Astrophotography has become incredibly popular among photography enthusiasts in recent years, and with the rapid advancements in smartphone camera technology, capturing the night sky has never been easier.
When choosing a smartphone for astrophotography, the most important aspects are low-light performance, manual controls, long exposure settings, and stabilization capabilities.
While a high-quality camera is essential, the right combination of hardware and software is what sets the best astrophotography smartphones apart from the rest.
From flagship models to budget options, we’ve rounded up a list of the top contenders that will help you capture the magic of the universe and transform your nighttime photography experience.
In this post, we’ll look at phones that feature astrophotography mode, a feature designed to enhance astrophotography capabilities. This mode typically focuses on long exposure times, advanced processing algorithms, and low-light performance to clearly render stars and other night sky phenomena.
Contents
Best Phones for Astrophotography in 2025
1. Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has one of the best cameras on the market and offers a great astrophotography mode.
It was released in 2024 alongside the other four models in the Pixel 9 range: the Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
However, for astrophotography, the rear cameras on all four of these smartphones are exactly the same, so we recommend the Pixel 9 over the more premium options.
The main camera itself has 50MP (megapixels), a fast F/1.85 aperture, and a pixel width of 1.25μm (this is the physical size of the pixels on the camera sensor. The larger the better for astrophotography, as it means more light is collected per pixel).
There’s also a separate ultra-wide camera that operates at 48MP, making it great for wide-angle landscape astrophotography images.
The built-in Pixel Astrophotography mode is fantastic. It takes multiple 16-second images, stacks them, and processes them all at once, typically taking about 4 minutes total with a single press of a button.
The image below is me testing the Pixel Astrophotography mode on an older Pixel phone and comparing it to an image taken on the same night with a good DSLR camera.
2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5G +
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is built to impress with its camera system. Equipped with Leica professional optical lenses, you can capture photos of stars in the night sky. This is one of its strongest points and is ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts.
Durability is another key feature. The triple protection provided by Xiaomi’s Guardian Structure ensures that the phone can withstand harsh environments. Also, the Xiaomi Shield Glass and high-strength aluminum frame provide solid protection, which can be essential for outdoor use.
On the downside, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s network compatibility may be limited to some users in the US, as it only works with certain carriers like T-Mobile and Mint. Also, despite its premium build, the phone is priced higher and lacks expandable storage, which could be a deal-breaker for some users.
3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is truly impressive for astrophotography, thanks to its advanced display and outstanding graphics performance. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion ensures exceptional clarity and smooth images, essential for capturing the night sky. And the Always-On Display feature lets you quickly and easily view notifications without having to wake up your phone completely.
Connectivity is another strong point of this model. The versatility of the new USB-C connector allows you to charge multiple Apple devices with a single cable, greatly simplifying your tech arsenal.
Additionally, improved Wi-Fi 6E offers faster downloads and smoother online performance, which can be a game changer when transferring large photo files.
Safety features like roadside assistance and satellite-based emergency SOS provide peace of mind, especially for those venturing into remote areas for astrophotography.
Collision detection is a thoughtful addition that is invaluable in emergency situations. Despite its larger size and higher price point, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a worthy investment for both serious astrophotographers and Apple enthusiasts due to its functionality and top-notch features.
4. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
For those passionate about astrophotography, the Samsung S24 Ultra offers impressive Nightography capabilities, capturing incredible detail even in low light. The 200MP camera ensures every shot is crystal clear, making it perfect for stargazing and night sky photography.
The S Pen is a great addition, allowing you to creatively edit your photos and easily add notes. This feature increases your productivity and makes photo editing easier. The top-of-the-line display enhances your viewing experience, making every photo come to life.
Despite its slightly bulky design, the S24 Ultra’s many features make it a powerful device. Plus, real-time translation features and high-quality Snapdragon processors will keep us connected and running smoothly. If you’re looking for a phone that excels at taking photos and offers advanced features, consider this one.
5. Huawei P60 Pro
The Huawei P60 Pro has emerged as one of the best smartphones for astrophotography, thanks to its impressive camera system, advanced low-light capabilities, and innovative features tailored to capturing the night sky.
One of the main reasons why the Huawei P60 Pro excels in astrophotography is its unique RYYB sensor. This sensor design allows the camera to capture more light than a traditional RGB sensor, improving low-light performance.
