Optical zoom used to be a privilege of flagship devices, but the situation is changing. More and more mid-range smartphones now come with a true telephoto camera, allowing you to shoot distant subjects without the quality loss of digital zoom. We selected five current models where a telephoto lens is combined with a reasonable price.

Xiaomi 15T: a powerful sub-flagship with versatile cameras

The Xiaomi 15T offers one of the best price-to-performance balances in its class.

Display: 6.83 inches, OLED, 2772×1280, 120 Hz
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra (around 2 million points in AnTuTu)
Memory: up to 12 GB LPDDR5X / up to 512 GB UFS 4.1
Cameras: 50 MP main (Light Fusion 800 sensor, 1/1.55"), 12 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom (high-quality 3x also possible)
Front camera: 32 MP
Battery: 5500 mAh, 67 W charging (full charge in about 50 minutes)

The high-resolution telephoto lens delivers sharp zoomed shots, while the large main sensor performs well in low light. The display is very bright, up to 3200 nits, with high PWM frequency. The model can now be found for under 50,000 rubles and is an excellent choice for those who want near-flagship capabilities.

HUAWEI nova 13 Pro: the selfie king with 3x zoom

The HUAWEI nova 13 Pro stands out for portrait photography and front cameras.

Display: 6.76 inches, OLED, 2776×1224, 120 Hz
Processor: Kirin 8000
Memory: 12 GB / 512 GB
Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto with OIS and 3x optical zoom
Front cameras: 60 MP + 8 MP (with 2x zoom)
Battery: 5000 mAh

The telephoto lens with optical stabilization provides steady zoomed shots, while the dual front camera setup delivers excellent selfies and portraits. This is one of the best mid-range camera phones for selfie enthusiasts.

Nothing Phone (3a): distinctive design and basic zoom

The Nothing Phone (3a) attracts attention with its unique design featuring a transparent back and LED lighting.

Display: 6.77 inches, AMOLED, 2392×1080, 120 Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Memory: up to 12 GB / up to 256 GB
Cameras: 50 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom
Front camera: 32 MP
Battery: 5000 mAh

The telephoto lens lacks optical stabilization, but it is sufficient for everyday 2x zoom. The smartphone is fast, the display is high quality, and the price is one of the most affordable in this selection.

HONOR 200 Pro: a portrait specialist with 2.5x zoom

The HONOR 200 Pro has dropped in price over the year and has become a very attractive option.

Display: 6.78 inches, OLED, 2700×1224, 120 Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Memory: 12 GB / 512 GB
Cameras: 50 MP main with OIS, 12 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP telephoto with OIS and 2.5x optical zoom
Front camera: 50 MP + 2 MP depth sensor
Battery: 5200 mAh

The high-resolution telephoto lens delivers excellent zoom quality, and the portrait mode with background blur is among the best. Ideal for those who frequently photograph people.

realme 14 Pro+: periscope zoom at an affordable price

The realme 14 Pro+ offers the most impressive zoom in this lineup.

Display: 6.83 inches, OLED, 2800×1272, 120 Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Memory: up to 12 GB / up to 512 GB
Cameras: 50 MP main (Sony IMX896), 50 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP periscope telephoto with OIS, 3x optical zoom (high-quality 6x)
Front camera: 32 MP
Battery: 6000 mAh, 80 W charging

Periscope optics with high resolution are rare in this price segment, starting from around 35,000 rubles for the base version. The main camera is also strong, especially at night.

In brief

By 2026, optical zoom has become accessible in the mid-range segment. Xiaomi 15T, HUAWEI nova 13 Pro, Nothing Phone (3a), HONOR 200 Pro, and realme 14 Pro+ offer telephoto lenses from 2x to 3x, with up to 6x high-quality zoom, at prices under 50,000 rubles. The choice depends on priorities: versatility with Xiaomi, selfies with HUAWEI, design with Nothing, portraits with HONOR, or maximum zoom with realme. These models prove that high-quality mobile photography no longer requires a flagship budget.