PNG vs Samsung RAW: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Samsung RAW is best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras.

Quick Verdict

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support
✗ Larger than JPEG for photos

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 PNG →

Specs Comparison

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

Feature	PNG	Samsung RAW
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	1996	2010
MIME Type	image/png	image/x-samsung-srw
Extensions	.png	.srw
Animation	✗	✗
Hdr	✗	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✗	✗
Max Color Depth	16-bit	12-bit
Transparency	✓	✗

Pros & Cons

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

✗ Larger than JPEG for photos
✗ No animation (use APNG)
✗ No lossy mode

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 PNG when...

You need files optimized for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams
Lossless compression
Full transparency support
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 PNG and Samsung RAW for free on ChangeThisFile

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PNG and Samsung RAW?

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams, 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 PNG or Samsung RAW better for image?

It depends on your use case. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Samsung RAW is better for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert PNG to Samsung RAW?

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

Can I convert Samsung RAW to PNG?

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

Which is smaller, PNG or Samsung RAW?

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

Does PNG support hdr?

No, PNG does not support hdr, whereas Samsung RAW does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is PNG or Samsung RAW free to use?

Both PNG 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, PNG or Samsung RAW?

Samsung RAW is newer — it was introduced in 2010, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.