Tested first with a small group of users, the HD option allows sending pictures on WhatsApp at a higher level of clarity, taking advantage of fast internet connections and the capabilities of new generation phones.
Unlike conventional file exchanges, pictures sent on WhatsApp are automatically converted to a much lower resolution, with the image received at the other end having only a fraction of the original picture’s resolution. The purpose of this measure was to optimize photo exchanges, with the idea that WhatsApp users can quickly send even entire albums, without putting too much pressure on the mobile Internet connection. And for those who really want to get a higher level of clarity, the WhatsApp developer has left a not-so-easily accessible setting for choosing a slightly more favorable compression level.
:format(webp):quality(100)/https://www.go4it.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/eMTJ2X7ccFvLzTs8gnXHX4-970-80.gif)
From now on, WhatsApp also introduces the high-definition (HD) compression level, for photo exchanges close to the original quality. The new setting is available on Android and iOS, offering a solution for users who expect to see incoming photos at the same level of quality as on the sender’s phone. However, this time it can’t be 1:1 quality either, the HD setting keeping a minimum level of compression, aiming for an optimal ratio between the quality of the image and the size of the transferred files.
The use of this quality setting is signaled by a new “HD” flag, displayed for both the sender and the recipient of the respective pictures.
Important to know, the new HD option doesn’t stay checked permanently, users who want to send images at the best possible clarity level will need to check this setting before each file exchange. Until now, selectable quality options were “auto,” “best quality,” and “data saver,” none of which allowed photo sharing without adjusting the original compression level.
