Samsung developed its Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. as an open standard for professional video creation so the technology could be available to as many users as possible.

It took years of close collaboration between the two companies to make APV a reality on the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy¹ chipset that powers Galaxy S26 Ultra. APV is the latest example of Samsung’s commitment to put the user experience first by collaborating with other industry leaders.

What is Samsung’s Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec on Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, enabling higher-quality video files that use your device storage more efficiently. For anyone who wants pro-level quality without sacrificing the convenience and portability of shooting video on mobile, APV on Galaxy S26 Ultra is a game changer.

Codecs compress and decompress video files for storage and sharing. With an HEVC codec, the system often removes very small visual details to reduce file size. As a result, fine elements like water droplets, splashes, or subtle textures in the image become blurred after rounds of encoding.

APV preserves more of the original information, which helps maintain delicate details such as water droplets, textures, and motion — noted by the clarity of the splash in the image despite multiple rounds of encoding. APV codecs achieve visually lossless quality even when subjected to repeated editing.

Codecs compress and decompress video files for storage and sharing. With an HEVC codec, the system often removes very small visual details to reduce file size. As a result, fine elements like water droplets, splashes, or subtle textures in the image become blurred after rounds of encoding.

APV preserves more of the original information, which helps maintain delicate details such as water droplets, textures, and motion — noted by the clarity of the splash in the image despite multiple rounds of encoding. APV codecs achieve visually lossless quality even when subjected to repeated editing.

How does APV Work?

While other smartphone codecs prioritise small file sizes, they are not built for high-quality editing. APV makes for easier editing and more creative flexibility.

Now you can capture video content on your Galaxy device that behaves like cinematic professional camera footage when it’s time to edit — maintaining video quality even after repeated edits. Supporting up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, APV uses 10% less storage than other comparable formats while maintaining the same objective visual quality.

How to Enable APV on Galaxy S26 Ultra

1. Navigate to Camera > Settings > Video Format > APV
2. Choose preferred APV control APV HDR or APV Log
3. Select the type of file compression APV 422 HQ (high-quality video) or APOV 422 LQ (optimized for storage capacity and limited data rates)
4. Toggle selected shooting mode on or off in Camera preview
5. Users also have the option to record APV directly to external USB storage, navigate to Camera > Settings > Save to External Storage

Learn more about APV here, and explore the capabilities of Galaxy S26 Ultra and all the latest Galaxy devices on Samsung.com/uk.

Not sure you’re ready to make the switch to Galaxy? Check out Try Galaxy to test out some of the latest features on the device you’re holding right now.

1 Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

From making the best of natural light, to using dusk to your advantage, Mike Will has used the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G to shoot a selection of locations around the London cityscape at different times of the day, bringing to life his top tips for expert outdoors photography.

Photography tips from Mike Will using the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Scorching hot – This could be the trickiest time to capture an image. Shooting in the middle of the day will mean you have much harsher lighting; you can see this by where the shadows are. Something to look out for is to make sure your subject isn’t over exposed. Thankfully the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a Triple Rear Camera (Ultra-Wide and Dual Tele-lenses) that features a 108MP pro sensor so you can capture 12 bit HDR photos, for 64 times richer colour^[1]– ensuring that you capture as much detail as possible even when the lighting isn’t always playing ball.

Dusk – If you are in a city, my favourite time to shoot is just as the sun is setting. The city lights will be on and you can still get some awesome colours from the sky!  What’s more, with the Galaxy S21 Series’ Ultra-Wide lens, you’ll be amazed at how many objects and buildings you’ll be able to fit into frame.

Shutter speed for sunset – Just as the sun is setting, try shooting a handheld long exposure with the shutter speed around 1/6 in Pro Mode that’s available across the Galaxy S21 5G range, including the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+. The light during this time is perfect to achieve an amazing effect with this trick.

Shadows – This is the perfect time for capturing some interesting shots. As the sun gets lower, shadows get longer! This is a great time to shoot people and architecture. If you can look down on a viewpoint, you will get a nice effect. Even more impressive is that when using the Zoom on the S21 Ultra 5G, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing clarity. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features 100x Space Zoom which is powered by Samsung’s first-ever Dual-Tele lens system – one optical 3x and one optical 10x- so you can capture crystal-clear shots no matter how far you are from the action.

Golden hour – Possibly the most popular hour for capturing stunning shots. If you are shooting towards the sun for a sunset image, a key tip is to make sure you don’t ever expose your image. When shooting in Pro Mode, you can adjust your shutter speed, so this doesn’t happen.

