Whenever people go to select their tablet devices, most would tend to look for astounding features like the Super AMOLED screens, power camera resolutions, storage, and RAM. Some would even try to see what their strengths and USPs that would let them stand out among the rest. And while checking out screen resolutions, fps, and framerates are important for many people, there’s actually one more hidden feature that you would want to learn about these handy devices, especially if you are one to binge-watch TV shows and movies from streaming services.
The Widevine Security Feature
The Widevine Security feature is a hidden program launched by Google as a way to safeguard content from streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and the like. This DRM protection app acts as a way to protect TV shows, movies, and other content from unauthorized copyright distribution and other potential forms of piracy. The Widevine DRM uses encryption technology while you stream the content, protecting these shows and movies from getting screen grabbed, recorded, and the like. All smartphones and tablets come with their own Widevine Security Levels and these could not be changed or altered in any way.
Widevine Levels – Why You Should Care?
Now if you’re not into the shady business of piracy, why should you care then? Well, aside from the DRM protection, Widevine Levels also pretty much dictate the resolution your content is streaming at. It wouldn’t matter if your tablet has crystal clear AMOLED screens or if it could play movies at 4K resolution, 60fps; if it has a low security level, you could only stream your favorite Netflix shows or Disney+ movies at 480p or less. And with all phones having set Widevine Levels, you’d probably end up disappointed if you buy a new affordable tablet but could only watch low-res content because it has a low Security Level.
Widevine Security feature only comes in three levels: L3, L2, and L1.
- Widevine L3 is the least-supported, with minimal to no DRM encryption on the device. L3 devices could only stream content in 480p and at times wouldn’t even support some content.
- Widevine L2 has acceptable protection but it doesn’t meet Google’s recommended security. Videos under L2 could run up to 540p, though some may dip to 480p.
- Finally, Widevine L1 devices support the highest form of DRM, allowing them to stream content at their highest resolutions.
How to Check the Widevine Levels Then?
So, now you have a basic understanding of this DRM program, you may want to ask if there’s a way to check a device’s security level… well, there is but it’s with a caveat. Installing and running a DRM info app is the surefire way to check their Security Levels. Alternatively, the Netflix app could also be used by streaming a program, pausing it, and then looking at the playback settings to see its Widevine compatibility. While checking these DRM levels may be simple, you may have difficulties doing this if you are going to buy a new tablet, since you can’t realistically install apps on tablets before you buy them.
Lucky for you, there are some affordable tablets available now that highlight their L1 Security Levels off the bat, making it easier for you to choose the best tablets for your content streaming at the best price!
A common tip for users about Widevine Levels: All flagship and premium devices automatically come with L1 security. So, it is no surprise that all of Samsung’s phones and tablets support the highest DRM protection. Because they make all their tablets as competitive as other premium gadgets, even their midrange Galaxy TAB A is sure to play Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon at Full-HD resolution.
If you are looking for a big screen to watch your favorite shows and movies, the MediaPad M5 Pro offers a 10.8-inch IPS screen with 2K resolution. You can also stream up to 4K content from streaming sites with its L1 verification.
RealMe Pad
One of the later additions to the tablet scene, the RealMe Pad offers a premium device on a budget. For as low as P10,000, you can get a 2K resolution screen, 3GB of RAM, and four Dolby Atmos speakers that can really complement the crisp and clear video streaming with its L1 security level.
Possibly one of the more popular tablets to come out to the Philippines, the sleek and stylish Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro boasts the most premium design of all Android tablets, with its stylus support and reactive 12.4-inch IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate. Of course, watching TV shows and movies can be a dream, especially since you can upscale them up to 4K without any problems.
Not to be outdone by its flagship offering, Xiaomi also offers the competitive Redmi Pad, which supports the ultrawide videos and movies. While its boarders can be on the thicker side, you won’t have a problem streaming Netflix and Disney+ on it since it also comes with a Widevine Security L1.