The 48MP primary camera with Leica-designed lens ensures high-quality images with rich details and accurate colors.
The Huawei P60 Pro’s AI-based Night Mode is another standout feature for astrophotography. Using AI and computational photography, Night Mode can capture multiple exposures and intelligently merge them into a single, well-exposed image.
This process effectively reduces noise and enhances the clarity of the night sky, making it easier to capture stunning astrophotography scenes.
However, the Huawei P60 Pro does have some drawbacks that may affect users. The lack of Google apps and services may cause significant inconvenience to some users, and the device may not be available in certain regions, making it difficult to purchase.
Despite these limitations, the Huawei P60 Pro is still a great choice for astrophotography enthusiasts. The advanced RYYB sensor, high-quality 48MP main camera, and AI-based Night Mode are powerful tools for capturing breathtaking night sky images.
Combining innovative technology and Leica-designed lenses, users can consistently achieve stunning astrophotography results.
6. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is without a doubt one of the best smartphones for astrophotography, and here’s why: With its powerful camera system, cutting-edge features, and the popular Google Camera app, this device is perfect for capturing the beauty of the night sky.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts incredible low-light performance thanks to its large 50MP main sensor, which captures more light from each pixel for sharper, more detailed images.
The device also takes advantage of Google’s Tensor SoC to further enhance its camera capabilities by integrating AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize the photography experience. This allows users to create stunning night sky images using the hardware in their phone.
If you have images taken with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, please email them to me and I’ll add them to this post with full credit.
One of the biggest advantages of the Pixel 8 Pro for astrophotography is the dedicated astrophotography mode in the Google Camera app. This feature automatically activates longer exposure times and uses computational photography to reduce noise and enhance the details in your shots.
Designed to capture stars, constellations, and other celestial objects, this mode is an invaluable tool for astrophotography enthusiasts.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s outstanding hardware and software integration sets it apart from the competition. Google’s AI-based algorithms work in tandem with the hardware to deliver balanced, sharp, and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
This seamless integration allows for a hassle-free astrophotography experience that doesn’t require extensive manual settings or third-party app tweaking.
The Pixel 8 Pro does, however, have a few drawbacks. Its relatively high price tag compared to some alternatives may be a factor for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, while the Google Camera app is great for most users, it may be somewhat limited for photography enthusiasts who prefer manual control.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is still a top choice for astrophotography enthusiasts. Its impressive camera features, dedicated astrophotography mode, and seamless hardware-software integration make it a powerful tool for capturing breathtaking night sky images.
7. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is an attractive choice for astrophotography enthusiasts, offering an impressive camera system, powerful low-light capabilities, and a very competitive price point.
The standout feature of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro for astrophotography is its 200MP primary camera. This high-resolution sensor allows users to capture detailed images of celestial bodies, preserving the beauty of the night sky.
The large sensor size also contributes to improved low-light performance, which is essential for astrophotography. The Redmi Note 13 Pro has a dedicated Night Mode, which is specifically designed for low-light photography.
This mode captures multiple exposures and intelligently combines them into a single image, reducing noise and improving detail.
Night mode allows users to easily capture stunning night sky images without the need for additional equipment or complex post-processing techniques.
The affordable price of the Redmi Note 13 Pro is another major selling point for astrophotography enthusiasts. Compared to flagship smartphones with similar camera features, the Redmi Note 13 Pro offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on image quality.
The device’s large battery also allows users to enjoy long shooting sessions without worrying about running out of power.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Redmi Note 13 Pro may not offer the same level of manual control as higher-end devices, which could limit the creative options of experienced astrophotographers.
The device also does not feature the same level of software optimization as flagship smartphones, which could potentially affect the overall image quality.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a great option for astrophotography enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective solution with impressive camera features. The 200MP main camera, dedicated Night mode, and large battery make it a powerful tool for capturing the beauty of the night sky.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro doesn’t have all the features of a flagship device, but it offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability for astrophotography enthusiasts.
8. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro has established itself as one of the best smartphones for astrophotography thanks to its excellent camera system, advanced features, and outstanding computational photography capabilities. Likewise, the iPhone 14 Pro deserves a special mention here.
The iPhone 15 Pro has excellent low-light performance, which is essential for capturing stunning astrophotography. The main camera boasts a large sensor, which allows it to collect more light, resulting in clearer, more detailed images of celestial bodies.
