Serious astrophotography no longer requires a backpack of glass—pick the right phone and you can render the Milky Way from a trailhead. For shooters seeking pinpoint stars, low-light performance and smart computational stacking matter more than megapixels, especially in 2025.
We analyzed and ranked 6 smartphones for night-sky work, comparing astro modes, stabilization, noise handling, and RAW pipelines. The Google Pixel 10 Pro – Unlocked Android… leads at 82/100 with the cleanest star fields and consistent color; the SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge Phone, 512 GB… posts 76/100 and shines for lunar detail and flexible framing. Specialized picks cover wide-field Milky Way on a budget, urban light‑pollution mitigation, and power users prioritizing RAW control.
Expect side‑by‑side crops and full‑res samples of stars, noise, and dynamic range, plus practical setup tips for exposure, focus, and stacking. We organize by use case and price tier to maximize value without compromising results, and we flag must-have accessories like mini tripods, clamps, and remotes.
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Top Picks
Astrophotography Phone Showdown 2025: Top 6 Night-Sky Performers
| Specifications | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 82/100 | 76/100 | 74/100 | 74/100 | 72/100 | 71/100 |
| Low-light/Night feature | Night Sight Video with Google AI for bright, detailed low-light photos and videos | Night Video | Night mode automatically activates in low light, allows manual exposure extension, full resolution drops to 12MP in Night mode, best results from main lens, good detail and low noise, usable with Portrait mode for Night Portraits | Night mode with up to 30-second exposure, enhanced low-light performance with larger sensor and LiDAR | AI Night Mode Camera | Night Mode |
| Year | 2025 | 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2023 |
| Storage | 128 GB | 512 GB | 256GB | 128GB | 256GB | 1TB |
| Battery | Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery | All-Day Battery | 3274 mAh | 3582 mAh Li-ion | 4900mAh Battery | Long Battery Life |
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Actua Display | ProScaler Display | 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 x 1179 pixels, 460 ppi, ProMotion (1-120Hz), Always-On, HDR, True Tone | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2622-by-1206-pixel resolution at 460 ppi, Variable 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR, 2000 nits peak brightness, Ceramic Shield | ProScaler Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3088 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD+), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+, 1750 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Google Pixel 10 Pro – Unlocked Android Smartphone – Gemini AI Assistant, Triple Rear Camera System, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.3″ Super Actua Display – Moonstone – 128 GB (2025 Model) [Moonstone 128GB Pixel 10 Pro (Phone Only)]
Enthusiasts who want top-tier, portable astrophotography from a smartphone — people who value computational Night Sight, easy RAW capture, and minimal gear while traveling or experimenting with night-sky shots.
- Best-in-class computational night modes (Pixel Night Sight / astrophotography pipeline) for sharp, low-noise starfield images
- Powerful on-device AI (Tensor G5 + Gemini) that automates stacking/denoising and makes long-exposure workflows simple
- High-resolution 50MP main sensor, super-bright OLED display for framing, and strong stabilization for handheld low-light shots
- No large interchangeable sensor — will not match detail and dynamic range of APS-C / full-frame astro rigs
- True optical zoom specs are vague here (100x is ProRes/digital); you may need a tripod and cropping for tight lunar detail
Want to capture clean Milky Way frames or bright-starfields without hauling a DSLR? You get a phone that stitches and denoises long exposures for you, so you’ll capture impressive night-sky images handheld or with a small tripod. The tradeoff: you won’t match a dedicated large-sensor camera for ultimate fine detail, but you’ll gain portability and a much simpler, faster workflow for travel and casual astro sessions.
Overview & Ranking:
This phone delivers clean, low-noise night-sky shots in a pocketable kit, which is why it lands at #1 on our list with a solid 82/100 score. You get astrophotography results that look carefully stacked and processed—without hauling extra gear or spending hours in post.
