The upcoming iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 series, is reportedly getting 8K video recording. While this is exciting news for iPhone users, Samsung released this feature over 5 years ago with the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which is one of the most innovative phones Samsung has ever made.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra debuted in early 2020, featuring a 108MP camera with OIS as its primary sensor. This high-resolution camera was capable of recording videos in 8K resolution. While the feature was nowhere near perfect at launch, Samsung has refined it over time. The company is currently on the 6th iteration of 8K video recording, while Apple will probably launch its first iPhone with this feature this year, assuming the reports are true (via Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo).
iPhone 16 series could have had 8K video recording
The iPhone 16 series could theoretically offer 8K video recording if Apple wanted it to. Just like you need 8.3MP for 4K videos, you need 33.2MP for 8K videos. Since the entire iPhone 16 series already offers a 48MP main sensor, they were perfectly capable on the hardware front. However, Apple has not implemented 8K video recording. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus can currently record 4K at 60 FPS max, while the Pro models can go to 120 FPS.
Apple probably delayed 8K video recording to perfect lens transitions. For that, all three rear cameras have to be 48MP. They have already upgraded the ultrawide camera to a 48MP sensor with the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to get a 48MP telephoto camera. That is when Apple might finally add 8K video recording since users can easily switch between all three lenses.
The benefits of 8K video recordings are plenty. You can store and view your memories at a higher quality. If you have an 8K TV screen, you can view it in the maximum resolution. It will look sharper and clearer on laptops or monitors, and there will be less motion blur when you pause the video. It is also helpful if you take screenshots from the middle of the video.
