11 Best Phones for Astrophotography in 2026 (New Models Only)

We have rounded up the best phones for astrophotography. Stargazing has always been a deeply human experience—one that connects us to the vastness of the universe and stirs a sense of wonder about our place in it. In recent years, what was once the domain of high-powered telescopes and expensive DSLR cameras has steadily moved into the palm of our hands. Today’s smartphones are no longer just everyday tools for communication; they are becoming powerful instruments for capturing the night sky with striking clarity and detail. Astrophotography, once a pursuit for hobbyists and professionals with bulky gear, is now accessible to anyone with a steady hand and the right device.

Advances in computational photography have transformed how we photograph stars, planets, and galaxies. Low-light sensors are more sensitive, noise reduction has grown smarter, and longer exposure modes can now reveal the delicate glow of the Milky Way without washing it out. Paired with larger apertures and advanced image processing, flagship devices are beginning to rival even mid-tier cameras when it comes to nighttime shooting. This shift means more people can step outside, point their phones to the heavens, and walk away with images that would have been impossible on handheld devices just a decade ago.

What separates a good phone from a great one in astrophotography comes down to more than megapixels. It’s about the balance between hardware and software—how wide the lens can open, how long the shutter can stay steady, and how well the onboard processor can stitch multiple frames into a single, breathtaking shot of the cosmos. For those who dream of photographing constellations or capturing the faint shimmer of a distant star cluster, certain phones stand above the rest.

This guide explores the best phones for astrophotography today, focusing on the models that push boundaries and make the night sky more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or someone simply captivated by the beauty of a clear night, these devices are proving that the universe has never been closer—or easier—to capture.

Here are our top picks for the best phones for astrophotography.

Best Phones for Astrophotography

1. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Best Pick)

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Key Specifications

Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | OS: Android 16 | RAM: 12GB/16GB | Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Front Camera: 12MP | Rear Cameras: 200MP, 50MP, 10MP, 50MP | Size: 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm | Weight: 214 g | Battery: 5000 mAh

Pros

• Excellent display quality
• Powerful flagship performance
• Outstanding camera system
• Strong battery life with faster charging
• Premium build and durability
• Long software support
• S Pen support

Cons

• Pricey
• No microSD card slot

The phone for astrophotography is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Engineered with the assumption that a modern smartphone must excel simultaneously as a camera, creative studio, and intelligent assistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leans heavily into imaging—and nowhere is that more evident than in its extraordinary approach to astrophotography.

Refinements to the design subtly shift the experience without abandoning the Ultra identity. Slightly softened edges make prolonged handheld shooting more comfortable during late-night sessions under the sky, where stability matters as much as optics. Reinforced glass and a durable, water-resistant build inspire confidence when shooting in unpredictable outdoor conditions—dew, dust, or a sudden drop in temperature no longer feel like risks that could compromise the device. Balance has been carefully considered, allowing the phone to rest more naturally on tripods or mounts, a small but meaningful advantage when capturing long exposures of the night sky.

Attention inevitably gravitates toward the expansive 6.9-inch AMOLED display, which becomes more than just a viewing panel in this context. It functions as a live canvas for composing celestial shots with remarkable clarity. Deep contrast renders star fields with convincing depth, while brightness levels ensure visibility even when adjusting settings outdoors before full darkness sets in. Fine detail remains intact when zooming into captured images, making it easier to evaluate focus and exposure on the fly—something astrophotographers often struggle with on smaller or less precise displays.

Performance plays a decisive role in computational photography, and here the device distinguishes itself. Powered by a customized Snapdragon chipset tuned for advanced imaging workloads, it processes complex multi-frame captures with speed that feels nearly invisible. Astrophotography on smartphones depends heavily on stacking exposures, reducing noise, and enhancing faint light sources; delays or inconsistencies can ruin a shot. That simply isn’t the case here. Processing happens swiftly, allowing users to move from one composition to another without interruption. Thermal management has also been improved, which matters during long shooting sessions where sustained performance is critical for consistent results.

Artificial intelligence operates quietly but decisively in the background, elevating night photography beyond hardware limitations. Scene recognition adapts exposure strategies specifically for low-light environments, while intelligent stacking algorithms pull detail from near darkness without introducing the artificial glow or excessive smoothing that often plagues smartphone night modes. Stars appear sharper and more defined, and gradients in the night sky transition more naturally. Even subtle elements—like faint constellations or distant city light bleed—are handled with a level of nuance that suggests careful tuning rather than aggressive processing.

