Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Might be First with Advanced Professional Video Codec

Qualcomm has officially unveiled its latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The first devices to feature this chip are expected to be the Xiaomi 17 series. However, one key upgrade may be reserved for the Samsung Galaxy S26.

Aside from the usual performance enhancements and improved AI capabilities, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 introduces the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. This codec is a game-changer for Android devices, aiming to challenge the iPhone’s dominance in video recording quality. Qualcomm claims that the APV codec enables “near-lossless” video capture and unlocks advanced post-production editing capabilities for professional-level results.

Surprisingly, consumers may have to wait several months before getting their hands on devices equipped with this cutting-edge technology. While the Xiaomi 17 series is expected to launch without the APV codec, Qualcomm’s VP of product management, Judd Heape, hinted that devices featuring APV may debut as early as January 2026.

According to Heape, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is likely to be the first Android phones to incorporate the APV codec. This aligns with Samsung’s partnership with Qualcomm and their commitment to delivering top-of-the-line features in their flagship devices.

Despite the delay in implementing APV in the initial wave of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 devices, Qualcomm remains confident that the technology will revolutionize video recording on Android smartphones. The decision to prioritize its deployment in Samsung’s upcoming flagship devices reflects a strategic approach to showcasing the full potential of the APV codec.

Overall, the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with the APV codec marks a significant advancement in mobile video production technology. With Qualcomm’s commitment to innovation and Samsung’s anticipation of incorporating this cutting-edge feature, consumers can expect groundbreaking advancements in smartphone video recording in the near future.