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AV2 could make Samsung devices stream faster and with less data
Most modern phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs moved to the AV1 video codec because it delivers higher-quality video at lower bitrates than older codecs like AVC, VP8, and VP9. Now the Alliance for Open Media has announced AV2, a next-generation codec that promises even better visual fidelity while reducing data use further. That could translate to fewer buffering pauses and smoother playback on networks with limited bandwidth.
What AV2 brings to the table
AV2 focuses on efficiency and image range. Early details highlight several practical benefits:
- Improved compression efficiency compared with AV1, enabling similar picture quality at lower bitrates
- Broader HDR and color-range support, with hints at compatibility with Dolby Vision 2
- Better handling of high-resolution formats such as 4K and future 8K streams
- Enhanced support for AR and VR applications, and features like split-screen streaming useful for sports or multi-view feeds
These capabilities make AV2 attractive for both traditional streaming services and immersive media platforms, where bandwidth and latency remain constraints.
Market readiness and likely Samsung adoption
AOMedia says AV2 should arrive before the end of 2025. The group also reports that 53% of member companies plan to adopt AV2 within the first year, rising to 88% within two years. Given Samsung's participation in AOMedia and its heavy use of AV1 across phones and TVs today, AV2 support in upcoming Galaxy phones, tablets, smart TVs, and even XR devices is a realistic expectation.
Major streaming players and platform vendors are already invested in AOMedia: Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and Samsung have been involved since AV1 days, and many services such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Twitch, and Instagram currently use AV1. AV2 aims to build on that momentum as more content moves to 4K and beyond.
Why it matters to users
For consumers, AV2 can mean:
- Lower mobile data usage for high-quality videos
- Reduced buffering on slower connections
- Better HDR and VR experiences on compatible devices
As streaming ecosystems evolve, codecs like AV2 will play a central role in balancing picture quality, latency, and data costs. For global audiences, the upgrade could make premium streaming more accessible on a wider range of networks and devices.
Source: sammobile
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