At the center of this capability sits a 200MP main sensor, which provides the raw data needed for high-resolution night captures. Rather than relying solely on pixel count, the system combines large sensor input with computational techniques that preserve fine detail while suppressing noise. Supporting lenses extend versatility, but it’s the primary sensor that does the heavy lifting for astrophotography. Long-exposure modes, enhanced by AI, allow the device to gather light over extended periods, revealing stars and celestial textures that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye. Results often rival what entry-level dedicated cameras can achieve, especially when paired with steady support.

Low-light performance more broadly has seen meaningful improvements. Images captured at night retain natural color balance instead of drifting into exaggerated tones. Shadows are lifted carefully, highlights are controlled, and the sky maintains its depth rather than flattening into a uniform black. Video capabilities also benefit, with stabilization ensuring that even handheld night footage remains usable—though serious astrophotography will still favor a tripod, as expected.

Battery endurance quietly underpins all of this. Extended shooting sessions demand sustained power, particularly when long exposures and processing are involved. Efficiency improvements allow the phone to last through hours of nighttime use without forcing compromises. Charging speeds further reduce downtime, ensuring the device is ready for the next clear night.

Even the inclusion of the S Pen finds relevance here. Precise control over camera settings, remote shutter activation, and fine adjustments during editing become more intuitive with a stylus. It adds a layer of control that photographers—especially those accustomed to dedicated gear—will appreciate.

All of these elements converge into a device that treats astrophotography not as a novelty feature but as a serious capability. Careful hardware choices, refined software processing, and a deep integration of AI combine to produce images of the night sky that feel intentional rather than incidental. In a category where many phones claim excellence in low light, this one demonstrates it with consistency and restraint, capturing the quiet complexity of the night in a way that feels remarkably close to reality.

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• Best Cameras for Astrophotography

2. Google Pixel 10 Pro (Excellent Value)

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Key Specifications

Pros

• Cutting-edge AI & proactive features
• Exceptional camera capabilities
• Impressive build & display
• Seven years of OS and security updates
• Solid performance & charging
• Equipped with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, UWB, and Thread networking

Cons

• The overall design remains similar to the Pixel 9
• No expandable storage or headphone jack

The best phone for astrophotography is the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Under the night sky, the Pixel 10 Pro reveals just how much its design leans toward astrophotography. Tucked inside this flagship is Google’s Tensor G5 chip, built on an advanced 3 nm process that supercharges not only raw performance but also the AI-driven photography features that define the Pixel line. That blend of processing power and machine learning is especially vital when capturing stars, galaxies, and distant horizons, where every detail relies on precision image stacking, noise reduction, and intelligent exposure balancing.

The 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display doesn’t just impress in daylight; its extreme peak brightness of around 3,300 nits allows stargazers to review their night shots with stunning clarity even in dark environments. Coupled with a sleek, durable frame clad in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 resistance, the phone feels purpose-built to withstand late-night outdoor excursions.

Its camera system is where the astrophotography credentials become undeniable. The trio of lenses—a 50-megapixel main sensor, 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel 5× telephoto—works in harmony with Google’s advanced computational photography tools. Long-exposure night shots are lifted by AI enhancements that reduce noise while sharpening faint light trails, and Pro Res Zoom allows up to 100× magnification without losing celestial details, thanks to AI reconstruction. Camera Coach proves invaluable under the stars, offering live framing guidance to help users position the sky just right, while intuitive features like Best Take ensure that fleeting moments of cosmic clarity aren’t missed.

Even in post-processing, the Pixel 10 Pro’s intelligence continues to serve astrophotographers. Natural-language editing through Ask Photos allows fine-tuning of star fields or adjusting hues with simple prompts, eliminating the need for complex software. With seven years of software support, the device promises that astrophotography tools will only get smarter and more refined over time.

For those who head out late at night in search of the perfect shot, the Pixel 10 Pro offers more than just a premium phone—it provides a reliable astrophotography companion. With a balance of rugged design, an advanced camera suite, and AI-driven imaging, it captures the wonder of the night sky in a way few smartphones can rival.

