Samsung announces Expert RAW compatibility for only a few smartphones

Samsung has announced which additional devices are compatible with the Expert RAW app. As we reported last week, Samsung Korea stated that it would bring the app to more devices, starting February 25. At the time, Samsung emphasised that it would continue to restrict the app to flagship smartphones, albeit without confirming its expanded Expert RAW eligibility.

However, Samsung has now explained which models can run Expert RAW in a post on its South Korean community forums. Specifically, Expert RAW requires at least an Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865, along with at least 8 GB of RAM. Additionally, Samsung clarifies that Expert RAW needs a smartphone with a telephoto lens that supports Bayer RAW and 2x optical zoom.

Unfortunately, these requirements exclude the likes of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy Note 20. All these devices have 1.1x optical zoom cameras, for reference. Likewise, the Galaxy Z Flip3 is ineligible to run the Expert RAW app. Samsung distributes the Expert RAW app through its Galaxy Store.

According to the same blog post, Samsung will bring Expert RAW to the Galaxy S21 Ultra early next month and the Galaxy Z Fold3 in April. By contrast, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold2 will not receive the Expert RAW app until between late April and the end of June.   

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