How to Change Video Resolution and Frame Rate on iPhone and Pixel

Resolution is how many pixels each frame has (HD or 4K), and frame rate is how many frames record per second (fps). Both are chosen in the Camera app, and both change the size of the video file. Apple's iPhone User Guide says that faster frame rates and higher resolutions make video files larger, so the right choice depends on how much storage you want to spend. Menu paths are as of October 2026; the options you see depend on your phone model.

1. On iPhone

Apple says that depending on the model, you can record in HD, 4K, HD (PAL), and 4K (PAL), and set the frame rate to 24, 25, 30, 60, or 120 fps.

To switch quickly:

1. Open Camera and switch to Video mode.
2. Tap the resolution and frame rate values at the top of the screen.
3. Tap a value to change it.

To make more formats available, go to Settings, tap Camera, tap Record Video, and choose from the list of video formats and frame rates your iPhone supports. Apple explains that PAL is a television video format used in many countries and regions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

1.1. Slow motion comes from a fast frame rate

Apple adds that video recorded at faster frame rates can be played back at slower speeds in the Photos app. Apple's guide also has a Slo-mo mode that records normally and plays back in slow motion; on iPhone 16 Pro, 17 Pro, and 18 Pro models you can also record slow motion in Video mode by selecting 120 FPS in the format and resolution values.

1.2. Recording from Photo mode

You do not have to switch modes just to start a clip. In Photo mode, touch and hold the shutter button to begin recording. Slide the shutter to the right onto the lock to record hands-free, and tap the shutter during recording to take a still.

2. On Pixel

Google's Pixel Camera Help says you can "record in 4K at up to 60 frames per second (FPS)." To turn it on:

1. Open the Camera app and switch to Video mode.
2. At the bottom left, tap Video Settings.
3. Under Resolution, turn on 4K.
4. Under Frames/sec, turn on 60fps.

Google adds a tip that you can boost video quality further with Video Boost, which has its own help page. Google also says some steps may vary by device.

Pixel also has separate modes for other frame-rate goals:

• Slow motion: switch to Slow motion in Video mode and tap Record. For very high speeds, choose 1/8x.
• Time-lapse: in Video mode, choose Time Lapse and set a speed. Google's examples: 5x makes 50 seconds of reality last 10 seconds in the video, and 120x makes 20 minutes last 10 seconds. Auto picks a speed for you.

While recording either kind of video, you can tap the shutter to take a high-resolution photo.

3. Other video options on the same screens

Apple lists three more things you can do while recording: pinch to zoom or tap the zoom buttons (.5x, 1x, 2x, and others, depending on the model), pause the recording, and tap the white shutter button to take a still. Apple also lets you turn on Dual Capture (on supported models) to record yourself and the scene in front of you at the same time. Tap the camera options button, tap Dual Capture, then tap the record button. On Pixel, Google's page says you can tap Pause to put a cut in a video and tap Record to continue.

4. Choosing a setting

These points follow from the two sources above:

• Higher resolution and higher frame rate both enlarge files, per Apple. If storage is tight, step down to HD or 30 fps.
• If you plan to slow the footage down, shoot at a higher frame rate, because Apple says clips recorded at faster rates can be played back more slowly.
• Check the values at the top of the screen (iPhone) or in Video Settings (Pixel) before you press record.

Apple also says you cannot record video during a phone or FaceTime call.

5. Key takeaways

• iPhone: tap the resolution and frame rate at the top of Video mode, or go to Settings > Camera > Record Video for the full list.
• iPhone options include HD and 4K at 24, 25, 30, 60, or 120 fps, depending on model.
• Pixel: Video Settings > Resolution 4K and Frames/sec 60fps, with 4K at up to 60 fps.
• Faster frame rates and higher resolution make larger files.
• Slow motion is a separate mode on both phones (Slo-mo on iPhone, Slow motion on Pixel), and Apple also lets you slow down clips shot at faster frame rates in Photos.