AVIF vs Samsung RAW: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AVIF and Samsung RAW image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. Samsung RAW is best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras.

Quick Verdict

AVIF Best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut
✗ Slow encoding

Samsung RAW Best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ 12-bit color depth
✓ Lossless capture
✗ Very large files

Convert Samsung RAW to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and Samsung RAW

Feature	AVIF	Samsung RAW
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	2010
MIME Type	image/avif	image/x-samsung-srw
Extensions	.avif	.srw
Animation	✓	✗
Hdr	✓	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	12-bit	12-bit
Transparency	✓	✗

Pros & Cons

AVIF

Pros

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut

Cons

✗ Slow encoding
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Newer format with growing adoption

Samsung RAW

Pros

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ 12-bit color depth
✓ Lossless capture

Cons

✗ Very large files
✗ Requires specialized software
✗ Samsung NX cameras only (discontinued)

When to Use Each

Choose AVIF when...

You need files optimized for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio
Best compression for images
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

Choose Samsung RAW when...

You need files optimized for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras
Full sensor data preserved
12-bit color depth
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and Samsung RAW for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert Samsung RAW to AVIF Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and Samsung RAW?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while Samsung RAW is best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or Samsung RAW better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. Samsung RAW is better for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to Samsung RAW?

Direct conversion from AVIF to Samsung RAW is not currently available on ChangeThisFile. You may need to use an intermediate format.

Can I convert Samsung RAW to AVIF?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports Samsung RAW to AVIF conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, AVIF or Samsung RAW?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. AVIF uses lossy compression for smaller files. Samsung RAW preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does AVIF support animation?

Yes, AVIF supports animation, but Samsung RAW does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is AVIF or Samsung RAW free to use?

Both AVIF and Samsung RAW are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, AVIF or Samsung RAW?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while Samsung RAW dates back to 2010. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.