iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—the Samsung Galaxy S20 has a dedicated Night camera mode. Open Camera, swipe to More, choose Night, compose your scene, and press the shutter. Samsung also lists the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 FE as supported phones on its UK support page.
The exact menu and feature name can vary with the model, region and installed camera software. If Night does not appear immediately, check the More menu and verify the phone’s model and software version before assuming the feature is missing.
What Night mode does on a Galaxy S20
Night mode is Samsung’s computational photography setting for dark scenes. Instead of recording one frame and applying a simple brightness adjustment, the camera captures multiple frames and combines them into one image. Samsung describes this process as a way to produce a brighter picture while reducing blur and noise.
Samsung’s S20-era Business Insights article says the camera captures multiple frames over several seconds and combines them. That means the phone needs to remain still while the exposure is being completed. People, vehicles, tree branches and other moving subjects can still create motion artifacts even when the phone itself is steady.
#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors.
- This product is in "Excellent condition". The screen and body show no signs of cosmetic damage visible from 12 inches away.
- This product will have a battery that exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
A current Samsung US support explanation says Galaxy Night mode can combine 30 images. Samsung presents that as a general description of Night mode across Galaxy devices, not as a guaranteed, S20-specific count for every lens, software build, exposure or scene. Treat the number as an explanation of the processing approach rather than a fixed specification of every S20 shot.
How to turn on Night mode
- Open the Camera app.
- Swipe across the camera modes until you reach More.
- Tap Night.
- Frame the subject. If your camera interface offers zoom controls in this mode, choose the desired zoom level.
- Tap the shutter button and keep the phone still until the capture finishes.
The path is normally Camera → More → Night → shutter. Samsung’s support instructions use this route for compatible Galaxy phones and tablets, while noting that available modes vary by model and software version. On some interfaces, Night can be moved into the main mode strip after opening More, but the documented starting point is still the More menu.
Which S20 models have Night mode?
Samsung’s UK support page, updated July 26, 2023, explicitly includes the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 FE among phones with Night mode. Samsung’s S20 product and specification materials also document Bright Night terminology across the S20 family. The labels differ, but the names alone do not establish that one model produces measurably better low-light photographs than another.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Model | Samsung feature label in S20 materials | What the documentation establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 | Bright Night Mode | Galaxy S20 is listed as supporting Night mode by Samsung UK. |
| Galaxy S20+ | Bright Night Mode | The US S20-series specification sheet uses this label; the camera menu remains subject to model and software availability. |
| Galaxy S20 Ultra | Ultra Bright Night Mode | Samsung’s US specification sheet uses the Ultra Bright Night Mode label for this model. |
| Galaxy S20 FE | Night mode | Galaxy S20 FE is explicitly listed as supporting Night mode by Samsung UK. |
Samsung’s naming is useful for identifying how the feature is described in product literature, but it is not a controlled quality ranking. The available camera hardware, software build and regional configuration can all affect what appears in the app and how a particular scene is rendered.
Bright Night, Ultra Bright Night and Night: are they different?
These are Samsung’s labels rather than separate applications. The S20 and S20+ are described with “Bright Night Mode,” while the S20 Ultra is described with “Ultra Bright Night Mode” in Samsung’s US specification material. Samsung UK uses the simpler “Night mode” wording when listing supported phones, including the S20 and S20 FE.
Do not read the extra word “Ultra” as a guarantee that every S20 Ultra image will be brighter, sharper or less noisy than an S20 or S20+ image. A fair comparison would need identical lighting, framing, lens choice, software and processing conditions. The published specifications distinguish names and hardware, but they do not provide a controlled low-light ranking.
If Night is missing from the camera
Do not look only at the row of default modes. On the S20, Night is normally inside More. Use this check in order:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Pro-Grade Camera: The new Samsung Galaxy S20 FE mobile phone features high-powered pro lenses for beautiful portraits, stunning landscapes and crisp close-ups in any light with its 3X optical zoom
- 30X Space Zoom: Whether you want your cellphone to zoom in close from afar or magnify details of something nearby, 30X Space Zoom gives you the power to get closer
- Night Mode: Capture crisp images and vibrant video with Night Mode and create high-quality content in low light — no flash required with this smartphone
- Single-Take AI: One tap of the screen captures multiple images and video all at once; Lenses, effects and filters capture the best of every moment, every time
- Power of 5G: Get next-level power for everything you love to do with Samsung Galaxy 5G; More sharing, more gaming, more experiences and never miss a beat
- Open Camera and swipe through the mode strip until More appears.
