Low-Light Camera Review: Which Latest Phone Wins?

In the ever-evolving world of smartphone photography, low-light performance has become a critical factor for consumers. Whether you're capturing a candlelit dinner, a cityscape at dusk, or a starry night, the ability of a phone's camera to perform in dim conditions can make or break the shot. In this blog post, we dive into the low-light camera capabilities of some of the latest flagship smartphones released in 2025, including the Google Pixel 10, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, Apple iPhone 16 Pro, and Realme 15T. Based on recent reviews and specifications, we’ll compare their performance to determine which phone reigns supreme in low-light photography.

The Contenders

1. Google Pixel 10

• Camera Setup: 50MP main, 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical zoom), downgraded ultrawide
• Price: $799
• Key Features: Advanced AI processing with Camera Coach, PixelSnap accessories, seven years of OS upgrades

The Google Pixel 10 has made waves with its new telephoto camera, but its low-light performance hinges on Google’s renowned computational photography. The 50MP main sensor, combined with AI-driven features like Night Sight, promises sharp and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. However, the downgraded ultrawide lens has raised some concerns about its versatility in low-light scenarios.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

• Camera Setup: Not fully detailed in reviews, but typically includes a high-resolution main sensor and advanced night mode
• Price: Starting at $45.84/month for 24 months (approx. $1,099 full price)
• Key Features: High-performance chipset, robust night mode processing

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is part of the brand’s flagship lineup, known for its powerful camera systems. While specific camera details are sparse, Samsung’s Night Mode has historically excelled in low-light conditions, leveraging multi-frame processing to reduce noise and enhance clarity. The S25 Edge is expected to continue this trend with a high-resolution sensor and improved software optimization.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• Camera Setup: 48MP main, improved ultrawide, telephoto with enhanced low-light capabilities
• Price: $999
• Key Features: Photonic Engine, advanced computational photography, Night mode

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro builds on its predecessor’s strengths with an upgraded camera system designed for low-light excellence. The 48MP main sensor, paired with Apple’s Photonic Engine, delivers impressive dynamic range and detail in dim environments. The improved ultrawide and telephoto lenses also contribute to better low-light performance, making it a strong contender.

4. Realme 15T

• Camera Setup: 50MP AI primary, 2MP B&W portrait, 50MP AI front camera
• Price: Approx. $250–$300 (Rs 20,999–24,999)
• Key Features: 7,000mAh battery, Realme UI 6.0, budget-friendly pricing

The Realme 15T is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on camera quality. Its 50MP AI primary camera is designed to deliver detailed photos in both good and low-light conditions, with strong performance in portrait mode. While it lacks the advanced telephoto capabilities of pricier flagships, its low-light performance is surprisingly competitive for its price range.

Low-Light Performance Comparison

Google Pixel 10

The Pixel 10’s Night Sight mode continues to be a standout, using Google’s AI to capture bright, detailed images with minimal noise. Reviewers praise its ability to handle complex low-light scenes, such as cityscapes with mixed lighting, thanks to the 50MP main sensor and advanced computational photography. However, the downgraded ultrawide lens struggles in very dim conditions, producing softer images compared to the main sensor. The new 10.8MP telephoto lens performs adequately at 5x zoom but isn’t as strong in low-light as the main camera.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung’s Night Mode is a powerhouse, known for brightening dark scenes while maintaining natural colors. The Galaxy S25 Edge likely benefits from a high-resolution main sensor and improved processing, making it ideal for low-light photography. While specific reviews for the S25 Edge’s camera are limited, Samsung’s track record suggests it can compete with the best, particularly in scenarios requiring vibrant colors and sharp details. However, without a telephoto lens as advanced as the Pixel 10’s, its zoom performance in low-light may lag slightly.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro shines in low-light with its 48MP main sensor and Photonic Engine, which enhances dynamic range and reduces noise. Night mode kicks in automatically, capturing stunning images with balanced exposure and accurate colors. The improved ultrawide lens is a notable upgrade, performing better than the Pixel 10’s ultrawide in dim conditions. Reviewers note that the iPhone 16 Pro excels in video recording in low-light, making it a versatile choice for content creators.

Realme 15T

For its price, the Realme 15T punches above its weight. The 50MP AI primary camera produces detailed images in low-light, with good color reproduction and minimal noise, thanks to AI optimization. Portrait mode performs well, even in dim settings, though the 2MP B&W portrait lens adds little value. While it can’t match the flagship contenders in computational power or zoom capabilities, its low-light performance is impressive for a budget device.

Testing Scenarios

To evaluate low-light performance, we considered three common scenarios based on available reviews:

1. Indoor Dim Lighting (e.g., restaurants): The iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 10 excel here, with the iPhone’s Photonic Engine slightly edging out for better color balance. The Realme 15T performs surprisingly well, while the Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to deliver vibrant results.
2. Nighttime Cityscapes: The Pixel 10’s Night Sight captures sharp, well-exposed images, but the iPhone 16 Pro’s ultrawide lens handles wider shots better. The Galaxy S25 Edge likely performs comparably, while the Realme 15T holds its own but lacks the same level of detail.
3. Starry Skies (Astrophotography): The Pixel 10’s astrophotography mode, part of Night Sight, is a standout for capturing stars with long exposures. The iPhone 16 Pro follows closely, while the Realme 15T struggles with such extreme low-light conditions.

Other Considerations

• Price vs. Performance: The Realme 15T offers incredible value for budget-conscious buyers, delivering solid low-light performance at a fraction of the cost. The Pixel 10, at $799, strikes a balance between price and premium features, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Edge cater to those willing to pay for top-tier performance.
• Battery Life: Low-light photography can be battery-intensive due to longer exposures and computational processing. The Realme 15T’s 7,000mAh battery is a standout, while the Pixel 10’s battery life has been criticized as underwhelming. The iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Edge offer decent battery performance but don’t match the Realme’s capacity.
• Software and AI: Google’s Camera Coach and AI tools (Pixel 10) and Apple’s Photonic Engine (iPhone 16 Pro) enhance low-light photography with intelligent processing. Samsung’s software is robust but less emphasized in reviews. The Realme 15T’s AI is effective but not as advanced.

After comparing the low-light camera performance of these 2025 flagships, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro takes the crown for its exceptional main and ultrawide sensors, balanced color reproduction, and superior video capabilities in dim conditions. The Google Pixel 10 is a close second, particularly for astrophotography enthusiasts, thanks to its Night Sight mode, but its downgraded ultrawide lens holds it back. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a strong contender with vibrant low-light shots, though limited review details make it harder to rank definitively. For budget buyers, the Realme 15T is a surprising standout, offering impressive low-light performance at a fraction of the cost.

Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• Best for: All-around low-light photography and video, especially for content creators.
• Runner-Up: Google Pixel 10 (best for astrophotography and AI-driven features).
• Budget Pick: Realme 15T (best value for low-light performance).

When choosing your next phone for low-light photography, consider your budget and priorities. If you want the absolute best, the iPhone 16 Pro is the way to go. For a more affordable yet powerful option, the Pixel 10 delivers. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Realme 15T won’t disappoint.

Sources: Reviews from Tom’s Guide, Android Authority, Digital Trends, Expert Reviews, India TV, and T-Mobile.