An interesting change in the YouTube Android app now allows some users to play videos up to 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR on devices with lower resolution screens. The new feature is apparently a server side update as I am using version 15.05.35 of the YouTube app and not the latest version 15.06.35 released on February 13. Last year, the iOS YouTube app also got 4K playback with the rollout. of iOS 14.
Newly added 2160p playback option in YouTube app
In my personal testing with a Galaxy S10e, playback at 2160p performed well, although when I switched to a Galaxy Tab S5e it played much worse with choppy images resulting in more of a slideshow than video playback. It remains to be seen which devices will benefit from this new feature, although it is a welcome addition. Even on small FHD + smartphone screens, 2160p videos are noticeably sharper with less compression due to the higher bit rate.
Let us know in the comments if your smartphone or tablet gives you the ability to play 4K videos on YouTube.
