Samsung confirms older phones won’t get Super HDR

Samsung introduced Super HDR with the Galaxy S24. It is a new feature in which images and videos shot on the Galaxy S24 are captured in the new Super HDR format (based on Google's Ultra HDR format). People hoped the feature would trickle down to older high-end phones with the One UI 6.1 update, but it doesn't look like it's happening.

Super HDR is not coming to older Galaxy phones

While most AI and Generative AI features from the Galaxy S24 were released to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series with the One UI 6.1 update, the Super HDR was missing after the update. When people asked about the possibility of the Super HDR feature coming to older Galaxy phones with a future software update, Samsung's forum moderator confirmed the feature will be limited to the Galaxy S24.

This feature won't come to older Galaxy phones even if they have high-end cameras and OLED screens with HDR. Apparently, the Super HDR feature needs to be supported by the processor and the screen.

We think the processors used inside the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Tab S9 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 5 can support Super HDR, as even mid-range phones like Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 support that feature. However, to bring that feature to existing phones, Samsung might have to make significant changes to the camera processing pipeline. Hence, the company might not be willing to make such huge changes to older phones.

What is Super HDR and why is it beneficial?

Google introduced the Ultra HDR feature with Android 14, and Samsung used that feature to build Super HDR. With this feature, images and videos are captured in Super HDR format. Those files can be viewed in HDR on the phone's display (in the Gallery app) and can also be shared in the Super HDR format on social media websites (like Instagram).

Thanks to its HDR nature, scenes have deeper colors and a wider dynamic range. This brings more immersiveness when you're watching HDR images and videos on an HDR-capable screen.