Slow motion on Android: how to enable and configure slow-motion on any smartphone

Slow-motion transforms ordinary videos into spectacular videos, where every moment is stretched in time. Want to capture the fall of a drop of water, the jump from a diving board, or the flapping of a bird's wings in cinematic detail? Modern Android smartphones support this function, but it is not always available “out of the box” or hidden in the depths of the menu.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus etc.), understand the settings FPS and resolution, learn how to mount slow-motion videos directly on your phone and avoid common mistakes. We will also reveal the secret super-slow-motion mode at 960 FPS, which is available even on budget models, but manufacturers are silent about it.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced user - after reading, you will be able to shoot professional slow-motion videos without additional applications. Let's start with the basics! What is slow motion and how does it work on Android? (usually

What is slow motion and how does it work on Android

Slow motion is a video recording technology increased frame rate (from 120 FPS to 960 FPS), which is then played back at standard speed (usually 30 FPS). Due to this, the effect of “stretching” time is created: a second of real action on the screen lasts longer.

On Android, the function is implemented in two ways:

• 📱 Hardware support: specialized camera sensors (for example, Sony IMX in flagships) record video with high FPS without loss of quality. This is how Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 7 Pro.
• 🤖 Software interpolationwork: budget smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12) artificially increase the number of frames, but the quality is worse - artifacts may appear.

Key parameters you need to know:

• 🎞️ FPS (frames per second): the higher, the stronger the deceleration. For example, 240 FPS will give an 8-fold slowdown when playing back at 30 FPS.
• 📏 Resolution: with high FPS, the resolution usually drops. For example, 720p at 480 FPS instead of 4K.
• ⚡ Lighting: shooting on 960 FPS requires bright light, otherwise the video will be dark and noisy.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (for example, Huawei P50 Pro), slow motion is automatically disabled when the battery charge is low (less than 20%). Charge your phone before shooting!

How to enable slow motion on smartphones of different brands

The camera interface varies depending on the manufacturer. Below - step-by-step guide for popular brands. If your model is not on the list, try the universal method at the end of the section.

📱 Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

On smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A) slow motion is hidden in the mode More:

1. Open the app Camera.
2. Swipe right on the screen or tap MORE (three dots).
3. Select Slow Motion (Slow motion).
4. Click on the ⚙️ icon at the top to set FPS (available 240 FPS or 480 FPS depending on the model).
5. Press the record button - shooting will start automatically.

On flagships (Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23+), the Super Slow-mo on 960 FPSmode is available, but with a duration limitation (0.2–0.4 seconds of real time).

📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

On devices Xiaomi the path to slow motion depends on the version MIUI:

1. Launch Camera.
2. Scroll the modes to the left to MORE (or click on the three lines).
3. Select Slow Motion (Slow motion).
4. Tap ⚙️ to select FPS: usually available 120 FPS, 240 FPS, 480 FPS or 960 FPS (on flagships Xiaomi 13 Pro).
5. Press the red button to start recording.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Note 11 and older when shooting on 960 FPS the video is saved without sound - this is normal, since the microphone does not have time to record audio at such a speed.

📱 Google Pixel

Google Pixel (series Pixel 6/7/8) offers slow motion through the mode Motion:

1. Open Google Camera.
2. Scroll through the modes to Motion (icon with a running man).
3. Select Slow Motion.
4. Configure FPS (available 120 FPS and 240 FPS in 1080p).
5. Press the record button. On Pixel 7 Pro you can record up to 1 minute in mode 240 FPS.

📱 OnePlus/Oppo/Realme (OxygenOS/ColorOS)

On smartphones OnePlus, Oppo and Realme:

1. Run Camera.
2. Scroll through the modes to SLO-MO.
3. Select the desired one FPS (for example, 480 FPS on OnePlus 11).
4. Press the record button. On Oppo Find X6 Shooting is available on 960 FPS v 720p.

