Android phones had variable-aperture cameras years before the iPhone 18 Pro. Five examples are the Samsung Galaxy S9, Sony Xperia Pro-I, Huawei Mate 50 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Honor Magic6 Pro—but their systems differ in how the aperture is adjusted and in how firmly the available sources establish the hardware details.
What a variable-aperture camera does
A physical aperture changes the opening through which light reaches a camera sensor. A wider opening can admit more light; a narrower one reduces incoming light and can affect depth of field. Phones also use computational processing, so the label “aperture” does not always mean the same thing: a hardware aperture changes the lens opening, while a software control can simulate blur and focus effects.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The five examples below are named in a BGR article published October 2, 2026, which describes the iPhone 18 Pro as released with a variable-aperture main camera. That framing is attributed to BGR; the available sources here do not independently verify Apple’s announcement or hardware documentation. Samsung’s Galaxy S9 camera details are independently documented by Samsung. The other four models’ details are reported by BGR, with the Huawei support page offering additional context about a software Aperture mode.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Five Android phones with variable-aperture cameras
Samsung Galaxy S9: two selectable aperture positions
Samsung says the Galaxy S9’s Dual Aperture camera has two settings: f/1.5 and f/2.4. It automatically adjusts for lighting, and users can manually change the setting in Pro Mode. This is a two-position system, rather than a continuously adjustable range. Samsung also claimed in 2018 that the system offered 28 percent better light reception; that is the manufacturer’s published claim, not an independently tested result. Samsung Newsroom and Samsung support describe the feature.
#1 Best Overall
- Get Closer To Everyday Distant Moments: Bring distant sports events, birds, boats and travel landmarks closer when your phone camera cannot reach. The 28X optical telephoto lens is designed for stable outdoor subjects approximately 49–262 ft / 15–80 m away, making everyday long-distance observation and smartphone photography more accessible.
- Wider, More Natural Telephoto View: Compared with many higher-power phone telescopes, the 28X design provides a wider field of view and makes distant subjects easier to find and frame. It is a practical choice for beginners who prefer a more natural telephoto view instead of an extremely narrow image.
- Smaller Edge Darkening—Phone Models May Vary: Designed to reduce edge darkening on many smartphones. Because camera position and sensor size vary, some newer multi-camera phones may still show slight dark edges at 1X. Center the lens over the main camera and apply a small amount of phone zoom when needed.
- Manual Focus For Clearer Distant Detail: Rotate the focus ring slowly until your subject appears sharp. At 28X magnification, even small hand movements become visible, so brace your arms or use a tripod for clearer photos and video. For moving subjects, set your position and focus before the moment begins.Tripod is recommended and sold separately.
- Universal Clip For Popular Smartphones: Works with many iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Android main cameras. Remove thick phone cases, identify the main 1X camera, center the lens carefully and disable automatic macro or lens switching when possible. The aluminum body also works as a compact handheld monocular for travel and outdoor observation.
Sony Xperia Pro-I: reported f/2.0–f/4.0 range
BGR reports that the photography-focused Xperia Pro-I has a main-camera aperture range of f/2.0 to f/4.0. The details in the available sources are secondary reporting; no Sony manufacturer specification is cited here. BGR’s comparison is the source for this model’s reported range.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: ten reported aperture sizes, plus a software-mode caveat
BGR says the Mate 50 Pro’s Ultra Aperture XMAGE camera offers ten aperture sizes and reaches f/1.4. Huawei’s support page independently lists the phone for Aperture mode, but describes a virtual aperture slider used for blur and focus effects. That support description alone does not establish that the camera’s aperture mechanism is mechanical. BGR reports the ten-size camera feature; Huawei support explains its virtual Aperture mode.
Rank #2
- Upgraded 28x Telephoto Lens – Wider View & Easier Framing: Designed for everyday users, this 28x telephoto lens delivers a wider field of view than most 28x lenses, making it easier to find and frame distant subjects. Whether you're at a concert, a sports game, or just exploring nature, you'll get crisp, high-resolution close-ups without the hassle of perfect alignment.
- Advanced Optical Performance with Reduced Edge Darkening: Features a breakthrough light path design for an ultra-wide view and excellent light intake. The field-of-view ring helps reduce edge darkening, so you get a cleaner image with fewer dark corners (results may vary by phone model). High resolution and true color reproduction significantly enhance your mobile photography.
- Stable Long-Distance Capture & Monocular Function: With 28x magnification, capture clear and steady shots of distant subjects. The lens can also be used as a monocular telescope for extended observation—perfect for birdwatching, wildlife, or scenic views.
- Wide Compatibility & Versatile Use: Perfect for sports events, concerts, bird watching, wildlife observation, and travel. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and most other smartphones.
