The Best Smartphones for Night Photography
What phones have the best camera for low lighting ?
The sun has set, the city lights are twinkling, and that perfect moment is unfolding before your eyes. You reach for your smartphone, hoping to capture the magic—but will the photo match what you're seeing, or will it be a grainy, dark disappointment?
Night photography has long been the Achilles' heel of smartphone cameras. However, recent technological advances have transformed what's possible after dark. Today's flagship phones can capture stunning images in conditions that would have rendered older models useless.
Let's explore the smartphones that truly excel when the lights go down, and uncover the technology that makes them stand out from the competition.
The Science Behind Smartphone Camera Night Mode
Low light photogpraphy phone settings
Before diving into specific models, it's important to understand what makes a phone camera excel in low light:
Sensor size: Larger sensors capture more light
Pixel size: Bigger pixels (measured in microns) collect more photons
Aperture: Wider apertures (lower f-stop numbers) allow more light through the lens
Optical image stabilization (OIS): Reduces blur from hand movement during longer exposures
Computational photography: Software that combines multiple exposures and applies AI enhancements
Dedicated night modes: Special camera modes optimized for low light conditions
Best Phones for Low Light Photography in 2024
1. iPhone 15 Pro Max
What makes it exceptional: Apple's Photonic Engine and impressive computational photography
Key low-light features:
48MP main camera with quad-pixel binning (combining four pixels into one for better light capture)
f/1.78 aperture on the main lens
Advanced OIS system
Night mode across all cameras (including ultrawide and telephoto)
Smart HDR 4 for balanced exposures in challenging lighting
Real-world performance: The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels at maintaining natural colors in low light while preserving impressive detail. Night mode activates automatically when needed and can be manually adjusted for exposures up to 30 seconds when using a tripod.
2. Google Pixel 8 Pro
What makes it exceptional: Google's computational photography expertise and Night Sight mode
Key low-light features:
50MP main sensor with large 1.2μm pixels
f/1.68 aperture
Advanced HDR+ processing
Night Sight mode with astrophotography capabilities
AI-powered noise reduction
Real-world performance: The Pixel 8 Pro continues Google's tradition of night photography excellence. Its Night Sight mode can pull details from seemingly impossible darkness, often revealing more than the naked eye can see. For astrophotography, it's arguably the best smartphone available, capable of capturing stars and even the Milky Way with long exposures.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
What makes it exceptional: Versatile camera system with excellent hardware and AI enhancements
Key low-light features:
200MP main camera with 16-in-1 pixel binning
f/1.7 aperture on the main camera
Advanced OIS with wider stabilization range
Nightography mode specifically designed for extreme low light
AI-powered detail enhancement
Real-world performance: Samsung's latest flagship excels in versatility, with its night mode working impressively across all its cameras. The 200MP sensor can capture tremendous detail in good conditions, while pixel binning helps it perform admirably in darkness. Its ultra-low light capabilities have improved significantly over previous generations.
4. Vivo X100 Pro
What makes it exceptional: Partnership with camera lens manufacturer ZEISS and custom V2 imaging chip
Key low-light features:
50MP main camera with large 1/1.3" sensor
Exceptionally wide f/1.75 aperture with ZEISS T* coating
Dual OIS system
Custom V2 imaging chip for real-time processing
Super Night mode with AI noise reduction
Real-world performance: While Vivo doesn't have the same brand recognition as Apple or Samsung in Western markets, the X100 Pro is a low-light photography powerhouse. Its large sensor and custom imaging chip work together to produce stunningly clean images even in extremely challenging lighting conditions.
5. Sony Xperia 1 V
What makes it exceptional: Professional-grade manual controls and ZEISS optics
Key low-light features:
48MP Exmor RS sensor with 1/1.35" size
ZEISS optics with T* coating to reduce flare
Real-time tracking focus system
Alpha camera technology borrowed from Sony's mirrorless cameras
Pro apps with manual exposure control
Real-world performance: The Xperia 1 V is unique in its approach, offering less computational assistance but more manual control. For photographers who know what they're doing, this can result in stunning low-light images with a more natural look than the heavily processed results from other phones.
Smartphone Camera Night Mode Comparison
When comparing night modes across different phones, consider these aspects:
Exposure Time and Handling
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Automatic exposure up to 3 seconds, manual up to 30 seconds with tripod
Pixel 8 Pro: Automatic exposure with optional astrophotography mode that can expose for minutes
Galaxy S24 Ultra: Quick processing with option for multiple exposures combined
Vivo X100 Pro: Multiple exposure options with extensive AI processing
Sony Xperia 1 V: Manual exposure control similar to professional cameras
Color Accuracy
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Excellent color preservation, slightly warm tones
Pixel 8 Pro: Tendency toward cooler tones but very natural-looking results
Galaxy S24 Ultra: Vibrant, sometimes slightly oversaturated colors
Vivo X100 Pro: Impressive natural color with ZEISS Natural Color science
Sony Xperia 1 V: Most natural color reproduction, closest to professional cameras
Detail Preservation vs. Noise Reduction
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Good balance, sometimes prioritizes noise reduction over fine detail
Pixel 8 Pro: Excellent detail preservation with AI-assisted noise reduction
Galaxy S24 Ultra: Strong noise reduction can sometimes smooth textures
Vivo X100 Pro: Impressive detail retention even in extreme darkness
Sony Xperia 1 V: Photographer's choice through manual settings
Beyond Hardware: Techniques for Better Low Light Photos
Even with the best low light camera phone, technique matters:
Stabilize your phone: Use a tripod or rest your device on a stable surface
Use night mode: Don't rely on standard photo mode in low light
Focus manually: Tap to focus on your subject in difficult lighting
Avoid digital zoom: Move closer to your subject instead
Clean your lens: Smudges amplify light flare and reduce contrast
Consider external lighting: Even a small light source can make a big difference
Edit your images: Low-light photos often benefit from post-processing
Specialized Low Light Photography Features
Astrophotography
For capturing night skies and stars:
Best option: Google Pixel 8 Pro with its dedicated astrophotography mode
Required accessories: Tripod and remote shutter (or timer)
Ideal conditions: Clear night, minimal light pollution, new moon
Urban Night Photography
For cityscapes and street photography after dark:
Best option: iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Technique: Find a stable surface or use a tripod
Creative options: Light trails from cars with longer exposures
Indoor Low Light
For restaurants, concerts, and indoor events:
Best option: Vivo X100 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
Tip: Look for environmental light sources to add dimension
Conclusion
The gap between smartphone cameras and dedicated cameras continues to narrow, especially in low light performance. While professional cameras still maintain an edge due to their larger sensors and interchangeable lenses, today's flagship smartphones can capture stunning images in conditions that would have been impossible just a few years ago.
For most users seeking the best phone for low light photography in 2024, the choice comes down to:
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Best all-around performer with excellent ease of use
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Top choice for night sky photography and extreme low light
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Most versatile camera system with great low light capabilities
Vivo X100 Pro: Specialized photography powerhouse with exceptional hardware
Sony Xperia 1 V: Best for photographers who want manual control
Remember that software updates continually improve performance, so today's good performer might become tomorrow's great one. Which smartphone camera has impressed you most in low light? Share your experiences and sample photos in the comments below!