- Open More and look specifically for Night, rather than assuming the mode must be visible on the first screen.
- Confirm the exact model in the phone’s device information. S20-family names are similar, and regional variants can expose different menus.
- Check the installed camera and system software version. Samsung states that Night mode availability varies by model and software version.
- Close and reopen Camera after confirming the information, then check More again.
Samsung’s published guidance does not establish one universal fix for every regional S20 build in which Night is absent. If the mode still does not appear after these checks, use the support information for your region and provide the exact model number and software version; those details determine which camera functions Samsung documents for that device.
A missing icon does not by itself prove that the phone lacks low-light processing. It may simply be filed under More, identified with different wording, or affected by a software build. Check the menu and device details before installing another camera application or paying for a service; the built-in feature does not require either.
How to get sharper Night-mode photos
Stabilize the phone
Night mode may need several seconds to collect its frames. Rest the S20 on a solid surface or use a phone tripod when the scene is static. Samsung Business Insights gives the specific advice: For the best results, use a tripod and timer mode to reduce movement.
A tripod is optional equipment, not a requirement for opening or using Night mode. A small phone tripod is therefore a useful accessory for cityscapes, buildings and landscapes, but it is not necessary for ordinary handheld shots.
Use the timer when pressing the shutter causes shake
Even a small movement from tapping the shutter can soften a long exposure. If the Camera app exposes a timer while Night is selected, set it before pressing the shutter, then let the phone capture without touching it. The timer and a stable support address camera movement; they cannot freeze a person, car or swaying branch in the scene.
Recommended Free Tools
Keep the composition simple
Night mode is most predictable with a stationary subject: a building, street scene, landscape or other fixed view. If people or objects move during the multi-frame capture, they may appear blurred or repeated because the frames do not contain the same subject position. For a moving subject, a faster capture in regular Photo mode can be more useful than a brighter but displaced multi-frame image.
Hold the phone steady when a tripod is unavailable
Brace both hands, keep your elbows close to your body and avoid changing zoom or composition after starting the capture. A steady hand cannot eliminate movement in the scene, but it reduces camera shake that the processing must reconcile. Start the exposure only after the phone is supported, and keep holding that position until the camera indicates that processing is complete.
Choose the lens deliberately
If zoom controls are shown in Night mode on your S20 software, select the lens or zoom level before pressing the shutter. Different lenses can receive different amounts of light, and Samsung’s instructions only promise zoom controls on supported models and interfaces. If a zoom option is not offered, use the available view rather than assuming another S20 variant’s controls will appear on yours.
Rank #3
- 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080 x 2400 pixels, IP68 for water and dust resistant
- 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+), Android 10, Octa-core, Adreno 650, One UI 2.5, 4500mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 12MP Wide (F/1.8 aperture) + 12MP Ultrawide (F/2.2 aperture) + 8MP Telephoto (F/2.4 aperture), Front Camera: 32MP (F/2.2 aperture) , Under Display Fingerprint
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900 & TD-SCDMA, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G: LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71, 5G: SA/NSA/Sub6 (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- American Model, Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like Telus, Rogers, Freedom, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
What the S20’s Night processing can and cannot promise
Samsung describes Night mode as combining multiple images to make a low-light photograph brighter and less noisy. That is a product description, not an independently measured performance result. The Samsung material does not provide a controlled S20-specific benchmark for noise, detail, dynamic range, capture time or success rate.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Samsung’s S20 product description says the low-light system merges multiple photos to produce an image with less blur and noise. “Less” is a comparative product claim, not a promise that every frame will be blur-free or noise-free. Very dark scenes, moving subjects, bright lamps and reflections can still produce an image that needs to be retaken.
Do not interpret the Bright Night and Ultra Bright Night names as proof that the Ultra always wins in every dark scene. The documentation distinguishes the labels, while the actual result also depends on the lens selected, scene movement, available light, focus and software version. A comparison between two S20 variants would require the same scene, settings and processing conditions; no such controlled comparison is established here.
The general 30-image explanation also has limits. Samsung does not state that every S20 Night shot always uses exactly 30 frames. The number can be understood as Samsung’s general account of its Galaxy multi-frame processing, not a promise about every S20 capture. Capture time and the number of usable frames can vary with the scene and the phone’s software.
When to choose Night instead of the regular Photo mode
Choose Night when the scene is dark enough that a normal Photo capture looks too dim and you can keep the phone reasonably still. The dedicated mode gives the camera permission to collect and merge multiple frames for that low-light situation.
