High Dynamic Range (HDR) photos and videos are a great way to showcase the vibrant displays on modern smartphones, particularly highlighting their brightness and contrast capabilities. However, there are times—especially late at night—when such intense brightness can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a random Instagram post or another HDR-enabled video, these moments can leave users scrambling to adjust their display settings. Given that many devices now capture video with HDR enabled by default, this has become a common issue for smartphone users.
To address this, Samsung is introducing a system-wide option to disable HDR content with the upcoming One UI 7 update, currently in beta testing. As reported by 9to5Google, the update will include a new toggle labeled “Super HDR” in the settings menu.
The “Super HDR” setting is designed to provide users with greater control over how HDR content is displayed on their Galaxy devices. According to its description, the feature “automatically adjusts the display to show the full range of colors and contrast in pictures taken with Galaxy devices.” While this description may sound like an enhancement to HDR, enabling the toggle actually works to limit HDR’s impact, keeping screen brightness in check across all applications.
For users who sometimes find HDR content to be unnecessarily intense, this functionality is a welcome addition. The toggle effectively acts as a kill switch for HDR brightness, ensuring that the display remains comfortable even when HDR media is loaded. This system-wide solution simplifies the process, removing the need to adjust individual app settings or manually dim the screen whenever HDR content appears.
On the other side of the smartphone market, Apple does not currently offer a feature similar to Samsung’s Super HDR toggle. iPhone users seeking to reduce HDR content can enable the device’s low power mode, which prevents HDR from displaying at its brightest potential. However, low power mode introduces a host of other changes, such as reducing background app activity and limiting performance, which may be unnecessary for users solely looking to manage HDR brightness.
For Instagram users in particular, iPhone owners have the option to disable HDR videos through the app’s settings. This feature is found under the “media quality” section and is limited to iOS devices. Android users, however, lack a similar setting for Instagram, making Samsung’s new system-wide HDR control even more valuable for Galaxy device owners.
The addition of a Super HDR toggle reflects Samsung’s commitment to providing users with more flexible display options. HDR technology is undoubtedly impressive, enhancing the visual experience for photos and videos by offering better contrast, richer colors, and brighter highlights. However, not every scenario requires such dynamic display capabilities.
The new toggle addresses several practical concerns:
- Nighttime Use: HDR content often pushes screen brightness to uncomfortable levels, especially in low-light environments. The toggle helps reduce eye strain during nighttime use without compromising overall display quality.
- Battery Conservation: While the primary focus is on user comfort, limiting HDR brightness could also help conserve battery life by preventing the display from working at its peak intensity unnecessarily.
- Convenience: Instead of navigating through multiple app settings or resorting to cumbersome workarounds, users can now rely on a single toggle to control HDR content across their device.
Samsung’s introduction of the Super HDR toggle is part of a broader trend to enhance user customization and control over their devices. As HDR technology becomes increasingly common in both media consumption and content creation, the ability to manage its impact on displays will be essential for many users.
The toggle not only provides a practical solution but also highlights Samsung’s proactive approach in addressing user feedback. By including this feature in the One UI 7 update, the company is setting itself apart from competitors like Apple, who have yet to implement a similar option.
As Samsung continues to roll out innovative features like the Super HDR toggle, the company underscores its commitment to improving user experience through thoughtful updates. For Galaxy phone owners, the ability to manage HDR content system-wide offers a level of convenience and comfort that’s increasingly important in today’s HDR-dominated media landscape.
This feature is particularly valuable for users who frequently encounter HDR content on apps like Instagram or during video playback. While iPhone users must rely on app-specific settings or more drastic measures like enabling low power mode, Samsung’s streamlined solution provides a clear advantage for Android users.
With the One UI 7 update, Samsung demonstrates its ability to stay ahead of the curve, offering meaningful improvements that cater to real-world user needs. For anyone looking to enjoy HDR content without the occasional discomfort of excessive brightness, the Super HDR toggle is a game-changing addition.