I compared the 100x zoom cameras on Samsung, Google, and Motorola phones - this model won

Adam Doud/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

We tested three smartphones in long-range zoom photography.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro, and Motorola Razr Fold.

Samsung has some catching up to do.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in the midst of reviewing the Motorola Razr Fold while on a press trip to the Grand Canyon. The Razr Fold has a Super Res Zoom feature that will take a 100x photo and clean it up pretty convincingly. So, I saw a river in the distance and pulled out the Razr Fold to grab a shot.

Also: Google Pixel vs. Samsung Galaxy: I've tested both brands extensively, and there's a clear winner

Then, I remembered I had the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in my pocket. Samsung is like the OG of super res zoom, so I decided to grab the same shot. The only problem is that the Samsung shot looked really bad, while the Motorola -- the folding Motorola -- came out crispy. Here are the two, side by side.

Side-by-side shots taken with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (left) and the Motorola Razr Fold (right). Adam Doud/ZDNET

... continue reading