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Not A Fan Of Apple? Check These 5 Camera Phones To Buy In 2026 Instead Of iPhone 17 Pro Max

If camera flexibility matters more than the Apple ecosystem, several Android flagships offer stronger zoom hardware and more varied camera setups compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Check out the best camera phones to buy in 2026 instead of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Edited By: Divya| Published By: Divya| Published: Dec 26, 2025, 11:35 PM (IST)

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iPhone 17 Pro Maxzoom icon
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IPhone 17 Pro Max2

The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a triple camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, improved telephoto zoom, and enhanced video stabilisation. It runs on Apple’s A19 Pro chip and focuses heavily on video consistency and colour accuracy.

vlogging (1)zoom icon
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IPhone 17 Pro Max Alternative

But if you don't want to enter Apple's ecosystem or if you don't like iOS, then there are 5 best alternatives that you can buy in 2026.

Google Pixel 10 Prozoom icon
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Google Pixel 10 Pro

The Pixel 10 Pro is priced at around Rs 1,09,999 and is powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chip. It features a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. On the front, it includes a 42MP selfie camera.

Oppo Find X9 Prozoom icon
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Oppo Find X9 Pro

The Oppo Find X9 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 95000 chipset and is priced at approximately Rs 1,09,999. It features a 50MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultrazoom icon
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 200MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. It supports 8K video at 24fps. The 12MP front camera records 4K at up to 60fps. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the phone is currently priced at around Rs 1,08,999.

Vivo X300 Prozoom icon
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Vivo X300 Pro

Vivo X300 Pro focuses strongly on zoom and low-light photography. It features a 50MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. The front houses a 50MP selfie camera. Pricing is around Rs 1,09,999.

Xiaomi 15 Ultrazoom icon
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Priced close to Rs 1,09,999, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It features a 50MP main sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto camera, and an additional 50MP telephoto lens. For selfies, it uses a 32MP front camera.

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What s Good For You

If long-range photography matters most, then the periscope telephoto cameras like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Vivo X300 Pro, and Find X9 Pro are good options. While, Samsung and Google continue to offer consistent video recording features.