Astrophotography with 2023 Flagship Smartphones

Astrophotography has become an increasingly rewarding hobby, and advancements in smartphone camera technology now make capturing stunning shots of the night sky more accessible than ever. Flagship smartphones like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and OnePlus 12 have revolutionized how users can explore and photograph celestial phenomena. Each device offers unique capabilities for astrophotography, with impressive results ranging from stars and constellations to nebulas and galaxies.

Essential Techniques for Astrophotography

Astrophotography requires a stable setup and specific techniques to maximize results. Using a tripod and phone holder is crucial to prevent motion blur caused by long exposures, often lasting 30 seconds or more. Positioning the phone close to the ground minimizes disruptions from wind, and using a timer function eliminates camera shake when activating the shutter. Mastering these techniques allows users to unlock the full potential of a smartphone’s camera features, particularly when combined with night modes and manual exposure adjustments.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in astrophotography when using its Pro Mode, which allows manual adjustments to shutter speed and ISO. While capturing the Great Orion Nebula (M42), the phone delivered bright, detailed images with reduced noise due to its long-exposure capability. Its 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom offered a detailed close-up of the nebula’s gas clouds. However, care is needed to avoid overexposure of the sky, especially in darker environments.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Renowned for its low-light performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max captured remarkable astrophotography shots. Its 48MP main camera managed to photograph the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), a feat that sets it apart from competitors. The Great Orion Nebula and The Pleiades (M45) were also beautifully rendered, with true-to-life color reproduction and sharp details. The device’s 12MP telephoto camera with 5x zoom added versatility, making it ideal for capturing celestial objects with precision.

OnePlus 12

Despite historically underperforming in low-light scenarios, the OnePlus 12 demonstrated significant improvements in astrophotography. Its main camera produced realistic and detailed shots of Jupiter and the surrounding night sky. While its results were slightly underexposed compared to other flagship phones, this gave the images a natural aesthetic. The OnePlus 12 utilized pixel-binning effectively to enhance clarity, particularly in shots of M45 and M42.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 Pro XL emerged as a standout in astrophotography thanks to its dedicated mode that extended exposures to four minutes. This feature not only enabled crisp, detailed images but also offered time-lapse video options to showcase celestial motion. The Pixel’s 48MP telephoto camera captured the Great Orion Nebula with incredible clarity, revealing fine details that are often invisible to the naked eye. Its ability to render star clusters like The Pleiades with minimal noise made it a favorite for enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Flagship smartphones in 2023 have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in astrophotography. Each device tested brought unique strengths to capturing the wonders of the night sky. From the Andromeda Galaxy to Orion’s Nebula, these phones proved capable of producing breathtaking images that highlight the blend of advanced technology and artistic vision required for astrophotography.