# Do PNG Screenshots Use Significantly More Storage Than JPEGs?

Canonical URL: https://www.teknalyze.com/myth-or-truth/png-vs-jpeg-screenshot-storage/
Published: 2026-11-10
Updated: 2026-11-10
Author: Alex Patterson
Section: Myth or Truth
Categories: Myth or Truth, Software
Primary topic: screenshots, PNG or JPEGS, Image Formats, Smartphones

## Claim

PNG screenshots always take significantly more storage than JPEGs while preserving better image quality.

## Verdict

Mixed

## Quick answer

The claim does not hold as an absolute rule; the circumstances and exceptions described in the article affect the outcome.

## Key points

- Not all smartphones allow users to choose their screenshot format directly.
- Available options vary by device and operating system.
- Regularly reviewing and deleting unneeded screenshots can also help manage device storage effectively.

## Evidence

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format that uses compression without discarding image information. This allows PNG to preserve sharp edges, text, and fine details without introducing lossy compression artifacts. It is particularly well suited for screenshots containing user interfaces, diagrams, and graphics.

## Important exceptions

Not all smartphones allow users to choose their screenshot format directly. Some Samsung Galaxy devices offer a setting to save screenshots as PNG or JPEG, while iPhones generally save standard screenshots as PNG and HDR screenshots as HEIF. Users who need a different format may have to convert screenshots afterward using built-in automation tools or image editing apps.

## Article

When saving screenshots on smartphones or computers, users often face a choice between PNG and JPEG formats. But how does this choice impact both image quality and the amount of storage used? Understanding the differences can help you manage your device’s storage without compromising the clarity of your screenshots.

### How PNG and JPEG Formats Differ

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format that uses compression without discarding image information. This allows PNG to preserve sharp edges, text, and fine details without introducing lossy compression artifacts. It is particularly well suited for screenshots containing user interfaces, diagrams, and graphics.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), on the other hand, uses lossy compression to reduce file sizes by discarding some image information. This can introduce artifacts, including blurring or blockiness, especially around text and sharp edges. JPEG is generally better suited for photographs, smooth gradients, and visually complex images.

### Storage Implications of Choosing PNG vs JPEG

PNG files are often larger than JPEG files because they preserve image information without lossy compression. However, PNG does not always consume significantly more storage. The difference depends on image complexity, color variation, and the compression settings used.

Screenshots containing text, simple graphics, or large areas of uniform color can compress very efficiently in PNG, sometimes producing files comparable in size to or even smaller than JPEGs. In contrast, photographs and screenshots with complex textures or detailed gradients generally produce larger PNG files, while JPEG can achieve substantially smaller sizes.

### Practical Considerations for Screenshot Format Selection

If preserving image quality is a priority, for example, when capturing text, UI elements, or diagrams, PNG is generally the better choice. The clarity retained can be important for readability and professional use.

For casual screenshots where storage is limited and some quality loss is acceptable, JPEG can save space. Many smartphones default to PNG for screenshots, but some apps or settings allow switching formats.

Ultimately, understanding how screenshot format affects both image quality and file size helps users make informed decisions to balance clarity and storage. Regularly reviewing and deleting unneeded screenshots can also help manage device storage effectively.

**Not all smartphones allow users to choose their screenshot format directly. Some Samsung Galaxy devices offer a setting to save screenshots as PNG or JPEG, while iPhones generally save standard screenshots as PNG and HDR screenshots as HEIF. Users who need a different format may have to convert screenshots afterward using built-in automation tools or image editing apps. Available options vary by device and operating system.**

## Sources

No external source is cited in this article.

## Sources

No external source is cited in this article.