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• Best Cameras for Astrophotography

3. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (Best iPhone)

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Key Specifications

Pros

• A19 Pro chip with outstanding performance
• Stunning display
• Remarkable battery life & charging
• Modern design & build
• Excellent cameras
• Ships with iOS 26

Cons

• High price tag
• eSIM-only in some regions

The best iPhone for astrophotography is the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Stepping into the iPhone 17 Pro Max is less about meeting a new device and more about holding a tool designed for nights under the stars. That sweeping ridge across the back, framed in glass and ceramic, isn’t just a flourish of design—it anchors a camera system that feels calibrated for capturing the sky in ways phones rarely attempt. Even the colors, Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue, carry a quiet resonance with twilight and the deep expanse of space.

Lift it, and the weight tells you something about intent. Apple’s return to aluminum brings not only durability but also improved thermal balance, a small yet crucial detail when long exposure astrophotography keeps the phone working harder than a typical point-and-shoot moment. On the front, a 6.9-inch OLED canvas delivers nearly 3,000 nits at its peak, helping you frame the faintest stars against the darkest horizons with clarity that feels impossible on most displays.

Where this device truly asserts itself is in the camera array. Three 48-megapixel sensors—wide, ultrawide, and a telephoto that now stretches to an optical-quality 8×—become instruments rather than lenses, designed to gather light and detail in low-visibility environments. Night Mode has always been part of the iPhone’s story, but here, with larger sensors and computational refinements driven by the A19 Pro chip, stars come into focus with more depth, galaxies stretch with texture, and foregrounds no longer fade into noise. Even the front-facing 18-megapixel Center Stage camera has its role, capturing sharp, low-light portraits against celestial backdrops for those who want themselves within the scene.

Powering these ambitions is silicon engineered not only for speed but also for consistency. The A19 Pro’s neural engines process image data in real time, reducing the usual smears of long exposures and drawing out colors hidden from the naked eye. A vapor chamber cooling system ensures the phone doesn’t falter during extended stargazing sessions, when multiple shots or video clips stack together to build something closer to professional astrophotography.

Endurance matters, too, when you’re outside at night, far from power sources. With nearly 40 hours of video playback and a rumored 5,000 mAh cell, the 17 Pro Max holds its charge well into the night. Fast USB-C and MagSafe charging keep downtime brief, so you’re never far from another session. Storage, topping out at 2 TB, means you won’t have to choose between deleting old projects and capturing that rare, clear-skied meteor shower.

This isn’t a phone that simply captures moments; it captures expanses. For anyone who has ever tilted their head skyward and wished their camera could preserve the wonder they felt, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may be the closest realization of that dream yet. It turns astrophotography from a specialized pursuit into something personal, immediate, and breathtakingly accessible.

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• Best iPhones for Astrophotography
• Best Android Phones for Astrophotography
• Best Laptops for Astrophotography 

4. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

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Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Key Specifications

Pros

• Powerful and efficient new chip
• Immersive, bright display
• Long battery life + fast charging
• Cutting-edge Qi2 magnetic wireless charging
• Premium build & design
• Advanced AI features & long software support

Cons

• Externally, the design hasn’t changed much from the Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pricey

Bathed in a design that feels both sophisticated and purposeful, the Pixel 10 Pro XL isn’t just another flagship—it’s a device that speaks to those who want to capture the night sky in ways that feel effortless and true to life. Its sturdy IP68-rated body wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures it can withstand nights under the stars, while the expansive 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display becomes a perfect canvas for previewing every frame of the heavens above. Even in the darkest conditions, the astonishing peak brightness allows constellations and galaxies to be reviewed without compromise.

What makes this phone stand apart for astrophotography rests squarely in the marriage of hardware and AI. The camera system is anchored by a 50-megapixel main sensor, joined by a 48-megapixel ultrawide and a 48-megapixel 5× telephoto lens. While the physical setup remains familiar, the leap in computational photography transforms it into something much greater. Long exposures of the Milky Way render with striking clarity, while AI-driven noise reduction cleans up faint details lost to lesser sensors. Pro Res Zoom allows distant stars or the glow of the moon to be framed without blurring into the night, and Camera Coach lends a guiding hand in real time—helping even novices find the perfect alignment for a celestial shot.

Astrophotographers often wait for fleeting moments—the perfect break in the clouds, the exact second a comet appears. Auto Best Take ensures those moments are never lost, quietly capturing multiple frames in the background and surfacing the sharpest, cleanest version. Editing tools powered by AI give users the ability to enhance exposure, pull out subtle colors, or balance light trails, all while preserving authenticity through clearly marked content credentials.