🤖 A universal method for any Android smartphones

If your phone does not have a built-in function, try:

1. Install a third-party application, for example, Slow Motion Camera or Camera FV-5 (available in Google Play).
2. Open the application and select mode Slow Motion.
3. Adjust FPS and resolution manually (the higher the FPS, the lower the resolution).
4. Record a video and edit it in the application.

Third-party applications may offer more settings, but the quality will depend on the hardware of your smartphone.

Slow motion settings: FPS, resolution, lighting

To make the video clear and smooth, you need to set the parameters correctly. Let's take a look at how to choose FPSresolution and prepare for shooting.

🎞️ Frame rate (FPS): what choose?

The degree of slowdown and video quality depend on FPS The degree of slowdown and the quality of the video depend. Here are the main options:

FPS	Slowdown	Resolution	Suitable for
120 FPS	4× (when playing at 30 FPS)	1080p or 4K	Sports, dancing, leisurely movements
240 FPS	8×	1080p or 720p	Jumping, falling, swinging
480 FPS	16×	720p	Fast objects (ball, water, animals)
960 FPS	32×	480p or 720p	Extreme slowdown (drops, bullets, explosions)

Tip: Enough for most scenarios 240 FPS is a balance between quality and effect. 960 FPS use only for short scenes (0.2–0.4 seconds), since the video takes up a lot of space.

📏 Resolution: why does it drop at high FPS?

The higher FPS, the more data the sensor needs to process. at 480 FPS and higher, the resolution is automatically reduced to 720p or 480p. For example:

• 📹 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: 1080p at 240 FPS, 720p at 960 FPS.
• 📹 Xiaomi 13 Pro: 1080p at 120/240 FPS, 720p at 480/960 FPS.
• 📹 Google Pixel 7: 1080p at 120/240 FPS, 720p at 480 FPS.

If you need high resolution, shoot at 120 FPS at 4K (if supported), and then slow down the video in the editor.

⚡ Lighting and other shooting conditions

Slow motion is demanding on light:

• 💡 Bright light: at 480 FPS and above, shoot outside during the day or under good artificial lighting. In the dark, the video will be noisy.
• 🎯 Focus: Use manual focus (press and hold the screen until AF Lockappears). Autofocus may not keep up with fast subjects.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Shooting at high speed. FPS consumes a lot of energy. Charge your phone or connect a power bank.
• 📱 Memory: 1 second video on 960 FPS can take up to 100 MB. Make room in advance.

How to edit slow-motion videos on Android

The captured video often requires processing: trimming, adding music or speed correction. Here's how to do it right on your phone.

🎬 Built-in editors

Many smartphones have built-in editing tools:

• 📱 Samsung: Open the video in Gallery, press Edit → Video → Speed. Select the area to slow down.
• 📱 Xiaomi: In Gallery select video → Edit → Effects → Slowdown.
• 📱 Google Pixel: Use Google Photos → select video → Edit → Speed.

🎥 Third-party editing applications

For advanced editing, install:

• 🎬 CapCut: free editor with functions of slow motion, music and effects.
• 🎬 KineMaster: supports multi-track editing and speed correction.
• 🎬 InShot: simple interface for trimming and adding slow motion.

Editing example in CapCut:

1. Import video to project.
2. Select the clip on the timeline.
3. Click Speed and select Slow down (for example, up to 0.5× or 0.25×).
4. Add music or text as needed.
5. Export video in high quality.

Free up 1-2 GB of memory|Charge your phone up to 50% and above|Download the editing application|Make a backup copy of the original video|Prepare music/effects (if needed)-->

Secret modes: how to shoot a video at 960 FPS on a budget smartphone

Many people think that super slow motion on 960 FPS is only available on flagships. But there is a hidden way to activate it even on budget models with a processor Snapdragon 6xx/7xx or Dimensity. To do this, you will need an application Camera2 API Probe and a little patience.

🔍 Checking Camera2 API support

First make sure that your smartphone supports Camera2 API (needed for manual settings):

1. Install Camera2 API Probe from Google Play.
2. Open the application and check the line LEVEL_3 or FULL in section Hardware Support Level.
3. If available LEVEL_3, your smartphone supports advanced camera settings.

