Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera zoom comparison

Launched as the crème de la crème of Android flagships this year, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra come with one mission in mind; and it’s to redefine smartphone photography at every level. But when it comes to zoom, a feature both brands love to flex, which one actually deserves the crown? Find out in our Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera zoom comparison.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera specs

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sticks to its tried-and-tested playbook. Its mighty 200MP primary camera is flanked by a 50MP ultrawide and two telephoto lenses, including a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and a 50MP 5x periscope. This setup offers flexibility across focal lengths and Samsung’s signature “Space Zoom” that stretches all the way to 100x.

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The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, meanwhile, keeps things more streamlined. It features a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom. What makes it special is Google’s AI-driven ProRes Zoom, pushing digital magnification up to 100x with heavy Tensor G5 processing behind the scenes.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra zoom test

At 20x, Samsung delivers a stronger result with less distortion and noise. The image is much sharper and the text is more legible. Push things to 100x, and the story changes. Google’s AI chops come alive. Its ProRes Zoom delivers sharper images on distant objects like billboards or buildings, with text and details holding together surprisingly well. That said, AI-driven processing can get messy with certain textures, especially on non-human subjects.

Samsung’s 100x, on the other hand, is noticeably softer and unclear at that distance, leaving the image barely usable for anything beyond novelty shots.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL edges ahead in the extreme zoom race, thanks to its AI-boosted clarity at 100x, even if it isn’t flawless. The Galaxy S25 Ultra still delivers sharper results at lower zoom levels, but struggles to keep things sharp at the upper limit. So, at 20x, Samsung takes the win, but at higher zoom levels, Pixel’s AI magic is unbeatable.