Use the regular Photo mode when your subject is moving quickly or when you need an immediate capture. A moving subject can be more important than maximum brightness; Night’s multi-frame process may record different positions of that subject across the exposure. You can also try Photo first when there is already enough available light and the longer Night capture offers no practical benefit.
There is no separate paid app or subscription required for the built-in mode. It is part of the Samsung Camera experience on supported S20-family software. An optional tripod can improve stability, but it is an accessory rather than a requirement or a replacement for the camera mode.
Rank #4
- The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support, delivering rich contrast and true-to-life colors, perfect for immersive media consumption.
A practical S20 Night-mode workflow
- Clean the camera lens and choose a stable viewpoint.
- Open Camera → More → Night.
- Check whether the interface offers a suitable zoom control, and select it before composition is final.
- Frame the scene without touching the phone after composition is set.
- Place the S20 on a stable support, or enable the timer if you are holding it.
- Press the shutter once and wait for processing to finish; do not lift the phone because the screen appears to pause.
- Review the image for camera shake, moving subjects, clipped bright lights and unwanted brightness changes.
- If the result is soft, repeat from a steadier position rather than immediately changing every setting.
- For a moving subject, switch back to Photo mode and compare the result instead of forcing a long multi-frame exposure.
Common questions about S20 Night mode
Does every Galaxy S20 show Night on the main camera screen?
No. The usual location is the More menu. The first row of modes does not necessarily display every available camera function.
Is Night mode available on the S20 FE?
Samsung UK explicitly lists the Galaxy S20 FE as a phone with Night mode. The appearance of the option can still depend on the installed software and regional configuration.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIs Ultra Bright Night Mode a different app?
No. It is Samsung’s feature label for the Galaxy S20 Ultra in the US S20-series specification material. The camera function is accessed through the Camera app, with availability subject to the device’s software.
Why does the camera take several seconds?
Night mode captures multiple frames and combines them. The longer capture gives the processing more image data, so the phone must remain still until it finishes.
Can a tripod improve the result?
Yes, for a static scene a tripod can reduce movement during capture. Samsung specifically recommends a tripod and timer for best results, but neither is required to use Night mode.
Does Night mode always combine exactly 30 photos?
No fixed S20-specific count is established. Samsung’s current general support explanation mentions combining 30 images, but that is a Galaxy-wide description rather than a guarantee for every S20 lens, scene, exposure or software version.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Will Night mode freeze moving people or cars?
Not reliably. Because the phone combines frames captured over several seconds, a moving subject can be blurred, shifted or repeated. Regular Photo mode may be preferable when movement matters more than maximum brightness.
Best Value
- Display: 6.2" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness for vivid visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Camera: Rear dual camera system with 64MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses for stunning photos and videos.
- Memory: 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM for plenty of apps and files.
- Connectivity: 5G capable with support for GSM, CDMA, and Wi-Fi networks.
- Battery: 4000mAh battery provides all-day power for your daily needs.
Do I need a special camera app or subscription?
No. Night is a built-in Camera feature on supported S20-family software. You do not need a paid app or service to access it.
Why is Night absent after I open Camera?
Check More, then confirm the exact model, region and installed camera or system software. Samsung says availability varies by model and software version, and its published instructions do not provide one universal repair for every regional build.
Can I zoom in Night mode?
Some supported phone and tablet interfaces show zoom controls while Night is selected. Use the controls only if they appear on your S20; menu options can differ by model and software version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Samsung Galaxy S20 have Night mode?
Yes. Open Camera, swipe to More, tap Night, frame the scene and press the shutter.
Where is Night mode on the Galaxy S20?
It is normally under Camera → More → Night rather than on the first row of camera modes.
Is Night mode available on the Galaxy S20 FE?
Samsung UK explicitly lists the Galaxy S20 FE as supporting Night mode, although regional software can affect the menu.
Does Night mode use exactly 30 images on every S20 shot?
No. Samsung’s current general support page mentions combining 30 images, but it is not a guaranteed S20-specific count for every lens, scene or software version.
Should I use a tripod?
For a static scene, Samsung recommends a tripod and timer to reduce movement. Both are optional; the mode works handheld as well.
What if Night is missing?
Check the More menu, verify the exact model and region, and check the camera and system software versions. Samsung says availability varies by model and software version.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Galaxy S20 does have Night mode. Find it at Camera → More → Night, keep the phone steady while it captures multiple frames, and remember that the exact menu, naming and processing behavior can vary by S20 model and software version.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
