Phones with the Best Low-Light Camera Performance
Phones with the Best Low-Light Camera Performance, I test many cameras. Some phones take great photos during the day. But at night or in low light, only a few phones truly shine.
In this post, I’ll share the top phones that give the best low-light shots. I’ve tested these myself. I looked at real-life use, not just specs. I compared night mode, sensor size, and software processing. If you want clear, bright photos even in dark places, this list is for you.
Why Low-Light Cameras Matter
Most of us take photos at night—at parties, dinners, or outside. A phone that struggles in the dark gives blurry, noisy images. A good low-light camera helps you:
- Capture more details
- Keep faces sharp
- Reduce noise
- Avoid flash (which can ruin photos)
Now, let’s get into the best phones I recommend.
Best Phones for Low-Light Photography (2025 Edition)
Here’s a comparison of the top choices based on my real-world tests:
| Phone Model | Main Sensor (MP) | 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 (With Real-World Use)
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
This phone has a 200 MP main sensor. It captures sharp night photos with rich colors. Even in almost full darkness, the camera picks up detail. Night Mode turns on quickly and balances shadows well.
- Pros: Great detail, strong night mode
- Cons: Price is high
2. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google uses smart software that improves low-light photos. Even with a smaller sensor, it takes clear and balanced shots. The Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best for true-to-life night colors.
- Pros: Excellent processing, easy to use
- Cons: Limited manual controls
3. iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple improved the sensor this year. Low-light photos now have better contrast and lower noise. Night mode is fast and automatic. However, in very dark settings, others still do better.
- Pros: Natural color tone, smooth video
- Cons: Slightly soft images at night
4. Vivo X100 Pro
This phone is a low-light beast. Vivo uses a ZEISS lens and great image tuning. You’ll get clean shots even in poor lighting. Night portraits are especially sharp.
- Pros: Powerful night mode, pro features
- Cons: Software may take time to learn
5. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi adds big sensors and smart night tools. Night shots come out with solid contrast and detail. It’s a great choice if you want pro-level results at a lower price.
- Pros: Strong hardware, custom camera settings
- Cons: UI can feel heavy
My Expert Tips for Better Night Photos
Even with a great phone, here are some ways to get the best night shots:
- Hold your phone still for 2–3 seconds
- Clean your lens before you shoot
- Use Night Mode, but avoid over-processing
- Tap on a bright area to focus
- Avoid using flash unless needed
FAQs: Phones with Best Low-Light Cameras
A: The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the best all-around low-light camera, thanks to its large 200 MP sensor and advanced night mode.
A: Yes. Pixel 8 Pro often gives sharper and more detailed photos in low light due to its software optimization.
A: Some mid-range phones do okay, but they can’t match flagship night performance. Night mode often lacks detail or looks overprocessed.
A: Not always. Sensor size, software, and image processing matter more than megapixels alone.
A: Don’t move too fast. Avoid using digital zoom. And don’t point directly at bright lights.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a DSLR to take great night photos anymore. Flagship phones now offer amazing low-light performance. If night photography is important to you, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro are top choices. But other options like Vivo and Xiaomi also perform well.
Choose based on your budget, camera needs, and how much you use night mode. I always test phones in real-life conditions before I recommend them. You deserve clear, beautiful photos—day or night.