Zoom Wars: Which Phone Brings the Most Detail at a Distance?

When it comes to smartphone photography, few features capture attention like long-zoom capability. In this comparison, we’ll look at the OnePlus 15 and the Vivo X100 Ultra, two high-end devices that push zoom optics further than most. The focus: how each performs when capturing distant subjects, and which one comes out ahead for zoom photography enthusiasts.

Starting with the OnePlus 15, the phone uses a 50 MP telephoto lens offering 3.5× optical zoom. Reviewers note the results are solid for short to moderate zoom distances, producing clean images with good colour and detail when crops are moderate. However, when pushed to the maximum digital zoom levels, the OnePlus shows its limits: fine detail softens and digital artefacts become more visible. It remains very competent in the telephoto class but doesn’t dominate the “super-zoom” segment.

In contrast, the Vivo X100 Ultra aims higher in the zoom department. It incorporates a periscope style telephoto lens with greater optical zoom capability (for example, reports suggest up to ~5× or more optical zoom) and strong digital zoom support. The results in long-range shots show more usable detail at distance and better clarity when you crop significantly. In essence, the Ultra model is built for photography-enthusiasts who push zoom hard.

In day-to-day long-zoom use (think capturing sports, wildlife glimpses, city rooftop shots), users of the Vivo X100 Ultra tend to report better retained texture, cleaner edges and stronger performance when using the zoom to isolate subjects far away. The OnePlus 15 delivers very good results for moderate zoom use (portrait telephoto, group shots from distance) but falls a little behind when the subject is very far or you heavily crop.

Lighting conditions further widen the gap. In favourable daylight, both phones perform well: good exposure, decent detail and minimal artefacts. But in challenging light (low light, backlit scenes, dusk) the Vivo X100 Ultra retains more clarity in its zoomed images thanks to its larger optics and more advanced zoom system. The OnePlus 15 still gives usable results but noise and loss of fine detail become more evident in extreme conditions.

For users who make long-zoom a frequent part of their photography—capturing subjects far-away with clarity—the Vivo X100 Ultra is the stronger choice. If your zoom needs are moderate (say up to 3×-4× optical, occasional digital zoom) and you value a balanced flagship experience, the OnePlus 15 remains a very strong performer.

In short: if you prioritise extensive zoom performance, go for the Vivo X100 Ultra. If you prioritise overall flagship camera experience with competent zoom, the OnePlus 15 is a smarter all-round pick.