📲 Activating 960 FPS through third-party cameras

If Camera2 API is supported, install one of these applications:

• 📷 Footage: allows you to manually select FPS to 960 (if hardware supported).
• 📷 Cinema FV-5: professional camera with setting FPS and bitrate.
• 📷 Open Camera: free alternative with support for high FPS.

Example settings in Footage:

1. Open the application and go to Video settings.
2. Select Resolution (for example, 720p).
3. Set FPS to 960 (if available).
4. Press Recording and shoot short scenes (no more than 0.5 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 10) when shooting on 960 FPS through third-party applications, the video may “break” or slow down. This is a limitation of the hardware, not. software.

Why do some smartphones not have 960 FPS?

Manufacturers artificially limit the maximum FPS in the standard camera application to emphasize the advantages of flagships. However, the sensor and processor are often capable of more - this is revealed by third-party applications via the Camera2 API.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users encounter problems when shooting slow-motion. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.

🚫 The video turns out dark or noisy

Reasons and solutions:

• 🌑 Low light: Shoot in daylight or use a ring light. 960 FPS requires 8-10 times more light than regular video.
• 📸 High ISO: Set manually ISO 100-400 in the camera settings (if there is such an option).
• 🔍 Dirty lens: wipe the camera with a soft cloth - smudges and fingerprints degrade the quality.

🚫 The video “breaks” or slows down

This happens due to:

• 📱 Performance shortcomings: close all background applications before shooting. On budget smartphones (Snapdragon 4xx) avoid FPS above 240.
• 💾 Slow memory: use a class memory card UHS-I U3 or built-in memory.
• 🔋 CPU throttling: if the phone overheats, shooting may be interrupted. Let it cool down before. recording.

🚫 Slowdown does not work smoothly

If the video jerks during playback:

• 🎞️ Low FPS: shoot at 240 FPS or higher for smoothness.
• 🖥️ Problems with playback: try opening the video on a PC or in another player (for example, VLC).
• ✂️ Incorrect installation: in the editor, make sure that the speed is changed evenly throughout the entire clip.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about slow motion on Android

Is it possible to shoot slow motion video on an old smartphone? (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8)?

Samsung Galaxy S8 supports slow motion on 240 FPS v 720p. To do this:

1. Open Camera → Modes → Slow motion.
2. Select 240 FPS.
3. Shoot short scenes (up to 10 seconds), as the phone quickly overheats.

For 960 FPS a third-party application will be required (for example, Slow Motion Video FX), but the quality will be low.

Why is there no 960 FPS mode on my Xiaomi?

Mode 960 FPS is available only on flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra).On budget smartphones (Redmi Note 11, Poco X4), the maximum FPS is 480. To check the supported modes:

1. Open Camera → Slow shooting → ⚙️.
2. Look at the available options FPS.

If 960 FPS no, try third-party applications (see the section on secret modes).

How to remove sound from slow-motion video?

When shooting at high FPS (480 FPS and above) the sound is often distorted or missing. To remove it completely:

1. Open the video in Google Photos or CapCut.
2. Select Edit → Audio.
3. Click Delete audio or reduce the volume to 0.

If you need to replace the sound, add music from the library applications.

Is it possible to convert regular video into slow motion?

Yes, but the quality will be worse than when shooting at high FPS. To do this:

1. Install CapCut or KineMaster.
2. Import. video to the project.
3. Select the clip and select Speed → 0.5× or 0.25×.
4. Export the result.

Please note: artificial slowdown can create the effect of “shaky” frames, since new frames are not created, and existing ones are stretched.

How much space does 1 second of video at 960 FPS take?

The volume depends on the resolution and bitrate, but on average:

• 480p @ 960 FPS: ~50–80 MB/sec.
• 720p @ 960 FPS: ~100–150 MB/sec.

For example, 0.4 seconds of video on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in 960 FPS mode will take about 40–60 MB. Free up space on your phone before shooting!