Remember when taking photos after sunset meant blurry, noisy images? Those days are gone! Modern smartphones now capture stunning night shots without extra equipment. The latest 2025 models combine larger sensors, specialized night modes, and advanced AI processing to turn darkness into photographic opportunity. Whether you’re capturing city lights, starry skies, or late-night gatherings, these nine phones deliver exceptional results when the sun goes down.
1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max — the safest low-light pick for most travelers
Apple’s flagship phones redefine night photography with their triple 48MP camera system. The 17 Pro Max consistently outperforms competitors in dim environments, maintaining impressive detail while avoiding the artificial, watercolor effect that plagues lesser phones.
Battery life is particularly impressive, letting you shoot well into the night without anxiety. When capturing cityscapes or busy streets, the phone’s computational photography balances exposure brilliantly, preserving highlights in neon signs while keeping shadows detailed.
The automatic night mode activates seamlessly when needed, requiring zero technical knowledge from users. Simply point, shoot, and be amazed as the iPhone transforms dark scenes into vibrant, noise-free memories.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — best for long-range night zooms
Samsung’s zoom capabilities shine after dark with its dual telephoto setup and massive 200MP main sensor. Street photographers will appreciate how the S25 Ultra captures distant architectural details and far-away subjects with remarkable clarity, even in challenging lighting.
The refined Nightography mode intelligently balances exposure across the frame, preserving both shadows and highlights. When photographing city skylines, the phone’s AI processing maintains crisp edges and natural colors without the artificial brightening seen in competitors.
For concert photography or capturing performances, the telephoto lenses excel at bringing distant stages closer. Just remember to engage Night mode and brace against something stable for optimal results with moving subjects.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL — the pocket astro-camera
Stargazers rejoice! Google’s computational photography magic turns the Pixel 9 Pro into a surprisingly capable astrophotography tool. Place it on any stable surface, activate Astrophotography mode, and watch as it captures celestial wonders that were previously only possible with dedicated equipment.
The Pixel excels at balancing artificial light sources against dark skies, making it perfect for urban night shooting. Its color science delivers consistently accurate results under mixed lighting conditions—street lamps, neon signs, and moonlight all appear natural and balanced.
Night Sight mode now works faster than previous generations, requiring shorter hold times while maintaining impressive detail. For aurora chasers, the Pixel’s ability to capture the northern lights with vibrant accuracy makes it the ultimate travel companion.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra — big 1-inch sensor for clean, natural night shots
Photography enthusiasts gravitate toward the Xiaomi 14 Ultra for its massive 1-inch sensor—the same size found in premium compact cameras. This hardware advantage translates directly to cleaner, more detailed night images with significantly less digital noise.
The variable aperture system adapts to available light, opening wider in darkness for maximum light gathering. Leica’s color science gives night photos a distinctive look with rich, accurate colors that avoid the oversaturated appearance common in smartphone photography.
Urban explorers will appreciate how the 14 Ultra preserves texture and architectural details after dark. The optional camera grip accessory transforms the handling experience, providing dedicated buttons and improved stability for extended night shooting sessions.
5. vivo X100 Ultra — low-light specialist with a unique 200MP telephoto
The X100 Ultra stands out with its unconventional approach—a 200MP telephoto lens that captures astonishing detail in low light. Street photographers will love how it compresses perspective at 3-5× zoom, creating dramatic urban compositions without sacrificing image quality.
Portrait shots after sunset reveal the X100’s true strength. The phone preserves skin tones accurately while maintaining background detail, avoiding the harsh, artificial look common in night portraits. Edge detection remains precise even in challenging lighting.
Color rendering stays true-to-life rather than artificially brightening scenes. While some reviewers note occasional edge sharpness quirks, the overall package delivers consistently impressive results for night shooting without requiring technical expertise.
6. OPPO Find X8 Ultra — phenomenal night camera (if you can buy it)
OPPO’s limited-availability flagship earns its place through sheer imaging prowess. The quad 50MP camera system with its massive 1-inch main sensor captures extraordinary detail in near darkness, while the dual periscope lenses maintain quality at 3× and 6× zoom levels.
Night city explorations benefit from the Find X8’s excellent dynamic range, preserving both bright neon signs and shadow details simultaneously. The phone’s AI processing enhances details without creating artificial-looking results, maintaining a natural aesthetic even in challenging conditions.
Battery anxiety disappears with the massive 6,100mAh power cell—perfect for extended night photography sessions. Though primarily available in China, photography enthusiasts seeking the absolute best might find the import hassle worthwhile for its exceptional low-light performance.
7. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra — stunning night images, but with ecosystem trade-offs
Huawei’s engineering marvel features a physically retractable lens paired with a 1-inch sensor—a combination that delivers exceptional light-gathering capabilities. The unique mechanical design allows for superior optics that capture remarkably clean, detailed night scenes with minimal digital noise.
Portrait photographers will appreciate how the Pura 70 renders skin tones naturally under artificial lighting. The phone maintains accurate colors without the yellow cast that often plagues indoor photography on lesser devices.
Street photography at night reveals the Pura’s strengths in balancing exposure across challenging scenes. The major consideration remains Huawei’s ecosystem limitations in certain regions, though global variants offer improved app compatibility. Check your specific needs before making this your travel companion.
8. Honor Magic 7 Pro — balanced low-light with long-reach portraits
Honor strikes an impressive balance between versatility and specialized night performance. The 200MP periscope telephoto setup enables remarkable 6× optical-quality portraits in low light—perfect for capturing performers or speakers from a respectful distance.
Street photographers benefit from the Magic 7 Pro’s quick-launch camera gesture, ensuring you never miss fleeting moments in dynamic urban environments. The AI enhancements work subtly, avoiding the overly processed look while still improving detail retention in shadows.
Color accuracy remains consistent across all lighting conditions, from sunset golden hour to midnight blue hour. For travelers wanting a well-rounded camera system that excels in various night scenarios without specializing too narrowly in any single area, the Honor delivers dependable results across its entire zoom range.
9. iPhone 17 (standard) — reliable night shooter for lighter travel
Not everyone needs or wants the bulk and expense of a Pro model. The standard iPhone 17 delivers impressive night photography capabilities in a more compact, affordable package. Apple’s computational photography strengths shine here, with the standard model benefiting from the same processing advancements as its pricier siblings.
Night mode activates automatically when needed, balancing exposure times based on how steady you’re holding the phone. The 24MP default setting strikes an optimal balance between detail preservation and file size for night shots.
Video capabilities particularly impress, with excellent low-light performance for capturing evening memories in motion. Travelers prioritizing lighter gear and simplified experiences will appreciate how the standard iPhone 17 delivers consistently good results without requiring technical expertise.
