Google Pixel 10 Pro underwater photography test: our 2026 rating.

To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the [AquaExposure Training](/lms). --- ## Will the Pixel 10 Pro be the best smartphone for diving in 2026?

When Google releases a new Pixel Pro, photographers who dive and shoot in natural light immediately have a question.

Not because the Pixel is necessarily the best choice. But because the Android system with Google Mobile Services (GMS) opens the door to MotionCam Pro, the leading tool for video RAW recording on Android. And Google's Tensor G5 runs smoothly on it without restrictions.

This test focuses exclusively on the Pixel 10 Pro (standard format). Not the base Pixel 10, which has a lower-quality main sensor. Nor the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which shares the same camera system but in a larger form factor. If you're unsure between the two Pro models, I have published a complete review of the Pixel 10 Pro XL alongside this one.

The approach here is the one I've used for over 1000 dives: only natural light, RAW format for post-production, and a universal Divevolk housing. No flash, no artificial lighting. The smartphone is used as a raw capture tool, to be optimized later.

What interests me about the Pixel 10 Pro is the balance between a solid main sensor, a compact form factor that fits well in a Divevolk case, and the open Android ecosystem. Here's what it looks like in practice.

For an overview of all the smartphones tested using the same criteria, please refer to the comparison of underwater photography smartphones for 2026.

Designed for: - Photographers who shoot in natural light and want a complete RAW workflow (native DNG + MotionCam Pro). - Divers who prefer a compact and lightweight camera in an underwater housing. - Android users who are committed to regular use (a minimum of 20 dives per year).

Not ideal for: - Those who dive in cold water (lake, quarry, North Atlantic): the Li-Ion battery suffers. - Photographers who want a dedicated, rigid underwater housing with threaded filter ports. - Tight budgets: the price/performance ratio of a used iPhone 16 is still better.

The Pixel 10 Pro features three sensors: a primary sensor of 1/1.31 inch with 50 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.7, an ultra-wide angle sensor of 1/2.55 inch with 48 megapixels at f/1.7, and a 5x telephoto lens of 1/2.55 inch with 48 megapixels at f/2.8.

The main sensor is a key strength of the Pixel 10 Pro. At 1/1.31 inch, it captures more light than most direct Android competitors, and the f/1.7 aperture helps recover details in dimly lit areas. The ultra-wide lens also handles macro photography from as close as 2-3 centimeters, which opens up interesting possibilities for small subjects.

The compact Pro format (smaller than the Pro XL) does not affect the optical quality: both devices share the same camera system.

A point to watch out for: DxOMark notes a significant loss of contrast in backlit conditions and artifacts related to Google's aggressive algorithmic processing. When shooting underwater, backlighting (a bright surface above the subject) is common. It's best to shoot in RAW format to recover these situations during post-processing.

This is the most important criterion for a natural light rendering approach. And the Pixel 10 Pro performs well in this area, for three distinct reasons.

First, native DNG format is available directly within the Google camera application. No third-party app is needed to access RAW photo data. The bit depth in DNG is typically 10-bit on recent Pixel phones, with a wide computational dynamic range thanks to the Tensor G5.

Secondly, Android with GMS allows for the complete installation and use of MotionCam Pro. It is the leading application for video RAW on Android, and it runs without restriction on the Pixel 10 Pro. This is a direct advantage over Android devices without GMS (such as recent Huawei devices).

Thirdly, the Tensor G5 features a proprietary image signal processor that produces a recognizable colorimetry. The rendering doesn't have the naturalism of Leica or Zeiss optics, but it remains consistent and can be adjusted in post-production.

The lack of a true logarithmic profile is a drawback for high-end video recording. The 10-bit HDR mode is present, but it doesn't match the capabilities of Apple Log or S-Log. For underwater videography in natural light, this remains a significant limitation. In terms of pure RAW photography, the DNG format largely compensates for this.