- Portable & User-Friendly: Crafted with high-quality glass and a durable yet lightweight body. The universal clip attaches securely to your phone, and the compact design fits easily in a pocket or bag—ideal for travel and outdoor adventures.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: reported stepless aperture
BGR describes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s aperture as stepless and using a 10-blade design. Those specifications are secondary-source claims in the available coverage; no Xiaomi manufacturer documentation is cited here. See BGR’s comparison.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Honor Magic6 Pro: reported f/1.4–f/2.0 range
BGR reports a 50-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture between f/1.4 and f/2.0. No Honor manufacturer source for those details is cited here. See BGR’s comparison.
Rank #3
- Pro Lens Quality Materials for film & photo! Our engineers worked hard to come out with a perfect upgrade: premium grade metal not cheap plastic, multi elements, multi groups, not like other lenses with 1 group/1 element because we believe in quality not quantity. See our photos and videos! We multi-coated the lenses with premium optical glass to minimize reflections, ghosting, and other artifacts. No more dark corners! No more blurry photos! Great technology!
- Universal & Compatible Clip - Ati slip & Ati Scratch makes the clip firm and secured to your device while preventing scratches.Our clip is universal which makes it compatible with most mobile phones: iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, iPad. etc. A great phone accessory, with a very easy to carry portable case. You will get a complete camera lens kit for travel shots, detail pictures, close-ups, birthday photos,YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Vacations, great gift for men, youth etc. So much fun!
- Great Tech Features: Our 198 ° Fisheye Lens has a much wider range than the 180° lenses offered in other lens sets, while our 15X Macro Lens provides 5X times greater depth than ordinary lenses and 0.63X Wide Angle Lens provides much less distortion than the common 0.65X lenses included in most kits.Video Tutorial included in your package and Additional Instructions available after purchase.
- Makes a Great Technology Gift for Everyone! Who doesn't like pictures? We provide the creative tools to launch anyone into the world of Photography. The 2X Telephoto zooming lens will give you the opportunity to capture distant objects, allowing you to attain real impact into your shots. The 198° degree Fisheye Lens will help you capture convex, hemispherical images instead of square ones, giving you the fishbowl effect. With the 0.63X Wide Angle Lens you can capture the entire field or tribe in one picture.
- Life Time Assistance! Our Customer Service will be at your service to assist you with any issues. If for some reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to us. You will be sent additional instructions to help you understand and use the lenses correctly. With a simple "Add To Cart" You Can Transform Ordinary Pictures into professional ones and create unforgettable memories for life...
How the implementations differ
These phones share a broad label, not one uniform camera feature. Samsung documents two positions and automatic adjustment, while the BGR comparison describes a ten-size Huawei system and a stepless Xiaomi design. The reported Sony and Honor specifications are expressed as ranges. A range by itself does not establish whether a camera moves continuously or uses fixed stops, so the available information should not be stretched beyond what each source says.
Samsung also documented Dual Aperture on the Galaxy S10 line: its rear 12-megapixel wide-angle lens combines f/1.5 and f/2.4, with automatic adjustment for light. The S10 is useful context for the feature’s continuation, but it is not counted as a separate entry in this five-phone list. Samsung Newsroom documents the S10 implementation.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- High-Power 60X Telephoto Phone Lens: Break through your phone's shooting limits with powerful 60x zoom—bringing distant scenes and subjects into sharp, high-resolution focus. Whether you're at a football game, concert, or out in nature birdwatching, this lens makes faraway moments feel up close. An ideal travel companion and a must-have for wildlife lovers, it fits most smartphones with versatile compatibility
- FMC Fully Multi-Coated Optics: This lens features advanced Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) green film on all optical surfaces, significantly enhancing light transmission and reducing glare. Unlike common plastic alternatives, the MIAO LAB 60X telephoto lens is built with a premium aluminum alloy housing that provides smooth, precise focus ring operation. The complete kit includes a flexible tripod for shake-free landscape photography, a removable eyecup for monocular viewing, and a durable EVA carrying case for ultimate portability
- Versatile Phone Tripod with Remote Shutter: This extendable tripod offers an impressive operating height range from 54 inches when fully extended down to a portable 17 inches when collapsed. Its 4-section legs feature quick-release flip locks for fast, tool-free adjustments, letting you set up the perfect height in seconds. Compact and ready to go anywhere, it's the ideal support for stable shots and comes with a wireless remote for hands-free control
- Universal Compatibility: Featuring our newly engineered universal clip, this lens seamlessly fits smartphones with triple, quad, or more camera setups. Designed for broad compatibility, it works with over 98% of mobile devices available on the market today
- Friendly Note: For optimal results, please be aware that proper installation of this lens may require some patience and practice. Should you need any assistance—whether before or after your purchase—our MIAO LAB support team is ready to quickly assist you. Just reach out via email and we'll help resolve any questions you may have
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
