Sun Position: Sunrise/set PRO

Analysis by Appcracy

When I plan around daylight, a vague “sunset is around seven” is rarely enough. I want to know where the sun will be from the spot I’m considering, and whether I’ll arrive in time for the light I actually want. Sun Position, Sunrise/set PRO is built for that kind of planning: it turns the sun and moon’s movement into something I can check before leaving home, rather than guess at once I’m already outside.

What it helps me plan

This is a paid photography app from Stonekick, priced at $9.99, and its focus is more specific than a general camera or weather app. It is designed to show sun and moon positions for a chosen date, with an augmented-reality view intended to help photographers and planners understand where those bodies will appear. That makes it useful not only for deciding when to go, but also for thinking about direction and location.

For a landscape photographer, that distinction matters. A sunset time tells you when the sun reaches the horizon; it does not tell you whether a ridge, a building, or a line of trees will block the view from your chosen viewpoint. I would use the map and position information to compare possible spots before a shoot, then treat the result as a planning aid rather than a promise that the sky will cooperate.

Speed expectations and busy planning

For a simple check—such as finding the approximate timing of sunrise or sunset—the app’s focused purpose makes the task feel straightforward. The published average is 4.9 from around 2,600 ratings, and the app has more than 50,000 installs. Those figures suggest that it has found an audience among people who want a dedicated sun-position tool, though popularity alone cannot tell you whether its workflow fits your habits.

The moments when a tool like this earns its place are usually the more involved ones: comparing dates, checking a location away from home, or planning a shot around a particular direction of light. I would do that research before packing gear, not while a group is waiting at a trailhead. A practical approach is to settle on a location first, inspect the sun’s path for the date you have in mind, and then keep a backup viewpoint in case terrain or access changes your plan.

Reliability, limits, and everyday use

Sun and moon positions are useful planning information, but they cannot account for every part of a successful outdoor outing. Clouds, haze, access restrictions, local obstructions, and changing conditions still matter. I would not interpret a calculated golden-hour window as a guarantee of warm light, and I would leave enough time to reach and assess the location rather than aiming to arrive at the last possible moment.

The app is rated for Everyone and is currently at version 4.3.0, with Android support beginning at version 5.0. It was released on June 3, 2012, so it has a long history as a dedicated utility, but the age of an app by itself does not prove how smoothly it will run on a particular device. If you are choosing it for a trip, I would test the controls and map at home first, especially if you expect to use it in a hurry or in an unfamiliar place.

Getting to Know Sun Position, Sunrise/set PRO

The Sun Position, Sunrise/set PRO app is your personal sun tracker, right in your pocket. It's designed for both amateur and professional photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to make the most of the sunlight. The app provides comprehensive details about sunrise, sunset, and the position of the sun at any given time, anywhere in the world.

Features That Shine Bright

One of the coolest features of this app is its interactive map. You can easily find out the sun’s position at any time of the day, which is super helpful if you’re trying to catch that perfect sunset view or avoid the harsh midday sun. The map is intuitive and easy to use, even for those of us who aren’t exactly tech-savvy.

Another feature I love is the golden hour and blue hour calculator. For those unfamiliar, the golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is softer and redder, making it perfect for photography. The blue hour, on the other hand, is the period of twilight in the morning or evening when the sun is just below the horizon and the light is predominantly blue. With this app, you can easily find out when these magical moments will happen each day.

Additionally, the app provides detailed information about the moon as well, including moonrise, moonset, and various phases of the moon. It’s like having a mini planetarium in your pocket!

Who will get the most from it

I see the clearest value for people whose plans depend on light direction: landscape and outdoor photographers, location scouts, hikers choosing a sunrise route, or anyone arranging an outdoor activity around daylight. A family picnic does not usually need a specialized tracker, but a photographer trying to place a subject in backlight can benefit from checking the sun’s path in advance. The pro version’s date-based AR tracking is particularly relevant when a shoot is planned for a future day rather than improvised on the spot.

