Last updated: February 13th, 2026 at 12:48 UTC+01:00
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Live photos are dynamic images that capture a few seconds of video alongside a still photograph, creating moving memories with sound. Samsung calls this feature Motion Photos, which record 3 seconds of video (1.5 seconds before and after you press the shutter) while taking your regular photo. These files combine both image and video data, requiring more storage space than standard photos but adding life to your captured moments.
Live photos on Samsung devices, known as Motion Photos, automatically capture short video clips when you take a photo. The camera records approximately 3 seconds of footage — 1.5 seconds before you press the shutter button and 1.5 seconds after.
When you enable Motion Photos in your Samsung Galaxy camera app, the device continuously buffers video in the background. The moment you tap the shutter, it saves the buffered footage along with your still image. This creates a single file that contains both the high-quality photograph and the accompanying video clip.
The Motion Photos feature includes several key characteristics:
You can view Motion Photos by opening them in your Gallery app and pressing the play button. The photo will animate, showing the brief moment that was captured, adding context and emotion to your photography.
Samsung Motion Photos typically use 3–5 times more storage than regular photos, with file sizes ranging from 8 MB to 15 MB depending on your camera settings. A standard photo might be 3–4 MB, while the same image as a Motion Photo could reach 12–15 MB.
Here's a breakdown of storage impact by device capacity:
| Device Storage | Regular Photos (approx.) | Motion Photos (approx.) | Storage Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 GB | 15,000–20,000 | 4,000–5,000 | 75% reduction |
| 128 GB | 30,000–40,000 | 8,000–10,000 | 75% reduction |
| 256 GB | 60,000–80,000 | 16,000–20,000 | 75% reduction |
Several factors affect Motion Photo file sizes:
Samsung Motion Photos record 3 seconds of footage, while Apple Live Photos capture 1.5 seconds, making Samsung's version longer. Both features work similarly by recording video before and after you take the photo, but they use different file formats and have varying compatibility.
Key differences between the platforms:
| Feature | Samsung Motion Photos | Apple Live Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Duration | 3 seconds total | 1.5 seconds total |
| File Format | Android-compatible format | HEIF files |
| Cross-platform Sharing | Limited motion effect on iOS | Full functionality across Apple devices |
| System Integration | Gallery-focused experience | Deep iOS integration (wallpapers, effects) |
| Conversion Options | Easy conversion to photos/GIFs | Limited conversion options |
Apple Live Photos create HEIF files that work seamlessly across Apple devices and can be shared with full functionality between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Samsung Motion Photos use a different format that works perfectly within the Samsung ecosystem and Android devices, but may not display the motion effect when shared with iPhone users.
You can turn off Motion Photos in your camera settings to stop creating new ones, and convert existing Motion Photos to regular photos to free up storage space immediately. This gives you control over how much storage these dynamic images consume.
Follow these steps to manage Motion Photos effectively:
Converting Motion Photos to regular images typically reduces file size by 70–80%, freeing up substantial storage space. You can also use Samsung's Smart Switch or Google Photos to back up your Motion Photos to cloud storage, then delete the local copies. This way, you keep your dynamic memories accessible while managing your phone's storage more effectively.
Understanding live photo storage helps you make informed decisions about this feature on your Samsung device. Motion Photos add personality to your images but require significantly more storage space than traditional photos. By managing your settings and converting files when needed, you can enjoy dynamic photography while keeping your device storage under control. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your Samsung Galaxy camera's capabilities while maintaining optimal storage performance.
Daniel is the proud co-founder of SamMobile. He joined the SamMobile team in 2011. Most of his spare time is spent enjoying nature (and life in general) with his wife & dog, friends, and family.
