[REMINDER] Your Android phone/tablet (probably) doesn't stream Netflix in HD

[jaykresge]

Over at TMO News in the comments there's chatter from some stating that "even if Binge-On is turned off, Netflix is still being throttled to 480p on their phone." This is not the case. Netflix only runs at 480p on the vast majority of Android devices, regardless of carrier, WiFi, or carrier pigeon used. Only Netflix certified devices get access to HD content. Here's the link, and the current list.

EDIT: I can't post the link, too few posts. So, go to Google and search "Android Netflix 480p" and use the first link that's from Netflix. Title of the page is "Using Netflix on your Android phone or tablet."

Resolution:
Android phones and tablets currently support streaming in 480p.

Netflix HD playback is available on select Android devices. See our "Netflix in HD" tab for more information.

Tablets (as of 01/04/2016):
Dell Venue 8 7840 (Requires Android 5.0+)
Google Nexus 7 2013
Google Pixel C
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro (YT3-X90F, YT3-X90L)
Nvidia Shield Portable
Nvidia Shield Tablet
Nvidia Shield Tablet K1
Nvidia Tegra Note 7
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (SM-T700, SM-T701, SM-T702, SM-T705, SM-T707)*
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (SM-T800, SM-T801, SM-T802, SM-T805, SM-T807)*
Samsung Galaxy View (SM-T670, SM-T677, SM-T677A, SM-T677V)

NOTE: There's no footnote on that page explaining what the "*" means for the two Galaxy Tab devices.

Phones (as of 01/04/2016):

Google Nexus 6
Google Nexus 5X
Google Nexus 6P
HTC One A9 (One A9U)
LG G3 (D850, D851, D855, LS990, US990, VS985)
Motorola DROID Turbo (XT1254)
Motorola Moto X 2014 (XT1092, XT1093, XT1095, XT1096, XT1097)
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910A, SM-N910P, SM-N910T, SM-N910V, SM-N910R4)
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (SM-N920C, SM-N9208, SM-N920I, SM-N920G, SM-N920A, SM-N920W8, SM-N920T, SM-N920V, SM-N920P, SM-N920R4, SM-N920R6, SM-N920R7)
Samsung Galaxy S6 (SM-G920T, SM-G920T1, SM-G920P, SM-G920R6, SM-G920R7, SM-G920R4, SM-G920V, SM-G920I, SM-G920F, SM-G9208, SM-G920W8, SM-G920A, SM-G920AZ)
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925T, SM-G925P, SM-G925R6, SM-G925R7, SM-G925R4, SM-G925V, SM-G925I, SM-G925F, SM-G9250, SM-G925W8, SAMSUNG-SM-G925A)
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ (SM-G928F, SM-G928C, SM-G9287C, SM-G928I, SM-G928G, SM-G928A, SM-G928W8, SM-G928T, SM-G928V, SM-G928P, SM-G928R4)

 

[jaykresge]

Also note:

Just because your phone/tablet is on the list above doesn't guarantee that it will remain (though it should). Prior to Andriod 4.3, Netflix certified VERY few devices and used a proprietary DRM solution. The Droid RAZR was famous for being the first to use it. After Android 4.3 integrated certain APIs, Netflix dropped support for legacy devices with the older method.

 

[BrickedNexus4HALP]

Given that phone's screens are quite small (compared to a TV), is HD even necessary? (This is a legit question, I have no idea)

 

[Dan TheMan86]

Why the heck isnt the S7 on the list?? I was wondering why I am maxing out at 512 x 385 according to the Multipurpose Test video. I only get slightly better when on wifi. Anyone else experiencing this?

 

[theelite1x87]

I've never gotten HD Netflix on Android. Even on fast WiFi. I even had a Note 4,which is listed above and according to the test video I never went in HD quality. And on the Notes large high resolution screen I was able to notice it.