HEIC: The Future of Image Compression on Android?

HEIC, or High Efficiency Image Format, is a new image compression standard developed by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) that aims to reduce the file size of images without compromising on quality. HEIC is currently the default format for saving photos on Apple devices running iOS 11 or later, but what about Android?

When it comes to image compression, JPEG has been the industry standard for decades. However, the HEIC format brings a number of improvements over JPEG that make it a more efficient and versatile format. One of the most notable features of HEIC is its ability to save images in both lossy and lossless compression. This allows users to choose between file size and image quality. A professional photographer states:

HEIC gives me the ability to save storage space on my device while maintaining image quality, something that was not possible before with JPEG.

Another benefit of HEIC is that it supports HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) which allows to store multiple images or image sequences in a single file, this is useful for example for storing images with different resolutions, or to store burst shots on a single file. This feature allows for even more storage savings and more flexibility when it comes to editing and sharing images.

However, as powerful as the HEIC format may be, it's not yet a universal standard. While Apple devices running iOS 11 or later support HEIC natively, Android devices do not. This means that if you try to open a HEIC image on an Android device, it will likely not be able to display the image without additional software. Fortunately, there are apps available on the Google Play Store that can open and convert HEIC images to a more widely supported format like JPEG.

Another thing to consider is when you're sharing your images with others, not everyone may have a device or software that support HEIC. As my sister a smartphone user, adds:

I was surprised to find out that my new phone could take HEIC photos, but I still need to convert them for compatibility on other apps and devices. It's not a big deal but it's something to keep in mind.

So, should you start using HEIC instead of JPEG? If you're an Apple user running iOS 11 or later, then the answer is yes. HEIC is now the default format for saving photos on these devices, which means that you don't have to do anything to start using it. However, if you're not an Apple user or if you're sharing your photos with someone who is not using an HEIC-compatible device, then you may run into some compatibility issues.

Another important thing to consider when working with HEIC files on an Android device is that not all image editing and manipulation tools support the format. Therefore, if you plan on editing your HEIC images, you may need to convert them to JPEG or other widely supported formats first. It's also important to check if your cloud storage services, such as Google Photos or Dropbox, support HEIC files, as uploading them without conversion may result in them not being properly stored or viewed. It's always best to check the compatibility of the software and services you use before uploading your HEIC files.

In conclusion, HEIC is a new image format that offers improved compression and greater control over image quality and size. While it's still not a universal standard, it's worth considering if you're an Apple user looking to save storage space on your device. If you're sharing your photos with others, it's always a good idea to convert them to a more widely supported format like JPEG.

Our file converter is a simple, easy-to-use tool that can convert HEIC files to a wide range of other formats, including JPEG. With its user-friendly interface and fast conversion speeds, the file converter is the perfect solution for anyone looking to work with HEIC files on an Android device. It also allows you to convert multiple files at once.

Want to know more about our file converters? Read it here.

Cheers, Rowan