Samsung galaxy s26 ultra adds apv codec for smoother video editing

Samsung unveils apv codec for professional video workflows

after years of apple’s prores support on iphones, android is finally catching up. the galaxy s26 ultra is set to introduce support for the advanced professional video (apv) codec, positioning itself as a direct competitor to apple’s high-quality, lossless video format. this development is a significant step for android users seeking professional-grade video editing capabilities directly on their devices.

What is apv and how does it compare to prores?

the advanced professional video (apv) codec is an open and royalty-free standard, akin to apple’s prores. both are intra-frame codecs, treating each frame as a standalone, high-quality image. this contrasts with inter-frame codecs, which predict motion between frames, resulting in smaller file sizes but increased processing demands during editing. apv boasts approximately 20% better storage efficiency than prores while supporting 12-bit color depth and 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.

File size considerations: apv vs. prores

while apv offers advantages in editing, it’s not without its trade-offs. a one-minute 4k30 video recorded on the galaxy s26 ultra using apv resulted in a file size of approximately 6.75gb. this is a noticeable improvement over the roughly 6gb+ a similar prores file would occupy. however, it’s still significantly larger than typical compressed video files, around 300mb for the same duration.

Compatibility and software support

one of the primary hurdles for new codecs is software compatibility. while apv is natively supported in davinci resolve 20.2 and android 16, older software may require special plugins or transcoding. this is a familiar challenge for any emerging video standard. the widespread adoption of prores, with its 15-year head start, highlights the time it takes for a new codec to achieve universal acceptance.

Apv vs. samsung log: understanding the difference

samsung has also recently introduced log recording, leading to questions about when to use apv versus log. the key distinction lies in their function: samsung log is a color profile, designed to capture a wider dynamic range, while apv is a compression codec. the log recording on the galaxy s25 ultra utilizes the hevc (h.265) codec, which is compressed and inter-frame. this results in smaller files but can strain processing power during editing.

Editing performance: the core benefit of apv

the primary advantage of apv lies in its intra-frame nature, which significantly reduces editing lag. while log recording prioritizes dynamic range capture, apv focuses on providing a smooth, stutter-free editing experience. this makes it an appealing option for professional videographers seeking high-bitrate video that is easy to work with.

Who is apv for?

the galaxy s26 ultra’s inclusion of the apv codec caters primarily to professional video creators who prioritize editing quality and efficiency. while the file sizes remain substantial, the improved editing workflow and open standard offer a compelling alternative to existing solutions. as software support expands, apv has the potential to become a standard for high-quality mobile video production.