WhatsApp media sharing could soon allow users to send photos and videos in their uncompressed, original quality directly from the gallery without using the ‘Send as Document’ trick. Spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.44.12 by WABetaInfo, the upcoming “Original” quality setting will reportedly sit right next to the existing Standard and HD options in the media editor menu.
However, reports indicate that this uncompressed media sharing feature will not be available for free; instead, it is expected to roll out as an exclusive perk for WhatsApp Plus subscribers.
Comparing WhatsApp Media Quality Options
Currently, WhatsApp offers two media sharing settings inside its editor interface:
| Quality Setting | Compression Level | Media Output Details | Availability |
| Standard Quality | Heavy Compression | Smaller file size, lower resolution, fast sending | Free for All Users |
| HD Quality | Moderate Compression | Preserves more details, but still applies compression algorithms | Free for All Users |
| Original Quality (Upcoming) | Zero Compression | Sends exact uncompressed file shot by the phone camera | Planned for WhatsApp Plus Subscribers |
While users can currently bypass compression by sending photos and videos as documents, doing so skips the media editor tools completely, making it less convenient. The new setting aims to integrate original resolution sharing directly into the standard chat editor.
What is WhatsApp Plus in India?
Meta-owned WhatsApp introduced its paid subscription tier, WhatsApp Plus, in India a few months ago at Rs 79 per month.
- Current Paid Features: The subscription currently offers cosmetic customizations such as exclusive themes, custom app icons, special sticker packs, and the ability to pin additional chats.
- Future Paid Features: Bringing uncompressed original media sharing to the platform marks a shift toward bundling utility and productivity features under the Rs 79/month subscription banner.
Availability & Development Status
The “Original” quality option is currently under active development and has not yet been enabled for public beta testers. WhatsApp has not officially confirmed a final rollout date.
My Thoughts
“WhatsApp placing uncompressed ‘Original’ quality media behind the Rs 79 per month WhatsApp Plus paywall is a very deliberate monetization move by Meta. In the Indian market context, almost everyone relies on WhatsApp for daily communication—from casual family groups to photographers and small business owners sharing product catalogues. While sending media as ‘Documents’ has been the ultimate free hack for years in India to preserve quality, integrating uncompressed sending directly into the native chat editor makes sharing far smoother. It will be interesting to see if Indian users willingly pay Rs 79/month for this convenience or simply stick to the tried-and-tested document attachment trick.”
— Avin Richards
