Night mode

What is Night mode?

Night mode is an automatic setting which allows your phone's sensor to let in more light, allowing for brighter, clearer photos even in the dark. The term 'Night mode' in relation to smartphone night photography generally applies to iPhone and Samsung - other Android devices may have the same feature, but it may be called something different.

For example, Pixel phones with this feature have Night Sight mode - capturing true-to-life photos by using machine learning and adapting to the various lighting conditions so photos show their natural colours in dim light.

The new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23+ and Samsung Galaxy S23 come with AI-powered Nightography – a range of camera features that allow you to capture crisp, evenly-lit images even in low light. Using Adaptive pixel technology, the S23 series camera is designed to let in more light, draw out details, and capture colours that make content pop. Nightography is also available on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S22+ and Samsung Galaxy S22

Night mode is not the same as Dark mode, which lets you turn your phone display darker in dim light to avoid hurting your eyes.

These are some of the phones available at Vodafone that can take clearer photos in low light:

How does Night mode work?

iPhones with Night mode and Android devices which can take pictures in low light use artificial intelligence to analyse the scene you're shooting. They establish how much light there is, any camera movement, and if any subjects are moving objects. They then shoot a series of pictures at different exposure levels, splice them together, and bring out as much detail as they can into a single picture.

Depending on how dark it is, your phone may take a Night mode photo quickly, or it could take several seconds.