Driving this seamless experience is the Tensor G5 chip, built for speed and on-device AI. The faster processing means night-sky photos don’t just take less time to capture—they’re ready to review and share almost instantly, even when processing complex low-light data. And with a massive 5,200 mAh battery, the phone is designed to last through long nights under the stars, charging swiftly when the session is over.

With seven years of software support, photographers can count on ongoing improvements to Google’s astrophotography algorithms, ensuring the phone gets even better at revealing the hidden beauty of the universe. In every sense, the Pixel 10 Pro XL feels like it was designed with stargazers in mind, turning the phone into both a tool and a telescope in your pocket.

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• Best Tablets for Astrophotography

5. Apple iPhone 17 Pro 

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Key Specifications

Pros

• Powerful performance
• Exceptional camera
• Unique vapor chamber cooling system
• Outstanding battery life 

Cons

• High price tag
• No classic black color option

Night skies demand more than just a good lens; they require a camera system that sees into the dark, gathers every whisper of light, and processes it with surgical precision. That’s where the iPhone 17 Pro begins to distinguish itself as an astrophotography powerhouse. Its trio of 48-megapixel Fusion cameras—a wide, an ultrawide, and a remarkable 4x telephoto—combine to deliver not only staggering clarity, but also the flexibility to frame constellations, lunar surfaces, and distant planets without sacrificing detail. The 8x effective optical zoom opens new doors for astrophotographers, letting them capture celestial objects once reserved for bulky rigs.

Equally important is the raw processing muscle behind the lenses. The A19 Pro chip, with its six high-performance GPU cores and dedicated neural accelerators, handles the demanding computations of long-exposure night photography in real time. Noise reduction, star mapping, and dynamic range balancing unfold seamlessly, meaning more stars and fewer artifacts. Vapor-chamber cooling keeps the device steady under prolonged shooting, a subtle yet essential advantage when capturing hours of night-sky timelapses without thermal throttling.

Display technology plays an unsung role here too. A 6.3-inch Super Retina OLED panel that peaks at 3,000 nits, paired with a new anti-reflective finish, allows astrophotographers to compose shots under moonlight or adjust exposure settings beneath the glow of city lights without squinting or second-guessing. Ceramic Shield 2 protection ensures durability in the field, whether that’s a mountain summit or a desert plain.

Video creators exploring the night sky aren’t left behind. ProRes RAW, Apple-Log 2, and genlock support extend astrophotography into cinematic astrophotography—capturing meteor showers, eclipses, or star trails with professional-grade precision. The optional dock accessory, with HDMI, USB-C, BNC, and audio ports, effectively transforms the phone into a portable observatory control center.

Even the front-facing camera contributes to the pursuit of the stars. Its 18MP Center Stage sensor adapts to group night-sky selfies, automatically reframing without awkward adjustments, making it easier to capture both faces and the Milky Way above them. And with up to 33 hours of battery life, night sessions won’t end before the stars begin to fade.

Cosmic Orange, a colorway as bold as the skies it seeks to capture, feels less like a design flourish and more like a statement of purpose. In a device that fuses architecture, engineering, and artistry, the iPhone 17 Pro asserts itself not merely as a phone but as a tool built for those who look up and want to remember what they see.

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6. Google Pixel 9 Pro

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Google Pixel 9 Pro Key Specifications

Pros

• Incredible display
• Long-lasting battery
• Top-tier photography

Cons

• Pricey

Under a clear night sky, the Google Pixel 9 Pro feels like a pocket observatory, designed to turn distant stars and galaxies into vivid, detailed photographs. Its strength in astrophotography comes not only from clever software but also from a camera system that has been carefully engineered to capture light in challenging conditions.

Astrophotography mode lies at the core of the experience. When placed on a tripod or stable surface, the phone can hold an exposure for up to four minutes, drawing in faint starlight that most smartphones would miss. The result is richly detailed images where constellations, clusters, and even faint nebulae emerge with striking clarity. Recent updates give photographers more control, introducing manual settings that allow exposure adjustments and subtle refinements for those who want to push their creativity further.

