Gone are the days when people had to carry heavy DSLRs to ensure best memories are captured in the right way. Now, it’s not the case. With smartphones including best camera features and capabilities, capturing the best moments have become easy, effortless and hassle-free. Among several outstanding camera features, low-light performance is considered the most crucial requirement for passionate photographers.
Now users don’t need to depend on specialized cameras or flash units to capture details after sunset. Pocketable devices have made it easier than ever. With advancements in sensor technology, AI‑driven processing and multi‑lens systems, flagship devices are delivering unbeatable night shots that rival traditional cameras.
Whether you’re a passionate photographer or a content creator, there is a device with low-light camera for all. Check this post for the list of the best phones with low-light camera setup in 2026. Let’s get started…
What is Low-Light Camera Setting and How it Helps Photographers?
Low-Light camera settings are those that help photographers to capture stunning night shots without relying on dedicated cameras. It balances wide aperture (low f-number), slower shutter speed and higher ISO so that there is enough light for darker environments. With the help of low-light setting, photographers can capture detailed shots with precision.
Additionally, these settings allow users to create mood, such as motion blur, blurred backgrounds and make the subject stand out. Photographers can easily eliminate distractions using tripods and prevent blur from movement and managing digital noise. These settings are considered best for adding dramatic effects to the images. Also, it lets’ users to have creative control and manage noise.
Crucial Camera Features for Superior Low-Light Performance
Here are the main features that ensure outstanding low-light performance even after sunset. Take a look…
- Larger Sensors: Low-light camera phones include larger sensors that allow them to capture more light, reduce noise and improve detail. Bigger sensors provide users the freedom to capture even the minutest detail in dim conditions.
- Wider Apertures: Low-light camera phones include lenses with wider apertures (lower f‑numbers). These lenses let in more light, allowing for more brightness even in darkness.
- Night Modes and AI: The presence of cutting-edge software and AI-capabilities are again crucial for the low-light performance. Advanced features, such as night modes, multi‑frame noise reduction, smart HDR and AI scene detection allow users to merge multiple frames and adjust exposure to produce clearer, brighter images.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): OIS is yet another important aspect of low-light performance. Optical Image Stabilization helps reduce blur from hand movement, especially during longer exposures in the dark and make night photos look sharper and more stable.
Let’s now take a look at the list of the phones that include low-light cameras. Here we go…
Top 6 Phones with Low-Light Cameras in 2026
Here is our rundown of the 6 flagship devices that offer low-light performance. Take a look…
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
When it comes to the best camera features, including low-light performance Apple devices stand out. At number 1, we have Apple iPhone 16 Pro Mac. It is pretty popular for delivering most natural night shots. It comes with powerful hardware and enhanced algorithms that produce cleaner, more natural night photos.
Key Highlights
- Night Mode works seamlessly across multiple lenses, including telephoto.
- Include Smart HDR and Deep Fusion technologies to balance shadows and highlights in dark scenes.
- Includes LiDAR sensor for improved depth accuracy in low light.
Who is it for?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice for content creators and passionate photographers who want great low‑light performance without complex camera settings.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is yet another phone that has the best low-light camera. It includes robust hardware and sophisticated software processing to deliver bright and more detailed night shots.
Key Highlights
- It includes a quad‑lens setup led by a high‑resolution main camera with a 200MP sensor and bright aperture for more light in dark conditions.
- Advanced image processing through Samsung’s AI engine for reduced noise and enhanced color accuracy.
- Offers versatile zoom performance with telephoto + periscope lenses, making distant shot at night even clearer.
Who is it for?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is best for urban night photography and low-light portraits. This phone delivers well-balanced low-light performance for capturing night shots.
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google Pixel devices come with excellent camera features even for night photography. Google Pixel 10 Pro comes with superior computational imaging, intelligent scene processing and dedicated night algorithms for producing bright, detailed images even at night.
Key Highlights
- It boasts advanced AI-capabilities for cinematic, detailed shots.
- Night Sight algorithm intelligently brightens dark scenes.
- It includes excellent dynamic range with true‑to‑life colors and minimal noise.
Who is it for?
This is the best device for passionate photographers who value computational photography and love capturing scenes that feel more natural.
4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi Ultra flagship device is created specifically for low-light performance. This device is built with imaging excellence and it features a large 1‑inch sensor for low light photography.
Key Highlights
- Allows for exceptional light gathering because of its large sensor and advanced optics.
- Co-powered by Leica color science to deliver rich, detailed night photos.
- It offers powerful zoom with low‑light imaging for dusk and night scenes.
Who is it for?
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the best device for those who are more comfortable with manual controls when capturing their favourite shots.
5. OnePlus 13
Here is another stunning device with low-light camera capabilities. This device offers flagship‑level camera performance with Hasselblad‑tuned color science at much affordable prices. It balances sensor hardware and image tuning to deliver robust night shots.
Key Features:
- Helps capture amazing low‑light images with accurate colors and good detail retention.
- Includes Hasselblad calibration that makes skin tones and night landscapes look better.
- Come with nightscape ultra mode for enhanced brightness and reduced noise.
Who is it for?
OnePlus 13 is the best device for those looking for strong low‑light performance at affordable prices and without much manual effort.
6. Xiaomi 17 Ultra
At number 6, we have Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Leica Edition). This flagship devices includes a 1-inch primary sensor and Leica-tuned processing to deliver strong low-light performance for night photography. It allows photographers to capture clear, detailed and noise-controlled shots even in dim conditions.
Key Features:
- Includes a large 1-inch main Sensor with High Dynamic Range for clearer and detailed shots in near-darkness.
- Features advanced Periscope Telephoto with Continuous Optical Zoom & OIS for capturing detailed zoomed-in shots even in low light without blur or excessive noise.
- Comes with Leica-tuned imaging & manual control options that allow users to have more creative control over night photography.
Who is it for?
Xiaomi 17 Ultra is the best flagship device for photography enthusiasts, content creators, travel and street photographers who are looking for premium low-light camera experience with more creative control.
The Bottom Line
So, these are the top 6 smartphones with low-light camera. All of these devices outlined here deliver stunning low‑light images that were earlier possible with only dedicated cameras. These phones have transformed the way users capture photos in low-light conditions.
Whether you are a travel photographer or just like capturing photos casually or you create digital content, this list has something for all. Just choose the one that fits your preferences and budget to ensure the best purchase in 2026.
