Best Camera Phones for Night Photography (2024)
Best Camera Phones for Night Photography (2024)
Capturing stunning night photos with a smartphone has become easier than ever, thanks to advancements in camera sensors, computational photography, and AI-powered software. Whether you’re shooting cityscapes, starry skies, or low-light portraits, the right phone can make all the difference.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best camera phones for night photography, balancing hardware excellence and intelligent processing for breathtaking after-dark shots.
1. iPhone 15 Pro Max
Why It’s Great for Night Photography:
Apple’s latest flagship excels in low-light conditions with its 48MP main sensor, larger pixels, and improved Night Mode. The tetraprism 5x telephoto lens also performs well in dim lighting, making it ideal for detailed night shots.
Key Features:
- Larger sensor with 2.44µm pixels (after pixel binning)
- Enhanced computational photography for sharper, brighter night shots
- ProRAW support for advanced editing
Best For: Those who want a balanced, user-friendly experience with excellent dynamic range.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Why It’s Great for Night Photography:
Samsung’s 200MP sensor (with pixel-binning) and AI-powered Nightography deliver impressive clarity and color accuracy in low light. The 10x periscope zoom also performs surprisingly well at night.
Key Features:
- Bright f/1.7 aperture for better light capture
- Advanced noise reduction algorithms
- Pro Mode for manual adjustments
Best For: Android users who want versatility and powerful zoom in low light.
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Why It’s Great for Night Photography:
Google’s Tensor G3 chip and AI-enhanced Night Sight produce some of the cleanest night shots on any smartphone. The 50MP main sensor works with computational HDR+ to retain detail in shadows and highlights.
Key Features:
- Astrophotography mode for long-exposure star shots
- Real Tone ensures accurate skin tones in dim light
- Ultra-wide and telephoto lenses also support Night Sight
Best For: Pure computational photography fans who want the best AI-processed night shots.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Why It’s Great for Night Photography:
This phone boasts a 1-inch-type main sensor (Sony LYT-900), rivaling some compact cameras. With a variable aperture (f/1.6-f/4.0), it adapts to different lighting conditions for optimal exposure.
Key Features:
- Leica-tuned optics for natural color science
- Excellent dynamic range in low light
- Pro-grade manual controls
Best For: Photography enthusiasts who want DSLR-like control from a smartphone.
5. OnePlus 12
Why It’s Great for Night Photography:
OnePlus partnered with Hasselblad to refine its camera tuning, and the 64MP 3x periscope lens performs well in low light. The large Sony LYT-808 sensor ensures bright, detailed night shots.
Key Features:
- Hasselblad color calibration for natural tones
- Strong noise reduction without over-smoothing
- 120x digital zoom (usable in well-lit conditions)
Best For: Users who want flagship-level night photography at a slightly lower price.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sony Xperia 1 V – Great for manual shooters with pro-level controls.
- Vivo X100 Pro – Outstanding Zeiss-tuned night photography.
- OPPO Find X7 Ultra – Dual periscope lenses for flexible night shooting.
Final Thoughts
The best camera phone for night photography depends on your priorities:
- For AI-powered processing: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- For versatility & zoom: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- For balanced performance: iPhone 15 Pro Max
- For sensor size & manual control: Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Whichever you choose, modern smartphones now rival dedicated cameras in low-light performance—making it easier than ever to capture stunning night shots effortlessly.
What’s your favorite phone for night photography? Share your thoughts in the comments.