Its 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom elevates the experience beyond wide-field night shots. That extra reach lets users frame specific celestial objects, whether it’s the glowing gas clouds of the Orion Nebula or the dance of Jupiter’s moons. This ability to move closer without sacrificing sharpness makes the Pixel 9 Pro unusually versatile for night-sky work.

Astrophotography here is not limited to stills. Long-exposure sequences can be stitched into time-lapse videos that reveal the rotation of the Earth through the movement of stars across the sky. What emerges is not just a photo but a cinematic story of the cosmos unfolding overhead.

All of this is supported by the Tensor G4 chip, which drives noise reduction and enhances detail in extremely low light. Night Sight mode, powered by advanced AI algorithms, ensures that stars remain crisp and skies stay deep and vibrant, even in places where light pollution might otherwise overwhelm the scene.

For those who love the night sky, the Pixel 9 Pro is more than just a smartphone camera. It blends advanced optics, thoughtful software, and intelligent processing into a tool that brings the universe closer—whether you’re chasing faint galaxies or simply watching the Milky Way rise above the horizon.

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7. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Key Specifications

Display: 6.8in 120Hz QHD+ OLED (486ppi) | Processor: Google Tensor G4 | RAM: 16GB  | Storage: 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB | OS: Android 14 | Camera: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP | Front camera: 42MP | Weight: 221g

Pros

• Excellent cameras
• Helpful AI features
• Long battery life
• Great front-facing camera
• 7-year software support

Cons

• Minimalist user interface

For anyone who has ever tilted their phone upward and wished for more than faint, blurry stars, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Its camera system, powered by a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, is crafted to capture distant celestial objects with striking precision. 

Astrophotography mode sets the Pixel 9 Pro XL apart. By extending exposure times up to four minutes, the phone collects enough light to unveil star clusters, glowing nebulae, and even subtle traces of the Milky Way. Each shot is not only crisp but layered with depth, often rivaling images from entry-level DSLRs. As an added touch, every capture generates a short timelapse, transforming still moments into dynamic views of the sky’s slow, graceful motion.

Google’s Night Sight technology, enhanced by the Tensor G4 chip, works behind the scenes to make low-light photography cleaner and sharper. Noise melts away, details emerge, and colors remain true, even when shooting in conditions that would render other phone cameras nearly useless. In the hands of enthusiasts, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has already proven capable of recording star trails and celestial events, opening up new creative possibilities for night photography.

The appeal lies in how seamlessly hardware and software blend. High-resolution sensors, long exposures, and AI-driven image processing come together to make astrophotography accessible, no tripod-mounted telescope required. For travelers, hobbyists, or anyone captivated by the night sky, it means you can step outside with a phone in your pocket and return with images that feel extraordinary.

Sustainability adds another layer of appeal. Built with recycled materials and designed to be repairable, the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t only look to the heavens—it considers its impact on Earth as well.

For those who dream of capturing the universe without investing in bulky gear, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers one of the most complete astrophotography experiences available on a smartphone today. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best camera for the stars is the one you already carry in your hand.

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8. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Key Specifications

Pros

• Top-notch cameras
• Longest battery life of any iPhone
• A18 Pro chip supports Apple Intelligence
• Camera Control enhances functionality
• Advanced video options, including 4K120fps and Audio Mix

Cons

• High price tag

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is more than just another iteration in the company’s lineup—it feels almost designed with the night sky in mind. Its most intriguing addition, Camera Control, gives photographers new precision at their fingertips, cleverly integrated into the frame without disrupting the design. This small but significant change reshapes how users compose shots, particularly in low-light conditions where every adjustment counts. The new Desert Titanium finish adds an understated elegance, but the true brilliance lies in what the camera system can do after dark.

Astrophotography takes center stage here. A revamped 48MP ultra-wide sensor captures more light than ever before, a critical factor when trying to resolve faint star fields or the diffuse glow of a nebula. Images feel less noisy, more detailed, and more alive with subtle tones that earlier models often lost in the shadows. Night mode has been tuned specifically to cut through grain without sacrificing sharpness, allowing stars to shine against inky-black skies. When combined with Apple’s sophisticated computational pipeline, the result is striking clarity—galaxies, clusters, even planetary textures emerge with a level of refinement that feels well beyond what a handheld device should deliver.