Low-Light & AI Imaging:
On a dark trail or apartment balcony, the combination of Night Sight astrophotography, Tensor G5 + Gemini processing, and a 50MP main sensor stabilizes, stacks, and denoises your frames for crisp stars and natural colors. Set it on a small tripod for longer looks at the Milky Way, or go handheld for quick city nightscapes—with easy RAW capture when you want more control.
Standout Tools & Value:
The Super Actua display makes framing easy in bright conditions thanks to its 6.3-inch size, 3,300-nit peak brightness, and 120 Hz smoothness. For reach, Pro Res Zoom helps you compose tighter lunar shots, while 8K video, strong stabilization, and on-device Tensor G5 + Gemini AI give you a fast, polished workflow that’s an excellent value compared to carrying multiple devices.
Who It’s For:
Who is this for? Amateur astro fans and tech-savvy shooters who want legit night-sky results with minimal setup and pro-grade computational processing. Perfect for: Milky Way & starfields, handheld night cityscapes, travel-friendly astro trips.
Our Verdict:
Final recommendation: Choose this model if you want top-tier mobile astrophotography with a simple, speedy workflow and standout AI tools. It’s a premium, portable solution that replaces a lot of extra gear—ideal when you value convenience, quick sharing, and impressive results on the go.
SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge Phone, 512 GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, Night Video, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, All-Day Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Titanium JetBlack [Titanium Jetblack 512GB S25 Edge Phone Only]
photographers needing a pocketable, high-resolution smartphone that balances strong low-light capabilities and storage at a mid-flagship price — good for Milky Way, moon close-ups (via cropping), and travel-night-sky work without carrying a mirrorless rig
- 200MP primary sensor — excellent for high-resolution crops and pixel-binning to boost detail in moon and bright-star shots
- Strong value at $729.99 — high storage (512GB option) and flagship-class build/performance without Ultra pricing
- Modern low-light/Night processing and powerful SoC for on-device stacking, AI enhancement, and fast RAW editing
- Not Samsung’s top Ultra model — lacks the largest stacked sensor and highest-end optical zoom/stabilization that help in deep-sky or long-range lunar imaging
- Unclear whether there’s a dedicated, long-exposure astrophotography mode with multi-frame stacking (may require third-party apps and tripod workarounds)
Want a portable phone that actually improves your night-sky photos? You get a 200MP camera plus modern Night/AI processing that helps you capture Milky Way scenes, brighter star fields, and detailed moon crops without hauling a mirrorless kit. The tradeoff: you won’t match the Ultra model’s larger sensor and telephoto reach for deep-sky or long-range lunar work, but you’ll gain a lightweight, pocketable setup that’s ideal for travel, spontaneous astro sessions, and fast on-phone editing.
Overview & Ranking:
This pocketable phone offers serious night-sky capability in a slim, durable build—great when you want to travel light and still capture stars. It’s our #2 pick with a solid 76/100, thanks to its balance of high-resolution imaging, AI tools, and strong value for mobile photographers.
Low‑Light Imaging & Display:
With Night Photography features powered by a 200MP sensor, you can pull crisp moon crops and brighter Milky Way detail without carrying a larger rig. The ProScaler Display is a sharp 6.7-inch panel at QHD+ (3120×1440) and up to 120 Hz, so framing in the dark and reviewing star fields feels smooth and precise. Use Night Video to capture cleaner nighttime clips with reduced noise.
Standout Features & Value:
A fast Snapdragon chip and 12 GB RAM keep on‑device stacking, AI enhancement, and RAW edits responsive, while the ample 512 GB storage holds long nights of photos. The tough titanium build, water resistance, and all‑day battery make it a reliable companion for late hikes to dark sites. You also get convenient tools like Android 15 / One UI 7 features for quick culling, search-by-description, and speedy sharing—delivering an excellent price‑to‑performance ratio.
Who It’s For:
Perfect for: Milky Way scenes, moon crops (via the 200MP sensor), travel night shots. If you want a lightweight setup that boosts low‑light results and lets you edit and share on the spot, this model fits beautifully. It’s a smart choice when you value portability, quick workflow, and high‑res flexibility.