The ultra-wide lens, in particular, is an essential tool for capturing expansive night sky vistas. One of the main advantages of astrophotography is the availability of Night mode on all lenses. This feature allows you to capture stunning night sky images regardless of your lens.
Night mode uses computational photography to merge multiple exposures to reduce noise and enhance details in low-light conditions. This produces vivid, sharp, and impressive astrophotography images.
Another important benefit for astrophotography on the iPhone 15 Pro is its support for the ProRAW format. This feature allows users to capture images with minimal compression, preserving more detail and dynamic range.
ProRAW images offer greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing photographers to fine-tune their astrophotography shots for optimal results.
The iPhone 15 Pro stands out for its consistent, high-quality image processing. Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, combined with advanced AI algorithms, ensures that astrophotography images are processed with uniformity and exceptional quality.
This level of consistency is essential when photographing the night sky, as it helps preserve the natural beauty and intricate details of celestial objects.
However, the iPhone 15 Pro is not without its drawbacks. The premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers, and the default camera app offers limited customization options for those who prefer manual control over their photography experience.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a top choice for astrophotography. With excellent low-light performance, Night mode on all lenses, ProRAW format support, and consistent image processing, it’s a great choice for capturing breathtaking night sky images.
If you have any images taken with your iPhone 15 Pro, please email them to me and I’ll add them to this post with full credit if I get your permission.
9. Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Google Pixel 7 Pro offers impressive camera features that are ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts, with a range of features designed to capture stunning night sky images.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro stands out with its outstanding telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, which are particularly good for capturing breathtaking night sky images. Whether you’re shooting expansive celestial landscapes or detailed shots of distant galaxies, these lenses bring out the stars in vivid detail.
The adaptive battery life of this device lasts for over 24 hours, allowing you to take long astrophotography shots without worrying about running out of power. The 120Hz display, which is useful for reviewing nighttime photos, ensures smooth performance and rich colors.
However, some users have noticed that the phone can get quite hot during intensive use, such as when the camera is in use for long periods of time or while charging.
It’s also worth noting that Google doesn’t include a charging adapter in the box. Finally, while it might be pricey for some, the features it offers could make the investment worthwhile for serious astrophotography enthusiasts.
FAQs
What is Astrophotography?
Astrophotography is the practice of taking photos of celestial bodies and the night sky. In recent years, smartphone-specific astrophotography modes have been developed that utilize AI and advanced image processing to capture stars with incredible clarity.
These modes typically require longer exposure times and work best in dark sky conditions with minimal light pollution.
Smartphone vs DSLR for Astrophotography: Which is Better?
Smartphone cameras are getting better and better, with increasing megapixel counts, but the sensors on camera phones are much smaller than those on the latest DSLR or mirrorless cameras, so they won’t perform as well.
So while DSLR/mirrorless cameras are still better, the gap is narrowing, and there’s definitely a huge improvement in convenience when you just use your phone.
Plus, learning how to take astrophotos with a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a lot harder than pushing a button on your smartphone.
Which phones have astrophotography modes?
The Google Pixel lineup is the only smartphone with a dedicated astrophotography mode. However, other cameras have great night modes (and moon modes) that can be used effectively for astrophotography.
Can I take astrophotos with my iPhone?
Yes, the iPhone has a great camera and night mode for astrophotography. See our guide to taking astrophotos on your iPhone.
What is stacking in astrophotography?
Stacking is the process of taking multiple images of the same scene and then overlaying them on top of each other. This removes noise and creates a better image. The astrophotography mode on Google Pixel smartphones automatically stacks the images.
Conclusion
Capturing the beauty of the night sky through astrophotography is an awe-inspiring experience. While a dedicated camera is often the option, smartphones are becoming increasingly capable of capturing stunning astrophotography images.
When using your smartphone to capture the night sky, it’s important to understand the right settings and techniques. Adjusting your camera settings appropriately and stabilizing your device can greatly improve the quality of your astrophotography.
When choosing a phone for astrophotography, consider key features such as camera quality, sensor size, night mode capabilities, and overall value for money.
For optimal results, complement your phone with additional accessories such as a tripod and remote shutter release. Experiment with different settings, apps, and editing techniques to get the most out of your smartphone’s astrophotography capabilities.