Video codec (H.264 vs H.265/HEVC)
Also known as: HEVC, H.265, H.264, AVC, video format
A video codec is the method used to compress and decompress video. H.265 (HEVC) is the newer successor to H.264 (AVC) and encodes the same quality in noticeably less space, which is why modern phones record in HEVC to keep video files smaller.
- A codec compresses and decompresses video
- HEVC (H.265) is smaller than H.264 at the same quality
- iPhone records HEVC by default since iOS 11
H.264 vs H.265
H.264 (also called AVC) is the long-standing video codec supported almost everywhere — every browser, player, and device opens it. H.265 (HEVC, High Efficiency Video Coding) is its successor and compresses more aggressively, so the same footage at the same quality takes up significantly less space.
Since iOS 11, iPhones record in HEVC by default. The payoff is smaller video files; the cost is that older devices and some apps cannot play HEVC without conversion.
Choosing a codec
On iPhone, Settings > Camera > Formats lets you pick High Efficiency (HEVC) for smaller files or Most Compatible (H.264) for wider playback. If storage is tight, HEVC is the better choice; if you constantly share to older devices, compatibility may win out.