Get Bokeh – To create a bokeh effect, when you are in Pro Mode on the Galaxy S21 Series, correctly expose your camera, and then click manual focus and pull the focus all the way to the left so it goes out of focus but creates a cool shot. This will give you a unique shot to stand out from the crowd.

Lowlight and night – The AI low light setting in the Samsung Galaxy S21 series can vividly light up any low light conditions. The advanced Night Mode is also brilliant for improving details and reducing noise. My tip is to capture on a mini-tripod or hold the phone very still if your shutter speed is 0.3 seconds or longer.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed with a unique contour-cut camera to create the best-in-class smartphone photography — letting you capture cinematic 8K video and epic stills, all in one go. And with Samsung’s fastest chipset, strongest material, 5G support and an all-day battery, the Ultra easily lives up to its name.

All of Mike Will’s images snapped on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G can be found on his Instagram: @m.visuals

For more information about Galaxy S21 5G Series, please visit https://news.samsung.com/uk/,  https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/ or https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s21-5g/

[1] Compared to Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

 LONDON, UK, 2^nd May 2021 – The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is near and no doubt front of mind for many UK residents in search of somewhere new to explore. The UK is a nation that has been changed forever following over a year of restrictions, with 61% agreeing that they will no longer take leaving their local area for granted. It’s no surprise that with restrictions gradually easing in the UK that staycations are on the horizon, over half (57%) of Brits are gearing up to leave their hometown and visit their favourite UK spots this summer.

With the next bank holiday weekend only weeks away, Samsung has revealed 21 epic UK destinations that the nation can’t wait to rediscover, with the Lake District topping travel to-go lists for Brits, followed by Devon and the Cotswolds. But it’s not just about getting out in the fresh air and seeing something new, one in five under 34s admit that taking photos again is what they are looking forward to most – so the brand has enlisted the help of local photographers to capture the hidden gems at each of these locations on the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series, to inspire and guarantee the influx of double-taps on your social feeds.

Top five hidden gems from the 21 list include:

1. Derwent Water in the Lake District
2. Ilfracombe in Devon
3. Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds
4. Winnats Pass in the Peak District
5. Limestone Pavement in Yorkshire

We know the UK hasn’t always been the destination to get your international friends envious about, with a surprising 1 in 5 surveyed claiming to never have been on a staycation previously. But this year that’s about to change – with 42% in agreement they have a new zest for life in the UK and can’t wait to get back out again and explore locally.

International travel might be on the hold, but there are also some untapped local beauty spots around the UK that might temporarily make you feel like you’re abroad this May, without the need to pack your passport. With the white sands of Bournemouth, the turquoise waters of Cornwall and the extreme heights of the Peak District all within reach, there are views guaranteed to make even the red listed holiday spots envious.

Summer’s not cancelled yet, as imagery captured using the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series shows  staycation hotspots giving top international destinations a run for their money^[2]:

Ilfracombe, Devon (Left) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Right)

Winnats Pass, Peak District (Left), Huascarán National Park, Peru (Right)

Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth (Left) Seychelles Islands, Seychelles (Right)

Glaslyn Lake, Snowdonia (Left) Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Argentina (Right)

Stack Rocks, Pembrokeshire (Left) Palawan, Philippines (Right)

“This last year has seen a variety of different restrictions in place, advising us to stay home and stay local more than ever before. Let’s face it, there’s no surprise that whether it’s with families, households or in a group of 6, we are excited to get back out there and explore again when it’s safe to do so.” said Sharon Hegarty, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland.

“Whilst international travel seems a while away, by working with local photographers this project shows just how beautiful the UK really is – identifying those hidden gems worth visiting with the promise of feed-worthy material, that you can still enjoy at a safe distance to others. With the advanced pro-grade camera, Dual Tele Zoom and Ultra-wide lens in the Galaxy S21 5G you’re guaranteed to never miss a thing, allowing you to capture landscape shots that rival even the most tropical of destinations.”

Now we’ve identified the most aesthetically pleasing corners of the UK, photographers around the country have curated their top tips on capturing the most epic shots of the hidden UK hotspots, informed by their photography series:

Local photography tips

1. Plan your shoot – check the weather forecast, tide times, sunrise and sunset times before you go to make sure you are in position at the optimal time
2. Lighting conditions play a big factor in photography, usually dawn and dusk is the best time to take landscapes – but always make sure your device has lowlight capabilities
3. Switch it up with your angles and lenses – changing your viewpoint to ground level, finding something safe to stand on or using an Ultra-wide lens on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G  can instantly give you a different perspective on the world
4. Mix it up with compositional techniques – frame a picture with an archway, find converging lines that draw you into an image or use the rule of thirds to position your subject
5. Shooting handheld at night can be quite hit and miss, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is great for minimizing shaky hands with its Zoom Lock feature, and its Bright Night sensor and night mode are perfect for shooting landscape photography at night

