Widevine DRM is a built-in hardware licensing service that protects content on video streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Google Play Movies.
This protection prevents copying and unauthorized redistribution of the video files under digital rights management (DRM).
Without the Widevine license, devices won't be able to play videos from these streaming apps.
Widevine encrypts content via three levels of security: L1, L2, and L3. L1 is the highest of the three levels. For a device to display high definition (HD) videos from a Widevine-backed service, it must be L1 certified.
Widevine L2 and L3 certified devices display standard-quality videos regardless of the subscription plan and device capabilities.
• Widevine L1: Widevine L1 is the topmost level of DRM protection, and in devices supporting L1, video decryption and processing happen completely in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Widevine L1 devices are able to play video at the highest possible resolution.
• Widevine L2: The second level is Widevine L2, and it includes either software-based video processing or separate video hardware. If you have a Widevine L2 device, you will often see a better resolution output than Widevine L3 at up to 540p, but still not the best quality possible.
• Widevine L3: This is the most basic certification supported, consisting entirely of software-based DRM. If you have a Widevine L3 device, the content will often play only at 480p. L3 also means no Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) for DRM encryption.
How to check if a device is Widevine-certified?
Open the Google Play Store and search for DRM Info. Download and install the applications.
Once installed, open the app and view the Security Level.
Note:
* It is not guaranteed that all DRM L1-certified devices will support HD streaming on Netflix or Prime Video. The devices must be acknowledged by the streaming services and additional requirements must be met for HD streaming. Contact the video streaming service provider for more information.
* Third-party DRM Info applications are not affiliated with realme as they are developed and controlled by third-party developers.