Android 16 Beta 2 makes HDR screenshots better

The second beta version of Android 16 brings a nice upgrade to how screenshots handle HDR, keeping the vivid details intact in the final picture. HDR, or high dynamic range, is popping up everywhere these days. It’s great for making photos and videos on social media apps look amazing, with brighter colors and sharper contrasts. But it’s not always perfect. One tricky part has been taking screenshots, especially when mixing HDR and regular content. The result often looks odd or uneven.

Google started tackling this issue in later Android 15 updates. They added a new system to keep HDR colors and details clear without dimming the app, which used to happen, according to Android Authority. Even so, the saved screenshot still didn’t fully support HDR. Now, Android 16 is stepping up to solve that problem.

In Android 16 Beta 2, there’s a quiet but smart improvement for capturing HDR screenshots. It keeps the HDR parts looking just like they did on your screen when you took the shot, at least if your display supports it. The saved files are PNGs with something called an HDR gainmap, as discovered by Dylan Raga and ledge on GitHub. This means the screenshots hold onto those rich, lively details instead of flattening them out.

This upgrade makes a real difference for anyone who loves sharing or saving what’s on their screen. Whether it’s a stunning photo or a colorful app moment, Android 16 Beta 2 ensures the screenshot stays true to what you saw. It’s a small change, but it shows how Google is working to make everyday tasks smoother and better on Android.