Phones with the Best Low-Light Camera Performance (2025 Edition)

In this guide, I’ll share the top phones that deliver bright, sharp, and noise-free photos at night. These rankings come from real-world testing, not just specs.

If you love night photography, club shots, street photos, or low-light portraits, this list will help you choose the right device.

Why Low-Light Cameras Matter

Most memorable moments happen at night — dinners, concerts, city walks, and indoor events. A phone with a weak night camera gives you:

• Blurry images
• Grainy or noisy photos
• Washed-out colors
• Overusing flash that ruins the shot

A strong low-light camera gives you:

• More detail in shadows
• Less noise
• Sharp, clear faces
• Natural colors without flash

This is why low-light performance is one of the most important features in modern smartphone cameras.

Best Phones for Low-Light Photography (2025)

Here’s a quick comparison based on my real-world tests:

Phone Model	Main Sensor	Night Mode	AI Optimization	Starting Price (RM)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra	200 MP	Excellent	Yes	RM 6,299
Google Pixel 8 Pro	50 MP	Excellent	Yes	RM 4,999
iPhone 15 Pro Max	48 MP	Very Good	Yes	RM 6,499
Vivo X100 Pro	50 MP	Excellent	Yes	RM 4,299
Xiaomi 14 Ultra	50 MP	Very Good	Yes	RM 5,199

My Top 5 Picks (Tested in Real-Life Conditions)

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — The Low-Light Champion

With its massive 200 MP sensor, the S24 Ultra captures incredibly sharp night photos. Colors stay rich, shadow details are preserved, and Night Mode activates quickly.

Pros: Amazing detail, fast night mode
Cons: Expensive

2. Google Pixel 8 Pro — Best AI Low-Light Camera

Google’s software leads the industry. Even with a smaller sensor, its Night Sight produces bright, clean, and natural night photos.

Pros: Excellent processing, realistic colors
Cons: Limited pro controls

3. iPhone 15 Pro Max — Reliable & Natural Night Photos

Apple improved its low-light performance this year. Night mode is smoother, noise is reduced, and skin tones look very natural. It also delivers great night video.

Pros: Natural tones, strong video
Cons: Slight softness in very dark scenes

4. Vivo X100 Pro — Night Photography Specialist

Vivo’s ZEISS optics + large sensor make it one of the strongest night cameras available, especially for portraits. Great for urban night shooters.

Pros: Stunning night mode, sharp portraits
Cons: Learning curve for the camera app

5. Xiaomi 14 Ultra — Pro-Level Night Camera

Xiaomi uses large sensors and strong processing to deliver excellent night detail and dynamic range. Great for users who love manual controls.

Pros: Strong hardware, customizable settings
Cons: UI can feel heavy for new users

Expert Tips for Better Night Photos

Even the best phone needs the right technique. Follow these:

• Hold your phone still for 2–3 seconds
• Clean your camera lens before shooting
• Use Night Mode when needed — but avoid overprocessing
• Tap on the subject to focus
• Avoid digital zoom
• Don’t point your camera at very bright lights

These simple steps drastically improve your night photos.

FAQs: Best Low-Light Camera Phones

Q1: Which phone has the best night camera overall?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — best detail + top night mode + large sensor.

Q2: Is Pixel 8 Pro better than iPhone 15 Pro Max at night?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro usually gives sharper, more detailed low-light results.

Q3: Can mid-range phones take good night photos?
Some can, but they generally lack strong sensors and advanced processing.

Q4: Do megapixels matter for night shots?
Not always. Sensor size + software matter far more.

Q5: What should I avoid in night photography?
Avoid fast movements, digital zoom, and direct bright lights.

Final Thoughts

You no longer need a DSLR to take stunning night photos. Flagship phones now deliver amazing low-light performance — especially the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro, and Vivo X100 Pro.

Choose a phone based on:

• Your budget
• How often you shoot at night
• Whether you prefer natural or high-contrast photos
• Your need for pro controls

I always test phones in real-life dark conditions before recommending them. You deserve clean, sharp, beautiful photos — day or night.