Flexibility extends beyond the capture. ProRAW and ProRes Log unlock a professional’s level of control, invaluable for editing the delicate gradients of space photography. Adjustments to exposure or color grading no longer flatten the night sky but instead reveal its depth, letting faint stars or cosmic dust glow with more presence. It’s a tool as suited to a stargazer on a quiet hillside as it is to an enthusiast layering images for a more complex astrophotography project.

Performance backs up this ambition. The A18 Pro chipset ensures smooth operation whether processing long-exposure frames or juggling editing apps. On the largest, brightest iPhone display yet, reviewing shots under a clear night sky feels immersive, with colors and contrasts rendered faithfully even under the glare of city lights. And with an upgraded battery that easily outlasts its predecessors, extended night shoots no longer mean scrambling for a charger before dawn.

By holding its price steady while introducing hardware that meaningfully advances night-sky photography, the iPhone 16 Pro Max positions itself as more than a luxury phone—it becomes a genuine astrophotography companion. For anyone eager to capture the heavens with remarkable ease and surprising fidelity, it stands out as Apple’s most compelling vision of what a smartphone camera can achieve.

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9. Apple iPhone 16 Pro 

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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Key Specifications

Pros

• Bigger screens with slimmer bezels
• Stunning 4K slow-motion video
• Excellent Audio Mix feature
• Comes with iOS 18
• Outstanding cameras

Cons

• Lacks Apple Intelligence feature at launch
• Limited color options in the elegant finishes
• Base model only offers 128GB storage

The iPhone 16 Pro is the compact yet mighty version of Apple’s latest iPhone lineup. It manages to pack all the camera performance of the Pro Max into a more manageable size, which will appeal to users looking for premium features without the bulk. However, it starts with just 128GB of storage, which feels limiting, especially considering the impressive quality of the photos and videos the device is capable of capturing. You’ll likely find yourself wanting more space to store all those beautiful moments, though the rest of the package leaves little room for complaints.

Astrophotography on the iPhone 16 Pro Max has made impressive strides, especially for a smartphone. It can capture galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters with surprising clarity and detail. Using advanced computational photography, it balances light sensitivity and resolution by combining 12 MP images for low-light performance with 48 MP shots for fine detail capture.

Thanks to upgraded camera hardware and image processing, long exposures deliver crisp, noise-controlled night sky photos. There’s also improved focusing speed and zero shutter lag, which help in capturing fleeting celestial events accurately. This makes it one of the most capable phones for astrophotography currently available.

In terms of design, the iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t deviate much from its predecessor. While it is slightly heavier, the difference is so minimal you probably won’t notice unless you’re holding last year’s model for comparison. The overall look is sleek and refined, with a new desert titanium color adding a fresh twist to the lineup. If you opt for this version, be mindful when choosing a case, as the iPhone now features a Camera Control button on the side, which adds convenience for capturing shots.

The 6.1-inch OLED display continues to be one of the iPhone’s standout features. It offers an always-on option and a 120Hz refresh rate, which delivers buttery-smooth visuals, especially useful for gaming or simply scrolling through your apps. Many have voiced complaints about the refresh rate in lower-tier iPhones, but the Pro models, including the 16 Pro, put those concerns to rest. The display is undoubtedly one of the best on the market for its size.

The camera system is a major highlight. With the same 5x zoom lens as the larger Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro stands out as a photography powerhouse. The real magic, however, comes from the upgraded A18 chip, which significantly boosts the quality of photos and videos. Slow-motion video, in particular, benefits from this new processor, offering ultra-smooth results at higher frame rates. You’ll notice an overall sharper, crisper output, even when zooming in.

When it comes to performance, the A18 Pro chipset at the heart of this iPhone makes it the fastest mobile platform I’ve used to date. No matter how demanding the task—whether it’s heavy multitasking, editing video, or playing graphics-intensive games—the iPhone 16 Pro never slows down. It’s a testament to Apple’s continued focus on performance, and this phone sets a new benchmark in that department.

As for battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro holds its own, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The Pro Max naturally offers more endurance due to its larger battery, but the 16 Pro’s battery life is still reliable enough to get through most days without needing to plug in before bed. If you’re concerned about running out of juice, it’s worth considering investing in a faster charger, which will help top up the battery quickly when needed.

In terms of value for money, the iPhone 16 Pro represents a solid choice. Despite the array of premium features it offers, Apple has kept the price steady this year, which is a plus. However, the base storage of 128GB feels a bit stingy, especially for those who plan to take full advantage of the camera. If your budget allows, upgrading the storage is a wise move, ensuring you have plenty of space to keep shooting without worry.

Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro is a compact, high-performance device that delivers on nearly all fronts, from display to camera to processing power. It’s an ideal choice for users seeking flagship capabilities without the bulk of a larger phone, and it’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser for anyone upgrading from an older model.

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10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Key Specifications

Display: 6.9-inchDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | OS: Android 15 | RAM: 12GB  | Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Front Camera: 12MP | Rear Cameras: 200MP, 50MP, 10MP, 50MP | Size: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | Weight: 218 g | Battery: 5000 mAh

Pros

• Premium display
• Powerful performance
• Enhanced camera system
• AI-powered features
• 5,000mAh battery with improved efficiency
• Durable build

Cons

• No bluetooth functionality with S Pen
• Incremental design changes

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a significant evolution in Samsung’s flagship lineup, introducing notable enhancements in design, performance, and artificial intelligence integration.

Departing from its predecessors’ sharp edges, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a refined design with rounded corners and flat edges, aligning it more closely with the standard S25 models. The device boasts a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a Quad HD+ resolution and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and transitions. With a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the screen ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a suite of advanced features tailored for astrophotography enthusiasts. Central to its capabilities is the 200MP main sensor, which, when combined with pixel binning technology, enhances light sensitivity, allowing for clearer and sharper night shots. This is particularly beneficial when capturing detailed images of the night sky in low-light conditions.

For those aiming to photograph stars, constellations, or even the Milky Way, the device’s Astro Mode within the Expert RAW app is invaluable. This mode permits long-exposure captures, with recommended exposure times ranging between 4 to 10 minutes. To achieve optimal results, it’s advisable to use a tripod to maintain stability during these extended exposures.

Additionally, the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces Astro Hyperlapse Mode, enabling users to create time-lapse videos of celestial movements, such as star trails. This feature captures the dynamic motion of stars across the sky, producing mesmerizing visual effects.

The device’s ProVisual Engine, powered by AI, plays a pivotal role in enhancing low-light photography. It adjusts exposure settings and reduces motion blur, ensuring that images and videos captured in dark environments are of high quality.

For users seeking greater control over their astrophotography, the Expert RAW app offers manual adjustments, including virtual aperture settings ranging from F1.4 to F16. This allows for precise control over depth of field, akin to DSLR cameras.

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts impressive features for night sky photography, some users have noted challenges, such as overexposure when capturing the moon at lower zoom levels. However, utilizing higher zoom settings, like 30x, can yield more detailed lunar images.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as a formidable tool for astrophotography, combining high-resolution sensors, advanced AI-driven enhancements, and specialized modes to capture the beauty of the night sky.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra combines a refined design with substantial hardware and software upgrades, particularly in AI integration, solidifying its position as a leading choice in the premium smartphone market.

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11. Apple iPhone 15 Pro

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Key Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch | CPU: A17 Pro  | OS: iOS 17 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128/256GB/512GB/1TB | Front Camera: 12MP | Rear Cameras:  48MP, 12MP, 12MP 

Pros

• Top-notch cameras
• Performance beast
• USB-C finally arrives
• Stunning display
• Good battery life

Cons

• Pricey

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro represents a significant evolution in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Crafted with aerospace-grade titanium, it offers a robust yet lightweight design, featuring contoured edges for enhanced ergonomics. The device is available in four finishes: natural titanium, blue titanium, white titanium, and black titanium.

The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering a resolution of 2556 by 1179 pixels at 460 ppi. The display supports ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals, and boasts a peak brightness of 2000 nits for outdoor use.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the A17 Pro chip, enabling next-level performance and mobile gaming experiences.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro offers solid astrophotography capabilities, although it’s not marketed as a dedicated astrophotography device. Night mode engages automatically in low-light conditions, optimizing exposure and reducing noise through computational photography. With the ProRAW format, users can capture more detail and dynamic range, which is particularly beneficial for editing faint stars or celestial objects after the fact.

Long exposures are supported via tripod use, allowing for better stargazing shots with reduced motion blur. However, there’s no dedicated astrophotography mode like on some Android rivals, so results depend heavily on conditions and user technique. Despite this, the A17 Pro chip processes low-light data efficiently, enhancing clarity and detail when capturing the night sky.

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