Review of Latest Mobile Phones for Night Photography
Night photography has become a key feature for smartphone enthusiasts, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of low-light performance. In this review, we explore the latest mobile phones excelling in night photography, focusing on their camera hardware, software enhancements, and real-world performance. Whether you're capturing cityscapes under moonlight or candid shots in dimly lit venues, these devices stand out for their ability to produce stunning images in challenging conditions.
1. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Camera Specs
- Main Sensor: 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.31" sensor size
- Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 12 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Night Mode: Enhanced Night Sight with AI-driven computational photography
Performance
The Google Pixel 10 Pro continues to dominate low-light photography with its advanced Night Sight mode. The larger sensor size captures more light, reducing noise and preserving details in shadows. Google's AI algorithms excel at balancing exposure, ensuring vibrant colors without overprocessing. In real-world tests, the Pixel 10 Pro produced crisp images of starry skies and neon-lit streets, with minimal grain even at high ISO levels. The ultra-wide lens also performs admirably in low light, making it versatile for wide-angle night shots.
Standout Feature
The Pixel 10 Pro's Astrophotography mode, which uses long-exposure shots stabilized by AI, delivers breathtaking images of constellations with minimal setup.
2. iPhone 17 Pro Max
Camera Specs
- Main Sensor: 48 MP, f/1.78, second-generation sensor-shift OIS
- Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/2.2
- Telephoto: 12 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Night Mode: Photonic Engine with improved low-light processing
Performance
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max offers exceptional night photography capabilities, thanks to its Photonic Engine and improved sensor-shift stabilization. The 48 MP main sensor captures rich details in low-light scenes, with accurate color reproduction and minimal lens flare. Night Mode activates automatically in dim conditions, producing bright, well-exposed images without excessive noise. The ultra-wide camera has seen significant improvements, delivering sharper night shots compared to its predecessors.
Standout Feature
The iPhone 17 Pro Max's Cinematic Mode in low light allows for professional-grade video recording with smooth focus transitions, perfect for nighttime vlogs or creative projects.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Camera Specs
- Main Sensor: 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" sensor size
- Ultra-wide: 50 MP, f/2.2
- Telephoto: 10 MP, 10x periscope zoom
- Night Mode: Enhanced Nightography with AI-based scene optimization
Performance
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes the envelope with its 200 MP sensor, which excels in capturing intricate details even in low light. The Nightography mode uses multi-frame processing to reduce noise and enhance clarity, making it ideal for urban night photography. The periscope telephoto lens maintains quality at high zoom levels, allowing users to capture distant subjects in dim conditions. However, color saturation can occasionally feel aggressive compared to competitors.
Standout Feature
The S25 Ultra's 10x periscope zoom performs remarkably well in low light, enabling detailed shots of far-off subjects like illuminated buildings or signs.
4. Xiaomi 15 Pro
Camera Specs
- Main Sensor: 50 MP, f/1.6, 1/1.28" sensor size
- Ultra-wide: 50 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 50 MP, 3x optical zoom
- Night Mode: Leica-tuned low-light algorithms
Performance
The Xiaomi 15 Pro, co-engineered with Leica, delivers stunning night photography with vibrant colors and high dynamic range. The large f/1.6 aperture allows more light into the sensor, resulting in brighter images with less noise. Leica's tuning ensures natural tones and excellent contrast, particularly in challenging mixed-lighting scenarios. The telephoto lens performs well up to 3x zoom, though it lags slightly behind competitors at higher zoom levels in low light.
Standout Feature
The Leica Vibrant and Authentic color profiles offer flexibility for users to choose between punchy or natural-looking night shots.
5. OnePlus 13
Camera Specs
- Main Sensor: 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor size
- Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 8 MP, 3x optical zoom
- Night Mode: Hasselblad-tuned Nightscape mode
Performance
The OnePlus 13, with Hasselblad's color science, delivers impressive low-light performance at a competitive price point. The Nightscape mode produces sharp, well-exposed images with accurate colors, though it occasionally struggles with lens flare in bright light sources. The main sensor performs reliably, but the telephoto lens shows noticeable noise beyond 3x zoom in low light. For budget-conscious photographers, the OnePlus 13 offers excellent value.
Standout Feature
Hasselblad's color calibration ensures night shots have a professional, film-like quality with balanced tones.
Key Considerations for Night Photography
When choosing a phone for night photography, consider the following:
- Sensor Size: Larger sensors (e.g., 1/1.3" or bigger) capture more light, improving low-light performance.
- Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light into the camera.
- Software: AI-driven night modes, like Google's Night Sight or Samsung's Nightography, significantly enhance image quality.
- Stabilization: Optical image stabilization (OIS) is crucial for sharp long-exposure shots.
- Versatility: Phones with strong ultra-wide and telephoto lenses offer more creative options in low light.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro leads the pack for its unmatched computational photography and Astrophotography mode, making it ideal for enthusiasts. The iPhone 17 Pro Max excels in video and ease of use, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers unparalleled zoom capabilities. For those seeking premium performance on a budget, the Xiaomi 15 Pro and OnePlus 13 deliver impressive results. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities—whether it's zoom, video, or pure image quality in low light.
Happy shooting, and may your night photos light up the dark!
