Is the Zenfone 11 Ultra's night mode worth the extra wait

Night Mode Performance

- Automatic Activation: The Zenfone 11 Ultra automatically engages its night mode in low-light conditions, which is convenient for users who may forget to activate it manually[4].

- Image Quality: The night mode produces decent results, with good detail retention and minimal noise in many scenarios. However, some reviews indicate that the phone's low-light performance does not quite match that of leading competitors like the Pixel series[1][5].

- Processing Time: Utilizing the dedicated night mode can require a longer exposure time (up to seven seconds), which may not always yield significantly better results compared to regular photo mode. This suggests that the extra wait might not be justified for every shot[3][6].

- Mixed Reviews on Processing: While some users appreciate the natural colors and overall quality of night photos, others have noted issues such as overprocessing and color inaccuracies, particularly with reds appearing purple[1][2]. The gimbal stabilization helps with sharpness, but inconsistencies remain when switching between different camera modes[2][3].

Comparison with Competitors

In direct comparisons against other flagship devices like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's night mode results were found to be similar in many instances, indicating that while it performs well, it may not lead in this area[9].

Conclusion

While the Zenfone 11 Ultra's night mode offers some advantages, such as automatic activation and decent image quality, it does not universally outperform competitors. For users who prioritize low-light photography, waiting for this feature may be worthwhile if they value its specific strengths. However, those seeking top-tier night photography might consider alternatives that have established a stronger reputation in this domain.