With concert season and live events back in full swing, having a smartphone that performs exceptionally well in high-zoom, low-light environments is increasingly valuable.
If you’re looking to upgrade your phone before your next big event, here’s what you need to know.
Not all cameras are created equal — particularly when zoom functionality is concerned. When choosing a smartphone to capture concerts and events, consider the following features:
- High-resolution telephoto lenses
- Advanced digital zoom processing
- Night mode and low-light optimization
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- AI-enhanced photo and video tools
Below are several smartphone models known for their exceptional camera zoom performance:
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Up to 10x optical zoom, 100x digital Space Zoom
- 200MP primary sensor with advanced Nightography
- Laser autofocus and AI detail enhancer

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 5x optical zoom with advanced computational photography
- Excellent dynamic range and ProRAW support
- Night mode portraits and 4K cinematic video
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Super Res Zoom up to 30x
- AI-powered enhancements for low-light and motion
- Real Tone and Magic Editor tools for post-processing
4. Xiaomi 13 Ultra
- Professional-grade Leica lens system
- Variable aperture and long-range zoom
- Exceptional night photography features