sensors behind these lenses are typically smaller than the main ones, compromising detail in nighttime conditions. However, with larger sensors, variable aperture, and advanced algorithms, manufacturers have significantly improved this aspect in their latest models.

In the near future, periscope cameras are expected to reach mid-to-high-end smartphones, democratizing extreme zoom for more users and setting a new standard in mobile photography.

If you're a mobile photography enthusiast or need to capture high-quality subjects from a distance, a smartphone with a periscope camera represents one of the best technological investments you can make today. Not only does it expand your creative possibilities, but it elevates your shots to the next level, bringing details closer to you that were previously only within reach of professional cameras.