Our Verdict:
Choose this option if you want a sleek, durable phone that meaningfully improves your night and astro photography while staying competitively priced. It brings together a 200MP camera, ProScaler Display, and fast processing to deliver bright, detailed night images—earning its place as our dependable #2 pick for enthusiasts and tech‑savvy shooters.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB, Natural Titanium – Unlocked [Renewed]
Enthusiasts who want a portable, high-quality smartphone camera that lets you shoot detailed night-sky images, edit high-resolution ProRAW files, and travel light without carrying a mirrorless/DSLR kit.
- Strong low-light performance and computational imaging (48MP main sensor + Apple’s Night mode/ProRAW workflow) for detailed stacked/star-field captures
- Pro-level tools that enthusiasts value: 48MP ProRAW, manual controls via third-party apps, USB-C fast transfers for large RAW files
- Portable and reliable build (titanium frame, good battery life) — easy to carry on night shoots or travel
- Renewed device — potential warranty/condition concerns compared with buying new
- No specialized, explicit ‘astrophotography’ stacking mode on-device that rivals Google’s dedicated Night Sight Astro features
Want a portable phone that actually helps you shoot the Milky Way and detailed night-sky scenes while you travel? You’ll get high-resolution ProRAW captures and strong low-light stacking so you can pull more detail from stars and foregrounds without lugging a camera. The tradeoff: you won’t have a dedicated astrophotography mode that automates long multi-frame stacking like some competitors, but you’ll keep a versatile, pocketable system that works well with a small tripod and a few apps to push results further.
Overview & Ranking:
This compact flagship brings pro-grade night shooting to your pocket while keeping your kit ultra-light. It’s positioned at #3 in our guide with a solid 74/100 for its blend of low-light quality, flexible ProRAW workflow, and value-friendly renewed pricing.
Camera & Low‑Light Imaging:
The 48MP main camera with ProRAW and Night mode lets you capture clean star fields and brighter foregrounds you can stack and refine later. Use third‑party manual apps to dial in exposure for Milky Way scenes, then pull crisp detail from shadows thanks to the A17 Pro processing. The Ultra Wide adds sweeping context for landscapes under the stars.
Standout Features & Value:
A durable Natural Titanium frame and pocketable 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120 Hz ProMotion make long nights comfortable. You get USB‑C (USB 3) for fast RAW transfers, a customizable Action button for quick camera access, and peace-of-mind tools like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection when you’re shooting off-grid. With 256GB storage and strong battery life (up to 29 hours video playback), it’s built for travel and edit-anywhere workflows.
Who It’s For:
If you want detailed night images without carrying a full camera kit, this model keeps your setup simple and powerful. Perfect for: travel night‑sky shoots, ProRAW editing on mobile, fast USB‑C transfers to tablet/desktop.
Our Verdict:
Choose this option if you value sharp low-light results, flexible manual control via apps, and a reliable, pocketable build for night sessions. With unlocked convenience and renewed value, it’s a smart pick for enthusiasts who want real astrophotography potential in a phone.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro, US Version, 128GB, Black Titanium – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
photographers needing a portable, high-quality smartphone that captures impressive Milky Way and night-sky images without carrying a mirrorless/DSLR — especially if you want flagship camera features at a discounted price.
- Premium iPhone 16 Pro camera system with large sensors, advanced computational Night mode and ProRAW — strong baseline for starfields and Milky Way shots
- Built-in long-exposure and astrophotography software capabilities (ProRAW, Night mode, LiDAR-assisted focus) that simplify handheld and tripod shots
- Excellent value in this listing: renewed iPhone 16 Pro at ~$757 gives access to flagship hardware for well below new retail price
- This is a renewed unit: battery health is only guaranteed >80%, accessories are non-original, and you get limited post-purchase protection (90-day replacement/refund window)
- Only 128GB storage — RAW/ProRAW astrophotos and long-exposure stacks will fill that quickly unless you offload frequently or use cloud storage
Want a compact way to shoot the Milky Way and night skies without hauling camera gear? You get flagship iPhone 16 Pro imaging and Night mode that make tripod-based starfields and handheld low-light frames easy to capture. The tradeoff: buying a renewed 128GB unit saves a lot of money but means shorter battery headroom and limited storage, so you should plan to offload RAW files or pair with cloud storage. Expect great convenience and image quality for travel and casual astrophotography, but bring external storage or a larger-capacity device if you shoot lots of RAW exposures.
