Capture the Magic of the Summer Solstice in Ireland (2025 Guide)
Ireland's Summer Solstice is a stunning visual treat, beautiful when the sun sets late and the world glows golden. It adapted to cinematic narrative and breathtaking photography. From twilight fires at the Hill of Tara to peaceful golden-hour moments along the Cliffs of Moher, the solstice season is one of the most photogenic times of the year. But to do it justice, you’ll need a smartphone to capture stunning videos in cinematic quality.
Here's your ultimate guide to the best smartphones in 2025 for taking incredible photos and videos throughout the solstice season—featuring the most recent releases from Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and more.
1. iPhone 16 Pro Max—Apple's Cinematic Champion
Apple sets the bar even higher with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which features an all-new 48MP main camera, an improved Cinematic Mode, and AI-backed Night Mode. Ideal to shoot during the solstice's long twilight, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers rich detail, enriched color, and cinematic depth.
With ProRes video capture and log-encoded video, travel vloggers and content creators will have professional-level features at their fingertips. The capacity for low-light sharpness and a broad dynamic range make it a go-to among solstice shooters, especially during Ireland's evening skies' changing light.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—A Low-Light Monster
For Android fans, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a beast. The smartphone's 200MP main sensor, advanced AI image processing, and Nightography features result in one of 2025's best low-light phones.
Its 8K video recording, ultra-stable stabilization, and real-time HDR make it perfect for capturing twilight displays, radiant landscapes, and nighttime celebrations. Samsung's Super Night mode ensures crisp photographs even in the dimmest light, making it the perfect option for nighttime photography at the solstice under Ireland's dramatic sky.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL—AI Photography at Its Best
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a must-have for someone who wants clean, natural, beautiful photos without having to fiddle with settings. It's powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, and it features better computational photography and the best Night Sight ever.
Its Real Tone 2.0 and Magic Editor ensure everyone looks their absolute best, even in challenging light conditions. For those wanting cinematic-style videos, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers HDR+ video, bokeh as natural as possible, and amazing voice isolation, making it perfect for capturing events or storytelling-style solstice reels.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra—Leica-Boosted Brilliance
If you’re looking for precision detail and pro-level photography tools, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an underrated gem. Co-engineered with Leica, it features a 50MP quad-camera system with variable aperture and outstanding light capture.
Ideal for capturing atmospheric solstice portraits and wide landscape compositions, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra shines between twilight hours. It supports 10-bit LOG video, cinematographic LUT filter support, and captures 4K/120fps, a videographer's wet dream for capturing that dramatic shot from Ireland's hazy skies.
5. OnePlus 12—Flagship Quality at Affordable Price
For those who desire the quality of a flagship phone without the extravagance, the OnePlus 12 is a great choice. With a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, Hasselblad calibration, and very good Ultra Night Mode, it takes gorgeous low-light photos that beat several more expensive phones.
The OnePlus 12 captures 4K video at 60 fps, with sharp, clear photographs for capturing sunsets, candlelit parties, or night lamps in midwinter solstice festivities. It is a mid-pack option for fans wanting quality and value.
6. Honor Magic6 Pro—AI Photography of the Future
Honor's top-end phone, the Magic6 Pro, has been making waves with its camera-centric AI lifestyle and luxurious craftsmanship. Its 180MP telephoto camera, Ultra Fusion computational photography, and Falcon Camera System set it apart when it comes to changing light and motion capture.
The phone is ideal for capturing spontaneous solstice moments like flowing crowds, children at play beneath the descending sun, or sunset bonfire embers—all in gorgeous clarity and feeling.
7. Sony Xperia 1 VI—Serious Cinematographers Only
Designed for creators, the Sony Xperia 1 VI has an authentic 21:9 4K HDR OLED screen and manual pro video controls via its Cinematography Pro app. Its camera tech is borrowed straight from Sony Alpha cameras, making it a top-shelf choice for anyone looking for full control over their mobile video production.
If you’re looking to shoot short films, documentaries, or cinematic travel montages during the solstice, this device offers unparalleled flexibility in a compact form.
Why the Summer Solstice Is the Perfect Time to Shoot
Ireland's Summer Solstice, occurring usually on June 20–21, is not just the longest day of the year—it's a celebration of light, history, and community. Whether it's ancient festivals at Newgrange or Stone Age monuments or modern music festivals and nighttime picnics, it's a unique location for capturing rich, emotive, and visually engaging content.
But low-contrast, high-contrast skies and fast motion may prove troublesome for old or budget smartphones. That's why choosing one of the new flagship or high-end mid-tier phones is imperative to do justice to your solstice narrative.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a casual Instagrammer or a committed mobile filmmaker, the 2025 smartphone lineup has something for everyone and every budget. Apple's film-making modes, Samsung's 200MP mastery, Google's AI-enhanced realism, and Xiaomi's Leica-look perfection ensure that there's never been a better time to upgrade your gear in this category.
This summer solstice, make sure your memories shine as brightly as the moment—snapped on a phone that sees the night as clearly as the day.
