Periscope Zoom Technology in Premium Chinese Phones

If you're into mobile photography, especially long-range zoom shots without losing quality, you’ve probably heard of periscope zoom technology. But here’s the real tea: Chinese flagship phones aren’t just copying — they’re leading. Brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO have taken periscope telephoto lenses and pushed them way beyond what Apple or Samsung offer at similar price points.

So how does it work? Unlike traditional zoom that relies on digital cropping (read: blurry mess), periscope zoom uses a prism to bend light 90 degrees into a longer lens inside the phone. This allows for true 5x optical zoom or even higher, with much better detail retention.

Let’s break down what the top players are offering in 2024:

Periscope Zoom Comparison: 2024 Flagships

As you can see, while Samsung offers dual periscope lenses, Chinese brands dominate in sensor size and hybrid processing. The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra stands out with its massive 1/1.3" sensor — nearly four times larger than the iPhone’s. Bigger sensor = more light = cleaner zoomed images, especially in low light.

But hardware isn’t everything. Software magic matters too. Xiaomi’s AI-powered Zoom Enhancer algorithm analyzes textures and edges to reduce artifacts. Meanwhile, OPPO’s Nahimic Imaging Engine delivers buttery-smooth transitions between focal lengths.

Now, if you’re wondering which one to buy — ask yourself: do you shoot distant subjects often? If yes, go for periscope zoom phones from China. They offer superior value, innovation, and real-world performance. Just check local availability and app compatibility — some global versions lack certain features due to licensing.

In short: Chinese flagships didn’t just catch up — they redefined what mobile zoom should be. And unless you’re locked into iOS, it’s hard to justify paying more for less.