The Pixel 10 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. An important technical detail to know before purchasing: the 128GB version uses the UFS 3.1 standard, which is significantly slower than the UFS 4.0 used in the 256GB and higher versions.

Specifically, downloading large RAW files after a dive is twice as fast starting with the 256GB version. For serious underwater photography use, the 128GB version should be avoided. The connector is USB-C 3.2, and there is no microSD card slot.

For a one-week diving trip, 256 GB is the reasonable minimum. 512 GB or 1 TB allows you to spend a week without needing to offload data if you alternate between taking photos and videos in RAW format.

The aluminum frame of the Pixel 10 Pro is a good thermal conductor, combined with an internal passive vapor chamber. In practice, the Tensor G5 has a reputation for getting hot, but the aluminum dissipates heat better than plastic or ceramic.

When diving, the thermal constraint works in reverse: the Divevolk housing partially insulates the phone from the cold water, but repeated dives (2-3 dives per day over several days) can strain the passive system if you continuously record video in RAW format.

Aluminum is also a factor to monitor for condensation inside the container, especially when cold water comes into contact with warm air. A packet of silica gel inside the container remains a basic precaution.

[WARNING] Silica gel: mandatory. Aluminum frame + vapor chamber, providing the same thermal performance as recent iPhones. Without silica gel, condensation is almost certain below 15°C. The good news: the Tensor G5 runs cooler than its predecessors, which provides better tropical tolerance.

Tropical Overheating: The Tensor G5 represents a significant thermal improvement over the Tensor G3/G4 generations. In water at 28°C, software overheating occurs after approximately 28 minutes of continuous video recording. This provides a comfortable margin for typical underwater clips.

Overall connectivity score: 4.4/5 - The excellent Bluetooth 6.0 (the best in the comparison) improves the stability of short-range transfers and the accuracy of accessory connections. USB 3.2 enables fast data transfer, and Wi-Fi 7 complements a connectivity ecosystem that is among the best on the market.

For underwater photography using a mixed approach (some video, mostly photos), the thermal performance of the Pixel 10 Pro is acceptable. When recording continuous RAW video during dives lasting 60 minutes in warm water, be sure to monitor temperature alerts.

The battery capacity of the Pixel 10 Pro is 4870 mAh, slightly less than the 5100 mAh of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The standard Li-ion chemistry is sensitive to cold temperatures.

In water below 15°C (quarry, lake, Atlantic), the effective capacity can decrease by 15 to 25%. During a 60-minute dive in cold water with the screen on and autofocus active, expect battery consumption of 20 to 30%. This leaves enough margin for 3 to 4 dives per day if you recharge between each.

The aluminum frame accelerates heat dissipation, which worsens the loss of cooling capacity compared to a glass or plastic frame.

Practical recommendation: start every dive with a 100% battery charge. In cold water, do not exceed two consecutive dives without recharging if you are recording video in RAW format.

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the right power bank for your dive equipment and desired battery life.

The Pixel 10 Pro combines a Dual Pixel PDAF with a multi-zone laser autofocus system. The shutter lag is less than 50ms, which aligns with the continuous shooting architecture of the Pixel phones.

The problem with the ToF laser is well-documented and known: it does not penetrate the polycarbonate of the housing or water. As a result, if the laser module is not masked before submersion, autofocus (AF) becomes unpredictable and searches without locking onto a target. The solution is simple and free: a piece of opaque tape placed over the laser module (located in the camera bar) is sufficient. The Pixel then automatically switches to Dual Pixel PDAF, which works very well underwater.

Focus peaking is not available in the native Google app. It can be accessed through MotionCam Pro or Blackmagic Camera.

Always cover the laser before each dive: this is a crucial step to remember. Without this covering, focusing will be the main problem during the dive. With it, the autofocus of the Pixel 10 Pro is among the most responsive in an underwater environment.

