Playing/editing MP4 (created by Samsung Galaxy Phone) on MacBook Pro M2 Max w/Sonoma 14.3.1

It uses the Google VP9 codec that's not supported. Handbrake can convert the file to H.264 or H.265.

Set the Samsung phone to shoot H.264 or H.265 video. Does it really by default use VP9, or have the videos been routed through Google Photos "storage saver", by chance??

I have no idea if they’re working on it, but honestly I doubt it. I’ve never heard of anything except Androids shooting this codec. There aren’t any cameras AFAIK that use it.

Give Apple Feedback, and make a feature request:

MtD

I cannot play or edit any MP4 created on Android phones on this Mac

People who cannot play files converted to VP9 have mentioned various solutions. Please refer to it.

⚫︎Google Photos video download not working.

"I find it hard to believe the top-of-the-line video editing hw/sw beast would not be able to handle the most seemingly basic of video files."

No, Android uses proprietary files no one else uses, as stated. Apple won't ever touch it.