I Tested 100x Zoom on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro, and Razr Fold - Here's Who Won

Why It Matters

The test signals a shift in the premium‑camera arms race, with Samsung losing ground to Google and Motorola, which could reshape consumer buying decisions and pressure Samsung to revamp its AI‑driven zoom pipeline.

Key Takeaways

• Pixel 10 Pro delivers cleanest 100× zoom images across distances
• Razr Fold’s super‑res zoom rivals flagship cameras despite foldable design
• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 100× zoom appears blurry, lags behind rivals
• AI post‑processing varies: Pixel shows UI cue, Razr silent, Samsung none
• Night moon shots show all three struggle, but Razr slightly sharper

Pulse Analysis

Super‑resolution zoom has become a marquee feature for flagship smartphones, promising DSLR‑like reach without extra lenses. Samsung pioneered the technology with its 100× zoom on the S20 Ultra, leveraging AI‑enhanced upscaling to fill in detail. However, the market has matured; Google’s Pixel line now pairs raw sensor data with sophisticated computational photography, while Motorola’s Razr Fold demonstrates that even foldable devices can compete when software optimization is prioritized. This evolution forces manufacturers to balance hardware optics with ever‑more powerful AI algorithms.

In ZDNET’s side‑by‑side field test, the Pixel 10 Pro consistently outperformed its rivals, delivering crisp textures on a statue 250 ft away and a clock face 450 ft distant. The phone’s post‑capture sparkle animation hints at real‑time processing, and the final images retain fine detail with minimal noise. The Razr Fold, despite its thinner camera module, leveraged its Super Res Zoom to produce images nearly on par with the Pixel, especially in well‑lit daylight scenarios. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, by contrast, delivered blurry, splotchy results, indicating that its AI pipeline may be under‑utilized for extreme zoom levels.

For consumers, these findings matter because camera performance remains a top purchase driver. Samsung’s slip could erode its premium market share unless it introduces a more aggressive software overhaul or hardware redesign. Meanwhile, Google’s continued dominance in computational photography reinforces its brand as the go‑to for image‑centric users, and Motorola’s success proves that foldable form factors need not sacrifice camera quality. The industry is likely to see tighter integration of AI, sensor‑fusion, and possibly dedicated zoom‑specific chips to reclaim the high‑zoom crown in upcoming flagship cycles.