The nation’s top 21 locations and accompanying hidden gems, for visiting again when restrictions lift:

1. Derwent Water, The Lake District – Cumbria
2. Ilfracombe – Devon
3. Lower Slaughter, The Cotswolds – Gloucestershire
4. Winnats Pass, The Peak District – Derbyshire
5. The Limestone Pavement, Malham – Yorkshire
6. The Mermaid and Stag Rocks at Freshwater Bay – Isle Of White
7. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – Dorset
8. West Cliff Beach, Whitby – Yorkshire
9. Glaslyn Lake from the miner’s track – Snowdonia
10. St Ives Harbour Beach – Cornwall
11. Alexandra Park, Bath – Somerset
12. Lyndhurst, New Forest – Hampshire
13. Blackpool Tower – Lancashire
14. Porthcressa Beach – Isles of Scilly
15. Studland Beach, Bournemouth – Dorset
16. Stack Rocks, St Govin’s – Pembrokeshire
17. Sycamore Gap, Hadrian’s Wall – Northumberland
18. Towan Beach, Newquay – Cornwall
19. Keld, Swaledale – Yorkshire
20. Royal Pavillion, Brighton – East Sussex
21. Llangorse Lake, Brecon Beacons – Brecknockshire

For more information about the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series, please visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s21-5g/

[1] All UK images were captured on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series, by local photographers at each destination. COVID-19 government guidance and ‘stay local’ message was adhered to at all times

[2] UK’s 21 Epic Destinations captured on Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series, comparison imagery licensed for usage within media

Featuring a powerful front and rear camera, a sleek premium design and stunning full-front Display, the new Galaxy A series is available in three stylish colours; Black, Gold and Lavender.

“With the release of the Galaxy A6, we’re bringing our customers’ favourite features from our flagship smartphone to our Galaxy A series for added practicality and ease, such as hassle-free security with Face Recognition and Fingerprint scanning for quick and effortless access,” said Conor Pierce, VP of IT & Mobile, Samsung UK & Ireland. “The Galaxy A6 showcases our continued dedication to meeting the needs of our consumers by providing them with an impressive camera that lets them express themselves alongside a range of features for greater convenience.”

With the Galaxy A6’s powerful front and rear camera, taking beautiful shots or selfies anytime, anywhere has never been easier. Featuring an adjustable front LED flash, users can add clarity to what they capture to avoid image degradation & glare when shooting selfies day or night. And with the rear camera’s low-aperture lenses, users can also capture sharp, clear photos in low light conditions, without sacrificing image quality no matter what time of day. Decorate selfies with AR Stickers using face recognition so they change naturally depending on the angle of your face and your facial expression. You can also personalise your photos with stamps, change the mood with filters, or make a delicious meal look even tastier with Food mode.

Users can experience a richer sound experience to enjoy movies, music and more, the Galaxy A6 provides a full range of sound from highs to lows, with outstanding clarity and true-to-life detail for a more powerful and immersive audio experience.

The Galaxy A6 continues to set the standard for the ultimate uninterrupted viewing experience with full-front sAMOLED Display that goes beyond the bezel, featuring an impressive 18.5:9 ratio, with 3GB RAM & 32GB internal storage so you can install more games, apps & save more content Its sleek smooth curves and metal design have been engineered to offer improved durability and comfortable grip for maximum usability, without compromising on style.

Designed with practicality and everyday convenience in mind, the Galaxy A6 integrates several popular features from Samsung’s flagship, including hassle-free security with Face Recognition and Fingerprint scanning for a quick and effortless way to unlock the device.

The Galaxy A6 makes multitasking fast and easy with App Pair, fully utilising the Galaxy A6’s large ergonomic screens by allowing users to pair two apps, halving time and doubling enjoyment.

The Galaxy A6 supports Bixby Vision, Home and Reminder. With Samsung Pay^[1] included, users will always have their wallet to hand. Supporting Near Field Communication (NFC), the Galaxy A6 can be used virtually anywhere you can tap your credit or debit card. Every transaction via Samsung Pay is secure, yet very simple.

In the UK, the new Galaxy A6 will be available in three stylish colours; Black, Gold and Lavender, and will launch this summer with selected partners.

Samsung Galaxy A6 Product Specifications

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/uk/ .

[1] Available with participating networks, banks and merchants on selected devices, on NFC terminals.  A limit of £30 may apply, based on merchant policies. Corporate cards currently not in scope.