Overview & Ranking:
This unlocked iPhone 16 Pro brings flagship night imaging in a compact, travel-friendly body. It’s our #4 choice with a solid 74/100 score, combining premium low‑light results with strong value in a Renewed Premium package.
Astro Imaging & Performance:
Advanced Night mode, Apple ProRAW, and LiDAR work with the A18 Pro chip to reduce noise and keep stars crisp—ideal for Milky Way frames on a small tripod or quick handheld night scenes. The bright 6.3‑inch 120 Hz screen makes framing dark skies and checking fine detail smooth and comfortable.
Use Cases & Shooting Scenarios:
If you regularly offload to cloud or external storage, the 128GB capacity handles weekend star sessions and ProRAW edits without drama; the Unlocked setup also makes it easy to pop in a local carrier while traveling. Perfect for: travel astrophotography, handheld night cityscapes, telescope‑assisted lunar close‑ups.
Who It’s For:
Who is this for? Amateur astrophotographers and tech‑savvy mobile shooters who want powerful computational tools without carrying a full camera kit. If you value Night mode, Apple ProRAW, and LiDAR‑assisted focus in a sleek Black Titanium body, this model fits your on‑the‑go workflow.
Our Verdict:
Final recommendation: Choose this pick if you want flagship night photos, a fluid 120 Hz viewing experience, and the convenience of an Unlocked, Renewed Premium phone backed by professional inspection, >80% battery health, and a 90‑day replacement/refund window. It’s a smart, competitively priced way to capture striking starfields and low‑light scenes wherever you roam.
SAMSUNG Galaxy S25+ Cell Phone, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, 4900mAh Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Silver Shadow [Silver Shadow 256GB S25+ Phone Only]
Enthusiasts who want an easy, travel-friendly phone that delivers excellent night-sky shots without carrying bulky gear — you value convenience, battery life, and modern computational night modes over specialist optical reach.
- Strong low-light imaging workflow — AI Night Mode plus a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor enable on-device stacking and noise reduction for cleaner night-sky shots.
- Long battery capacity (4900mAh) and unlocked 2025 hardware make it practical for long field sessions and travel without frequent recharging or carrier limits.
- Pro-level polish and popularity — high rating (4.5), strong sales momentum, and One UI/Android 15 support mean good software updates and a mature camera app ecosystem (including third‑party astrophotography apps).
- Not the absolute top smartphone choice for detailed moon/planet shots — lacks the specialized periscope/telephoto reach and largest sensors found in Ultra-class models or dedicated astrophotography cameras.
- AI-heavy processing can sometimes smooth fine star detail or alter natural sky color if you prefer fully manual RAW workflows.
Want great Milky Way and starfield shots without packing a mirrorless rig? You’ll capture cleaner, usable night-sky images handheld or on a small tripod thanks to the S25+’s AI Night Mode and long battery life. The tradeoff: you won’t get the same extreme lunar/planet detail or raw control as an S25 Ultra or a dedicated camera, but you gain portability, simpler workflows, and excellent results for travel and casual astrophotography sessions.
Quick Take:
This smartphone offers clean night‑sky photos and travel‑friendly convenience for hobbyist stargazers and power users. It comes in at #5 with a 72/100 score for its excellent low‑light workflow, dependable battery, and polished software—great when you want striking sky shots without carrying extra gear.
