WhatsApp is testing a new feature on Android that allows users to choose the quality of media files that are automatically downloaded.
This option, currently available to select beta testers on version 2.25.18.11, gives users the choice between downloading photos and videos in either standard or HD quality.
The goal is to give users more control over their data consumption and device storage, particularly in situations where many media files are exchanged, such as in active group chats.
Previously, WhatsApp introduced an option to manually choose between standard and HD quality when sending photos or videos. Now, this functionality is expanding to include automatic downloads.
The new setting appears under the “Storage and data” section of the app’s settings menu and is expected to roll out more widely in future updates.
By offering both quality tiers, WhatsApp caters to different user needs. Standard quality is more compressed, using less data and taking up less space, which is ideal for users on limited mobile data plans or those concerned about storage space.
HD quality, on the other hand, retains more detail and clarity, suitable for users who prioritise image and video quality over file size.
The way WhatsApp handles media uploads supports this feature well. When a user sends a photo or video, WhatsApp uploads both the standard and HD versions to its servers. This makes it easy to provide the appropriate version based on each recipient’s settings.
If a user has chosen to automatically download only standard versions, they can still tap on a media file to fetch the HD version manually, as long as it’s still stored on the server.
This update is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user control and customisation, while also addressing concerns around data use and device performance.
The feature is still in development, but a broader release is expected in the coming weeks. An iOS version of the feature is also likely, given WhatsApp’s track record of maintaining similar feature sets across platforms.
