Galaxy S26 Ultra: The first smartphone to support the APV codec for cinematic-quality video.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads the market by integrating the APV codec, enabling high-quality video recording with 20% smaller file sizes and professional post-production support.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra, marking a major leap forward in the mobile industry as it is the world's first smartphone to support the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. This technology optimizes professional video recording and post-production, delivering superior image quality while significantly saving storage space.
Decoding the APV codec: The new standard for mobile video.
The APV codec, first announced by Samsung in 2023, is specifically designed for video recording and post-production tasks without compromising image detail. The biggest breakthrough of APV is its ability to deliver cinematic-quality video while reducing file size by nearly 20% compared to the popular HEVC standard. This is a significant improvement for users who frequently shoot in 4K or 8K resolution.
Technically, the APV codec supports a wide range of parameters, including:
- Resolution:Full-HD, 4K, and 8K.
- Format:HDR10 and HDR10+.
- Color depth:From 10-bit to 16-bit.
- Subsampling of colors:Various options are available, ranging from 4:0:0, 4:2:2 to 4:4:4:4.
- Advanced features:Supports frame multiplexing, parallel encoding/decoding, alpha channel, and depth data.
Synchronization within the content creation ecosystem
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's inclusion of the APV codec isn't just a simple hardware upgrade, but the result of close collaboration within the ecosystem. Google integrated native APV support into Android 16, while Qualcomm brought this technology to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor (for the Ultra version), and Samsung applied it to the Exynos 2600 (for the standard and Plus versions).
Content creators can easily integrate footage from the Galaxy S26 Ultra into their professional workflows. Leading video editing software like DaVinci Resolve and LumaFusion now support this format, bridging the gap between mobile devices and professional cameras.
Specifications and pricing for the Galaxy S26 Series
Besides its breakthroughs in video technology, the Galaxy S26 Series also impresses with its powerful performance and Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with brightness up to 2600 nits. Below are the detailed specifications and expected prices:
| Parameter | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26 Plus | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microprocessors | Exynos 2600 (2nm) | Exynos 2600 (2nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) |
| Main camera | 50MP | 50MP | 200MP |
| Battery / Charger | 4300 mAh / 25W | 4900 mAh / 45W | 5000 mAh / 60W |
| Prices start from | 24,990,000 VND | 28,990,000 VND | 34,990,000 VND |
Additionally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features a new Privacy Display for enhanced screen security and a durable Armor Aluminum frame. Pre-orders begin today with various offers, and the product is expected to be delivered to users on March 6, 2026.
