The iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra both offer advanced zoom capabilities, but they differ significantly in their approach and range.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Zoom Capabilities
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a telephoto lens with a 48MP sensor and a 5x optical zoom capability, which is consistent with previous Pro models[1][5]. This setup is designed to provide sharp and detailed images when capturing distant subjects, making it suitable for scenarios like wildlife photography or sporting events. While the optical zoom is limited to 5x, the iPhone's hybrid zoom can extend beyond this range, though with some loss of detail compared to optical zoom[5].
Galaxy S25 Ultra Zoom Capabilities
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a more versatile zoom system. It includes a dual optical zoom setup with 3x and 5x magnifications, along with a 10x optical zoom option using a periscope telephoto lens[3][6]. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a 100x AI-enhanced space zoom, which combines optical and digital zoom to capture subjects at extreme distances[3]. This makes it particularly adept at long-range photography, though the quality may degrade slightly at the highest zoom levels due to the digital component[3][4].
Comparison
While both devices offer 5x optical zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's ability to extend up to 10x optical zoom and 100x hybrid zoom gives it a significant advantage in terms of range. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max's focus on maintaining a consistent 5x optical zoom ensures high-quality images within that range. The choice between these devices will depend on whether users prioritize the ability to capture distant subjects at higher zoom levels or prefer consistent quality at shorter ranges.
Citations:
[1] https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/iphone-17-pro-max-camera/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU3aydpCtvY
[3] https://www.samsung.com/ca/mobile-buying-guide/samsung-galaxy-s25-camera-specs-explained/
[4] https://www.croma.com/unboxed/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-vs-iphone-16-pro-max-camera-zoom-test
[5] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-17/
[6] https://www.dxomark.com/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-camera-test/
[7] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/03/07/whats-in-store-for-the-iphone-17-pro-and-pro-max-this-fall
[8] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/galaxy-s25-ultra-no-longer-has-the-best-zoom-camera/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l8SEu5dB5Y