{"id":130475,"date":"2026-01-06T17:46:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:46:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vertu.com\/?p=130475"},"modified":"2026-01-06T17:46:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:46:01","slug":"capture-the-cosmos-which-phone-is-best-for-night-sky-photography-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/%d9%86%d9%85%d8%b7-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ad%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%a9\/capture-the-cosmos-which-phone-is-best-for-night-sky-photography-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Capture the Cosmos: Which Phone Is Best for Night Sky Photography in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-path-to-node=\"3\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"5\" \/>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6\">Gone are the days when capturing the Milky Way required a heavy DSLR and a bag full of lenses. In 2026, the <b data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"108\">best phone for night sky photography<\/b> fits right in your pocket. Thanks to massive 1-inch sensors, AI-powered image stacking, and dedicated astrophotography modes, modern flagships can now reveal stars invisible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">But not all low-light cameras are created equal. If you want to capture breathtaking star trails or the galactic core, these are the top contenders you need to know about.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"8\">1. The Undisputed King of Astro: Google Pixel 10 Pro<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">If you want professional results with zero effort, the <b data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"55\">Google Pixel 10 Pro<\/b> (and XL) is the best choice. Google revolutionized smartphone astrophotography, and in 2026, they have perfected it.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"10\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Killer Feature:<\/b> <b data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">Dedicated Astrophotography Mode<\/b>. Unlike other phones where you have to fiddle with &#8220;Pro&#8221; settings, the Pixel detects when it is steady (on a tripod) and automatically enters Astro mode. It captures exposures for up to 4 minutes, stacking multiple images to remove noise and sharpen stars.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why It Wins:<\/b> It simplifies the complex math of astrophotography. It even generates a short &#8220;Astro-lapse&#8221; video of the stars moving across the sky alongside your final photo.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Best For:<\/b> Beginners and enthusiasts who want the &#8220;wow&#8221; factor without learning manual ISO\/shutter speed settings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"11\">2. Best for Resolution & Detail: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\">For those who want total control over their data, the <b data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"54\">Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra<\/b> is a powerhouse. With its massive 200MP main sensor, it offers the highest resolution potential for night sky shooters.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"13\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Killer Feature:<\/b> <b data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">Expert RAW & AstroPhoto Mode<\/b>. Hidden within Samsung\u2019s &#8220;Expert RAW&#8221; app is a dedicated AstroPhoto setting. This uses an integrated sky guide to help you locate constellations and lets you set exposure times of up to 10 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why It Wins:<\/b> The hardware. The sheer pixel count allows for incredible cropping ability. If you want to zoom in on the moon or a specific constellation, the S25 Ultra\u2019s &#8220;Space Zoom&#8221; technology (enhanced by AI in 2026) remains the industry benchmark.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Best For:<\/b> Power users who want to edit RAW files in Lightroom and demand the sharpest possible lunar shots.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"14\">3. The Hardware Beast: Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15\">While Google wins on software, Xiaomi wins on pure physics. The <b data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"64\">Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/b> boasts a massive <b data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"97\">1-inch sensor (Sony LYT-900)<\/b>, which physically captures more light than its competitors.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"16\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Killer Feature:<\/b> <b data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">Leica Summilux Optics<\/b>. The partnership with Leica delivers a &#8220;Fast Lens&#8221; (around f\/1.63 aperture) that drinks in light. Combined with the massive sensor, it produces the cleanest, least noisy raw images of the night sky before AI even touches them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why It Wins:<\/b> Physics matters. A larger sensor means larger pixels, which naturally generate less digital noise in low light. This phone produces the most &#8220;organic&#8221; looking night shots that look less processed than the Pixel or iPhone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Best For:<\/b> Photographers who value optical quality and natural depth over AI processing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"17\">4. Best for Natural Colors: iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">Apple has historically been conservative with astrophotography, but the <b data-path-to-node=\"18\" data-index-in-node=\"72\">iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/b> takes a massive leap forward with its new low-light photometric engine.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"19\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Killer Feature:<\/b> <b data-path-to-node=\"19,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">30-second Night Mode & PrORAW<\/b>. While it lacks a named &#8220;Astro Mode,&#8221; the iPhone's stabilization is so good it allows for handheld 10-second shots, and tripod-mounted 30-second exposures that render star colors (blue, orange, white) more accurately than any other phone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why It Wins:<\/b> Consistency. The iPhone 17 Pro doesn't artificially brighten the sky to look like daytime. It keeps the blacks deep and the stars sharp, preserving the <i data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"165\">feeling<\/i> of the night.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Best For:<\/b> Videographers and purists who want realistic night colors and a seamless ecosystem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-path-to-node=\"20\" \/>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"21\">Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?<\/h2>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"22\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"22,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Choose the Google Pixel 10 Pro<\/b> if you want to set up a tripod, press one button, and get a magical, shareable photo of the Milky Way every single time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"22,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra<\/b> if you enjoy editing RAW photos and want the best possible zoom for the Moon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"22,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Choose the Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/b> if you are a camera nerd who understands that a bigger sensor equals better low-light performance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"23\"><b data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Pro Tip for Smartphone Astrophotography<\/b><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24\">No matter which phone you choose, <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"34\">you cannot hold it by hand.<\/b> To trigger these special &#8220;Astro&#8221; modes, the phone\u2019s gyroscope must detect zero movement.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"25\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Get a Tripod:<\/b> Even a cheap, lightweight one works.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"25,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"25,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Use a Timer:<\/b> Set a 3-second timer so your finger tapping the screen doesn't shake the camera.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"25,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"25,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Find Dark Skies:<\/b> Light pollution is the enemy. Drive 30 minutes away from city lights for the best results.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gone are the days when capturing the Milky Way required a heavy DSLR and a bag full of lenses. In [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":11214,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[468],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130475","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-post"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130475","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11214"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130475"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130475\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":130478,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130475\/revisions\/130478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130475"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legacy.vertu.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130475"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0648\u0648\u0631\u062f\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0633","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}