Top-Notch Smartphones for Stellar Astrophotography in 2025 (Awe-Inspiring Night Snapshots!)
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In the realm of smartphone photography, astrophotography has emerged as a captivating niche, with several devices standing out for their capabilities in capturing the beauty of the night sky. Here are the top three smartphones for astrophotography in 2025.
1. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, recognised as the best for night and astrophotography, boasts advanced AI photography features optimised for low light and star field capture. Its computational photography enhances detail and reduces noise in night sky shots.
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, equipped with a 48 MP Fusion main sensor, sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), dual-pixel autofocus, and a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, excels at macro and wide astrophotography scenes. Its software processing delivers smooth, artistic imaging with excellent colour and cinematic accuracy.
3. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra
Featuring a large 1-inch 50 MP RYYB main sensor, the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra offers about 16 stops of dynamic range, crucial for dark night sky shots. Its innovative dual-periscope telephoto module provides versatile optical zoom options, enhancing deep sky and planetary photography capabilities.
These smartphones stand out for their large high-quality sensors, advanced image stabilization, multi-lens setups for wide and zoomed compositions, and sophisticated computational photography algorithms for low-light enhancement.
Other notable mentions include the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold, all of which offer excellent astrophotography capabilities. The Xiaomi Rednote 13 Pro and astrophotographer Mihail Minkov have also demonstrated its potential for astrophotography.
The Vaonis Hestia device can further enhance your smartphone's astrophotography capabilities, ensuring you capture sharp, detailed star fields and night skies without dedicated astrophotography equipment.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 200 MP main camera, is another excellent option for astrophotography enthusiasts. However, it's the iPhone 16 Pro Max that takes the crown as the latest and best iPhone for astrophotography.
This article was written by Anthony Robinson, founder and owner of Skies & Scopes. While these smartphones offer impressive astrophotography capabilities, it's essential to remember that they may not replace dedicated astrophotography equipment for professional-level results.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 6.1-inch screen, 6 GB of RAM, and F/1.5 aperture, is a sleek and powerful device that, despite its size and cost, offers a remarkable astrophotography experience.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, known for its superior night and astrophotography capabilities, employs AI photography features optimized for low light and star field capture.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max, armed with a 48 MP Fusion main sensor, sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), dual-pixel autofocus, and a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, excels at macro and wide astrophotography scenes.
- The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, boasting a large 1-inch 50 MP RYYB main sensor, offers extensive dynamic range, essential for dark night sky shots.
- Astrophotography gadgets like the Vaonis Hestia can improve a smartphone's astrophotography capabilities, allowing for sharp and detailed star field captures without dedicated astrophotography devices.
- Despite the impressive astrophotography capabilities of smartphones, it's important to remember they may not compete with dedicated astrophotography equipment for professional-level results.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 200 MP main camera, is another outstanding choice for astrophotography enthusiasts, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the standout option for the latest and best iPhone for astrophotography.
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