Here is a realistic use: I might be arranging a weekend visit to a waterfront viewpoint and want the sun behind the subject rather than shining directly into the lens. I can check the date and position before committing to the location, then arrive early enough to see how the actual scene differs from the plan. That workflow is more dependable than relying on a generic sunset time alone, while still leaving room for weather and site conditions to change the result.

Small workflow choices that make it more useful

One useful habit is to compare the sun’s path with the shape of the place, not just the clock. A viewpoint that looks open on a map may have a hill or nearby building on the horizon, so I would use the app to narrow down timing and direction, then verify the physical view when possible. For a trip I cannot scout in person, checking more than one candidate location helps avoid building the whole plan around a single uncertain vantage point.

I would also separate the planning question from the weather question. The app can help answer when and where the sun or moon is positioned, but it cannot tell me whether cloud cover will produce the light I want. For a serious shoot, I would pair the timing with a weather check and keep a flexible subject or composition in mind. That is not a flaw in the tracker; it is simply the boundary between astronomical planning and forecasting.

How it compares with simpler alternatives

A basic weather app or search result is quicker when I only need tomorrow’s sunrise time. Many camera apps, meanwhile, are better for controlling exposure or editing once the light is already in front of me. This app makes more sense when I need to plan a position and date together, particularly when the sun’s direction matters as much as the time. It is a narrower tool, not a replacement for weather forecasts, navigation, or camera controls.

That specialization is also the main trade-off behind the $9.99 price. If I take occasional photos and only want a rough daylight schedule, a free general-purpose option may be enough. If I regularly scout locations or plan shoots around sun and moon movement, paying for a dedicated reference can be easier than stitching together several broad apps. I would decide based on how often I truly use date-specific positioning, not simply on how attractive the feature list sounds.

Device fit and practical expectations

The Android minimum is version 5.0, which gives a clear starting point for compatibility, but I would still check that the particular device I plan to take outdoors can run the current release comfortably. The app is at version 4.3.0. Since the interface and map are central to its purpose, screen readability and ease of handling matter more than raw power for most planning tasks. I would become familiar with the map and AR view before relying on them during a short window of good light.

For extended outings, I would treat any AR view as one part of the plan, not as the only way to navigate or identify a safe route. A phone screen can be awkward in bright daylight, and looking through a device while moving over uneven ground is a poor trade. I would check the position while stationary, note the direction I need, and put the phone away before walking or setting up equipment.

Why You'll Love It

What makes Sun Position, Sunrise/set PRO stand out is its user-friendly interface. Even if you're not a tech wizard, you'll find navigating through the app a breeze. Everything is laid out in a logical way, and the app is responsive and quick, so you’re not left waiting around for information.

Moreover, the app doesn’t just throw data at you—it presents it in a way that’s easy to understand and visually appealing. Whether you’re checking the sun’s position or planning your next photo shoot, the data presentation is top-notch, making it both informative and enjoyable to use.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Sun Position, Sunrise/set PRO is a stellar app for anyone interested in tracking the sun's movements. Whether you’re a photographer looking for that perfect shot, or just someone who enjoys the great outdoors, this app offers a wealth of information at your fingertips. It's easy to use, packed with features, and a handy companion for all your sun-chasing adventures.

So, next time you’re planning a day out or a photo session, give this app a try. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite tool for planning your day around the sun!

My performance verdict

For checking a position or planning a date, I would expect the dedicated workflow to be more useful than opening several unrelated tools, and the original experience described here is responsive and quick. Heavy use is less about constant processing and more about switching between places and dates while planning. I would do that work ahead of time, especially when the outing depends on a brief light window, and use the result as a reference rather than assuming every screen update predicts what the scene will look like.

My recommendation is strongest for people who repeatedly make decisions based on the direction and timing of sunlight or moonlight. If I only need an occasional sunrise time, a simpler free tool is likely the better fit; if I scout locations or plan photographs around a future date, this focused app has a clearer reason to stay on my phone. Its best use is thoughtful preparation, with real-world conditions and safe, attentive outdoor habits still in the photographer’s hands.