Night Shooting & Speed:
With Low‑Light Imaging driven by AI Night Mode, it stacks frames and reduces noise so stars look crisp and the Milky Way pops, even handheld or on a tiny tripod. The Processing Power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 12GB RAM keeps long exposures and edits smooth, while the 6.7‑inch ProScaler Display (1440 x 3120) helps you focus and compose in the dark; standout touches like Fast Charging, water resistance, and an Unlocked design add everyday value.
Use Cases:
Perfect for: handheld starfield captures, Milky Way travel shots, all‑night time‑lapses on a mini tripod. The 4900mAh battery supports hours of night shooting, and One UI tools plus third‑party astro apps make setup, focusing, and sharing fast.
Who It’s For:
If you want wide night vistas, quick edits, and reliable all‑day power in a single device, this choice fits your style. Who is this for? Amateur astrophotography enthusiasts and tech‑savvy mobile creators who value portability, computational night modes, and a streamlined capture‑to‑share workflow.
Our Verdict:
Final recommendation: Pick this model if you want a pocketable astro companion that pairs AI Night Mode with long battery life and a crisp display—delivering excellent results for trips, spontaneous sky sessions, and daily photos. It offers a strong price‑to‑performance balance and ranks high for ease of use, making it a confident buy when you prefer simplicity and portability over complex setups.
SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Ultra Cell Phone, Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 1TB Storage, 200MP Camera, Night Mode, Long Battery Life, S Pen, US Version, 2023 [Lavender] [Renewed]
photographers needing flagship-level smartphone astrophotography capability at a discounted price, who want manual controls, lots of storage, and are comfortable using a tripod for best results
- Flagship-level camera hardware (200MP sensor + versatile multi-lens array) gives lots of native detail and cropping headroom for night-sky subjects
- Strong low-light/night modes and manual (Pro) controls — useful for long exposures, RAW capture, and tripod work
- 1TB storage option and S Pen support make it convenient for extended shooting sessions and on-device editing/review
- Renewed (refurbished) unit — unknown battery health and no clear warranty/review signals on this listing
- Model is from 2023 — newer 2025 phones may offer improved computational astrophotography features and longer OS update windows
Want real astrophotography power without paying brand-new-flagship prices? You get a flagship-caliber camera (huge 200MP sensor, pro/manual controls, massive storage) that lets you capture detailed Milky Way panels and high-resolution lunar crops when paired with a tripod. The tradeoff: buying a renewed 2023 model means slightly less future-proofing and potential battery wear, but you’ll keep most of the image-making capability of a top-tier phone for a significantly lower outlay.
Astro Imaging Power:
Shooting the Milky Way from a dark site? This smartphone brings flagship-level night detail and flexible control in your pocket, ranking at #6 with a solid 71/100 score for its blend of astro features and strong value. It’s a smart way to get serious night results without paying for the newest release year.
Low-Light Detail & Control:
The 200MP sensor and multi-lens setup give you crisp star fields and generous cropping room for clean lunar frames. With Night Mode and Pro (manual) controls plus RAW, you can run long tripod exposures and stack clean files; the massive 1TB storage and sharp 6.8-inch display make on-location review and edits simple.
Standout Tools & Value:
You get creator-friendly extras like S Pen support for precise edits, long battery life for all-night sessions, and an unlocked design that fits your carrier. This renewed 2023 flagship offers a strong price-to-performance ratio—excellent if you want premium imaging features without the premium-new pricing.
Who It’s For:
Who is this for? Enthusiast astro shooters and tech-savvy mobile photographers who want manual control, generous storage, and tripod-friendly night features in one device. Perfect for: Milky Way panoramas, high-resolution moon shots, city night long exposures.
Our Verdict:
Final recommendation: Choose this model if you want flagship-grade night imaging, flexible controls, and huge on-device storage at a more accessible cost. It’s a confident pick for capturing detailed skies and everyday scenes alike—delivering serious creative headroom while holding a practical spot in your kit.
Your Perfect Astrophotography Phone: Final Picks by Use Case
Google Pixel Pro
SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Edge Phone
Apple iPhone Pro
SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Ultra Cell
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