Google Photos is rolling out a highly anticipated update that allows users to transform standard dynamic range (SDR) images into Ultra HDR format. This new feature marks a shift in how everyday users can enhance photo quality without professional tools. Previously, creating images with high dynamic range required taking photos in HDR from the outset. Now, with the latest upgrade, anyone using Google Photos on supported Android devices can give their old photos a vibrant new life.
Ultra HDR, much like traditional HDR, enriches images with brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and more vivid colors. What sets Ultra HDR apart is its ability to retain compatibility—each image also contains an SDR version, ensuring it appears properly even on displays that don’t support HDR. This dual-format design makes Ultra HDR ideal for sharing high-quality visuals across a range of devices.
How the Conversion Works in Google Photos
The ability to convert SDR photos to Ultra HDR is being introduced through a server-side update in Google Photos. To access it, users must be running version 7.24.0.747539053 or newer of the app. However, simply updating the app may not be enough, as the feature’s rollout depends on server-side activation by Google. Users who don’t immediately see the option are advised to wait for the feature to appear in their app over time.
Once the feature is available, converting images is straightforward. Users can open an image in Google Photos, tap on “Edit,” scroll through the editing tools at the bottom of the screen, and select “Adjust.” Within this menu, the new “Ultra HDR” option replaces the previously available “HDR Effect.” This simplified interface makes powerful image enhancement tools accessible to the average smartphone user.
Testing by Android Authority confirms that converted images are clearly labeled as “Ultra HDR” in the file details. Interestingly, these images may even be smaller in file size than the original, since the added HDR data—referred to as the gain map—takes up less space than the full photo. To retain the highest fidelity, users are encouraged to save the original version alongside the Ultra HDR image, even if it consumes more storage.
A Step Toward Mainstream HDR Photography
Google’s move to bring HDR enhancement tools to mainstream users aligns with a broader push toward improving mobile photography. By allowing SDR-to-HDR conversion within its flagship photo app, Google is helping democratize a feature that was once limited to professional workflows or flagship hardware.
The update reflects a growing demand for high-quality image output across all devices. As more users seek ways to elevate the appearance of their digital content, the Ultra HDR feature in Google Photos could become a staple for content creators and everyday users alike. While the full rollout may take time, the new functionality signals a promising future for mobile image editing—one where anyone can give their photos a professional-grade boost with just a few taps.
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