Samsung is preparing the Galaxy S26 series to compete with the recently launched iPhone 17 series. To rival Apple’s latest iPhones in terms of camera capabilities, the South Korean firm is planning to introduce a feature that will help it to match the popular ProRes feature for videos.
Galaxy S26 series to use AV1 video codec for better filmmaking
Today, tipster @UniverseIce claimed that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series will be the first smartphone lineup to utilize the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec that was announced in 2023. Earlier this year, Google integrated it into Android 16.
It is similar to Apple’s ProRes video codec and aims to provide creators with greater control over video recording and editing. Moreover, APV is said to surpass Apple in terms of efficiency.
20% improved file size efficiency
APV claims to offer 20% more storage efficiency compared to standard professional codecs like HEVC, which could also include ProRes. This means APV could produce videos with greater detail, a wider dynamic range, and improved color range, all while consuming less storage space.
If you want to understand the APV codec in more detail, watch Samsung’s video below.
12-bit color depth, HDR, and LOG support
Leaks claim that APV supports 12-bit color depth, HDR, and LOG. 12-bit color depth ensures that color gradients appear smooth and that there is no banding issue. The codec is claimed to support HDR10 and HDR10+ formats for a wide dynamic range. It will also support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling for accurate colors, even in low light.
APV has been standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and supports recording stereoscopic 3D videos, which could then be viewed on Samsung’s upcoming XR headset.
Built-in LUT for express video exports
Creators who prefer altering colors in post-production would appreciate APV’s LOG support, as they can capture videos with a flat color profile and then grade the colors as per their vision in their preferred video editing suite. Samsung will also offer LUTs in the built-in Gallery and Studio apps for quickly exporting videos on the go.
Flexibility with resolutions and frame rates
APV reportedly offers support for various video resolutions and frame rates. They are listed below.
- Full HD: 25fps, 50fps, 100fps
- 4K: 25fps, 50fps, 100fps
- 8K: 25fps
Horizon Lock and improved Motion Photos
The Galaxy S26 series will reportedly also offer additional camera upgrades, including the Horizon Lock feature that offers extremely stable videos, similar to that of GoPro Hero 11 or newer action cameras.
The phones in the lineup will reportedly also bring multi-page scanning for documents. Currently, you can scan only one page at a time. The Galaxy S26 series will reportedly also bring support for Motion Photos customization for pre and post-shutter recording options, shutter sound, and timing.
