Top 5 Phones for Night Photography: Let There Be Light!
23268fd5-aa51-4eef-a638-2a4f578db286 / 06-11-2023 / Tech
Night photography has always been hit or miss when it comes to smartphones. Not all smartphone cameras are up to the challenge despite impressive camera specs. More often than not, instead of capturing a magical moonlit night, you end up with a murky, pixelated photo. The good news is that it is possible to get great night shots if you know which phone to use, so we’ve put together a helpful list of the top 5 best smartphones for night owls looking to capture that perfect shot.
Let’s get snapping.
48MP main camera | 13MP ultra-wide camera | 48MP telephoto lens | 13MP selfie lens
If you really want to dazzle in the dark, the incredible Huawei P60 Pro may just be the phone for you, thanks to its light-absorbing telephoto lens and impressive main shooter. This dynamic duo reveals the hidden details in dimly lit settings with a burst of richness, sharpness and clarity. You can even zoom in on the tiniest details and let your subject steal the spotlight with captivating bokeh effects.
50MP main camera | 12MP wide-angle camera | 50MP portrait lens | 32MP selfie lens
The Vivo X90 Pro 5G boasts a lens co-engineered by Zeiss. Even more impressive is that this device is powered by two chipsets: the main Mediatek Dimensity 9200 processor and the V2 Chip, which is specifically designed to take your photography experience to even higher levels. The Vivo X90 Pro 5G packs features that add personality to your night-time shots. Want to capture the perfect moment in action? You can with the ultra-high-speed shutter and motion detection features.
50MP main camera | 50MP ultra-wide camera | 50MP telephoto lens | 32MP selfie lens
Dark environments can really destroy the details around you and your subjects, including your own bodies. Similar to the Vivo, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is built with a German-manufactured Leica camera system. A 1-inch main sensor lets you create masterful shots in dark environments by soaking up massive amounts of light. And its floating telephoto camera, inspired by DSLR professional lenses, is perfect for macro photography and capturing far-off images with intricate detail and true-to-life colour accuracy. All of its rear cameras record 4K video, but the main camera goes a step further with 8K capabilities at 24 frames per second (fps). This brings night videos to life with an excellent dynamic range and low noise.
200MP main camera | 12MP ultra-wide camera | 10MP telephoto lens | 10MP periscope lens | 12MP selfie lens
Even in dark alleyways and dimly lit corners, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra knows how to deliver an amazing shot. Boasting four powerful rear cameras, this flagship device is a true kingpin in the world of smartphone cameras. It handles any lighting condition like a pro, but when things go dark and the moon comes out, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra truly shines. If you’re into Astrophotography, Samsung has placed huge emphasis on its ability to snap mesmerising shots of the night sky. Awaiting you on the other side of the lens is almost a work of art as planets and constellations can be seen in great clarity. From the streets to the sky, the S23 Ultra will not let you down.
48MP main camera | 12MP ultra-wide camera | 12MP periscope telephoto lens | 12MP selfie lens
Is it any surprise that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the reigning champion of night photography? You may scoff at the idea if you're a die-hard Android fan, but the truth is that both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the new iPhone 15 Pro Max are thoroughly impressive, making it a tough call to declare a winner. However, when we narrow our focus to night photography, the iPhone clinches the victory for its ability to capture low-light photos that are true-to-life with excellent exposure, dynamic range, sharpness, tonality and detail. It's the first iPhone to feature periscope technology, which is a game-changer. Thanks to the 5x zoom and a unique optical design, it churns out some of the most vibrant and captivating zoomed-in night photos you'll find in a smartphone in 2023.
Now that you have the lowdown on the best phones for night photography, are you ready to get snapping? Check out our best mobile deals here.