In today’s video landscape, the focus is shifting from mere high resolution to creating mood and emotional storytelling. Samsung Electronics has introduced the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, setting the stage for mobile video production that maintains image quality while minimizing editing loss.
Samsung posed a simple question: Can anyone create Hollywood-style videos using a Galaxy mobile phone? The Cinematic Look-Up Table (Cine LUT) feature on the Galaxy S26 series provides the answer. While the APV codec lays the foundation for cinema-quality video, Cine LUT adds a unique color style to the footage.
Cine LUT allows anyone to achieve professional-level color grading, a task traditionally reserved for experts. Samsung collaborated with internal teams and external specialists to develop this feature. The Mobile eXperience (MX) Business oversaw the final camera implementation, Samsung Research created core video processing technologies, and U5K Imageworks, a colorist studio known for its work on global productions, helped shape its visual aesthetic.
With the introduction of the APV codec, which offers visually lossless image quality, Samsung Newsroom interviewed three key developers behind Cine LUT: Sugon Baek from the Camera Image Quality R&D Group at MX Business, Bomi Kim from the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research, and Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks, to discuss its creation.
What is a LUT? What sets Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series apart?
Baek explained that a LUT is a “map” that transforms one set of colors into a desired look. Unlike conventional filters that simply overlay color, Cine LUT reinterprets Samsung Log1 footage to deliver the depth and look of professional filmmaking. Kim added that it is optimized for Log video, utilizing its wide gradation to precisely reconstruct color and brightness, preserving subtle tonal details often lost with conventional filters.
What led to the development of Cine LUT?
Kim noted that while Galaxy devices supported Log video for high-quality capture, color grading was challenging for users. The team aimed to make professional-looking results accessible without advanced editing skills. Baek mentioned that they wanted users to preview cinematic footage at the moment of capture, then apply a LUT and share the video with a single tap in the Gallery.
How did the collaboration with U5K Imageworks begin?
Eom shared that their collaboration started two years ago with Rec. 709 LUT advisory work for Samsung Log video, refining strong colors into natural tones. This experience led to the development of Cine LUT, which involved creating multiple versions across three intensity levels and testing them in diverse scenes.
What challenges did you face during development?
Kim highlighted the need for a large dataset to validate performance across diverse conditions, emphasizing real-world testing and close collaboration. Baek pointed out the challenge of maintaining consistent, undistorted color in different environments, which was achieved through continuous testing.
What was the key consideration in creating looks optimized for mobile phones?
Eom emphasized ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions, focusing on looks that remain natural despite varying lighting, exposure, and white balance. Kim stressed that quality was the top priority, validating performance using tools like color charts and vector scopes.
Why were these four styles chosen for the Galaxy S26 series?
Baek explained that they analyzed popular film genres to identify four representative styles: Blockbuster, Coming-of-age, Romance, and Thriller, each designed to give everyday scenes a cinematic look.
Which Cine LUT styles do you recommend for different situations?
Eom suggested that the choice depends on the situation: Blockbuster for high-contrast environments, Coming-of-age for trendy settings, Romance for character-driven scenes, and Thriller for a striking impression.
What stood out to you in user feedback?
Baek noted that users quickly recognized the expanded creative possibilities offered by combining Log shooting with Cine LUTs, with many sharing high-quality videos on social media.
What are your plans for the future?
Baek expressed the aim to establish the Galaxy S26 series as a professional-grade camera, hoping to see more content that resonates with creators and viewers. Kim mentioned the goal of identifying next-generation technologies to deliver innovative experiences globally.
Through close collaboration, Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 series transforms everyday moments into cinematic visuals, making video creation more accessible to all.