The Pixel 10 Pro does not have a dedicated rigid housing. The chosen solution is the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus, a universal housing certified to 60 meters and compatible with the Pixel 10 Pro (a specific Pixel 10 Pro adapter is required).

Divevolk's inert gel touch membrane allows you to use the capacitive screen directly underwater, including complex interfaces like MotionCam Pro. Beyond 40 meters, the pressure on the membrane can create phantom touches: it is best to lock the settings before descending.

The compact form factor of the Pixel 10 Pro is an advantage in this case: it reduces lateral pressure on the buttons and provides a better grip.

For information on choosing between the Divevolk versions, please see the article Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max vs Max Plus vs Platinum: Which one to choose?.

The lack of a dedicated rigid housing remains the main limitation. For intensive use with threaded port filters and foolproof robustness, specialized housings (Ikelite, Nauticam) are not an option for a smartphone. The Divevolk meets the need without reaching that level.

The Enclosure

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus is the best-documented solution for the Pixel 10 Pro. It's essential to choose the internal adapter specifically designed for the Pixel 10 Pro (it's not interchangeable with adapters for Pixel 9, iPhone, or Samsung devices). The certified depth rating is 60 meters, which is more than sufficient for recreational diving.

If you already own a SeaTouch 4 Max or a SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum, the internal adapters are not compatible between versions. Make sure to have the correct adapter before embarking on a dive trip.

The Post-Dive Workflow

The Tensor G5 processes DNG files using a proprietary algorithm. The native RAW format provides a solid foundation. When used with Lightroom or Darktable, underwater white balance correction requires similar adjustments as with any other smartphone RAW file.

For raw video recording, MotionCam Pro is the recommended option. The raw DNG video files are large (expect a minimum of 256 GB of internal storage). The USB-C 3.2 transfer rate is fast with UFS 4.0 to an external SSD.

AI features like Magic Eraser or Best Take are irrelevant in underwater photography. Magic Eraser removes elements, which goes against a documentary approach in a natural environment. Best Take selects the best facial expression from multiple shots: this is useless underwater. These functions are tools for social photography, not nature photography.

Current Prices (July 2026)

New: - 128 GB: €1,099 (store.google.com/fr, July 2026) - Summer sales offers in 2026 may allow you to find the 128 GB version for around €599-€689 at Darty and other retailers.

Used and Refurbished: - Starting from €659 for refurbished models on Back Market (July 2026, 128 GB, good condition) - 256 GB refurbished: starting from €820-€850 on Back Market - Source: backmarket.fr, consulted in July 2026

Used angle grinder

The Pixel 10 Pro was released recently enough that the refurbished market is just starting to develop. As of July 2026, the stock on Back Market is still limited. The price reduction compared to new models remains modest (15-25% depending on condition). If your goal is to save money, refurbished Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL models offer a better value for money proposition in the used market.

For a limited budget, also see the general comparison of best underwater camera for beginners.

The Pixel 10 Pro receives a score of 3.9/5 based on our rating system with 7 criteria.

It's a good smartphone for underwater photography in natural light, with two key strengths: the 1/1.31-inch main sensor that performs well in low-light conditions, and access to MotionCam Pro via Android GMS for complete RAW workflow capabilities.

The compact size of the Pro (compared to the Pro XL) is a real advantage in a Divevolk housing. There is no difference in sensor between the two Pro models, the choice between them depends on hand size and battery life.

The drawbacks remain the sensitivity to cold of the Li-Ion battery, the lack of a dedicated rigid enclosure, and an AI-based algorithm that can sometimes be overly aggressive, requiring you to consistently shoot in RAW format. These are not insurmountable problems, they are limitations to be aware of before using the device.

Are you hesitant? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this camera with other tested models.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on smartphones in underwater housings.

Equipment doesn't make the photographer. The training that will teach you how to read natural light underwater, how to approach animals without disturbing them, and how to compose an image before taking the shot is available at aquaexposure.com.