Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for underwater photography: our 2026 review.

When it comes to underwater photography with a smartphone, many people wonder about the limits. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra arrives with technical specifications that are impressive on paper. But what about underwater? We took it with us, in natural light, to see what it's really capable of. No frills, just the facts. We're looking for performance, reliability, and above all, the ability to capture beautiful images without too much hassle. The smartphone market is evolving rapidly. What was impossible yesterday becomes standard today. Let's see if the S23 Ultra lives up to expectations for our underwater explorations.

Overall score: 3.8/5

Ideal profile: The S23 Ultra is for the diver who wants excellent image quality, who is proficient in RAW post-processing, and who is willing to invest in a good underwater housing. It's a device for those who want to go beyond simply taking snapshot memories.

B1 Optics - A window into the underwater world.

The main sensor of the S23 Ultra is very good. It captures light well, which is crucial for natural underwater photography. The details are present, and the colors are accurate. However, the other lenses - ultra-wide angle, telephoto lenses - are less useful underwater. The quality decreases rapidly with depth and distance. Focus on the main sensor. That's what will make the difference.

For more details: The S23 Ultra features a main sensor of 200 MP. The aperture is generous. This is a solid configuration for taking photos in challenging conditions. Compared to the S26 Ultra, which has optimized optics, the S23 Ultra remains an excellent device.

B2 RAW - The raw material of the image.

The S23 Ultra offers the Expert RAW format. This is a real advantage for photographers. You have complete freedom to work on your images after taking them. You can correct white balance, recover details in shadows, and adjust exposure. RAW format provides creative freedom. Without it, you are limited by the phone's automatic processing. This is what matters for professional-quality results.

For more information: The RAW Expert feature on the S23 Ultra offers DNG files with a color depth of 12 bits. This provides a rich foundation for editing. The S25 and S25+ do not have native Log capabilities, which makes them less versatile for advanced post-production.

B3 Storage - Preserving Your Diving Memories

The S23 Ultra uses USB 3.2 (5 Gbps) for data transfer. This is acceptable. It works fine for emptying a memory card after a day of diving. However, the S26 Ultra and the S24 Ultra both use USB 3.2 (10 Gbps), which offers faster speeds. Wireless transfer via Quick Share is very efficient. It's a good alternative for small files. But for large RAW files, a cable remains more reliable.

To learn more: The S23 Ultra is equipped with fast internal storage. USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) is the standard here. Newer models like the S24 Ultra and S26 Ultra benefit from USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), which halves the file transfer time for large files.

B4 Thermal - Managing heat underwater.

The frame of the S23 Ultra is made of aluminum. This is a point to be aware of. Aluminum, when submerged in water, can promote condensation inside the housing. Especially if the water is cold and the phone gets hot. This is a risk that needs to be considered. The S26 Ultra and the S24 Ultra, with their titanium frames, handle this problem better. Pay attention to the preparation of your housing. This is the key issue to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To delve deeper: The S23 Ultra, like the S23, uses an aluminum frame. This can create a thermal bridge with humid air trapped inside the casing. Titanium models offer better thermal insulation and reduce this risk.

B5 Battery - The endurance of your companion.

The battery life of the S23 Ultra is good. You can potentially get a full day of three dives with careful management. However, heat buildup, related to the aluminum frame, can impact battery life. This is especially true if you are filming a lot in 4K. Consider bringing an external battery pack to recharge between dives. It's a good habit to develop. Never go on an adventure without a backup plan for power.

"For more information: The S23 Ultra is equipped with a large-capacity battery. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is optimized for energy efficiency. However, the underwater environment and heavy usage can put a significant strain on the battery."

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.

B6 Autofocus - Capturing the Sharpness of the Moment

The S23 Ultra's autofocus is fast on the surface. Underwater, in natural light, it can sometimes hesitate. Especially with moving subjects or in low-light conditions. Anticipate your shots. Lock the focus if possible. This is a skill to develop. Don't rely solely on the automatic system. Your eye remains the best autofocus.

For more details: The S23 Ultra uses an advanced autofocus system with phase detection. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 contributes to processing speed. However, the loss of contrast underwater can disrupt any autofocus system.

B7 Enclosure - The shield for your device.

The housing is the key element for underwater photography. For the S23 Ultra, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is an excellent option. It offers good protection and easy access to functions. Make sure to get the Platinum version for newer Ultra models. This is important for the safety of your device and the quality of your images. A good housing guarantees peaceful dives.

For more information: The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is compatible with many smartphones. The Platinum version is specifically designed for Ultra models, offering improved water resistance and increased compatibility with the dimensions of recent devices.

Available Enclosures

The choice of case is the real key. For the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is a top choice. It's reliable, easy to use, and offers good tactile feedback. Remember that the Platinum version is recommended for Ultra models. It's an investment, but it protects your device and gives you access to all its functions. There are other brands available, but Divevolk is a safe bet to start with.

Terrain workflow

Your workflow should be well-established. Before each dive, check the watertightness of the housing. Clean the lens. Set your phone to airplane mode to save battery. Underwater, prioritize RAW Expert mode. Take your time to compose your shots. Don't take a rapid burst of photos. After the dive, rinse the housing with fresh water. Dry it thoroughly. Transfer your photos quickly. This routine will help you avoid many problems.

Key Considerations

The aluminum frame of the S23 Ultra is a point of concern regarding condensation. Prepare your case with moisture-absorbing packets. Monitor the phone's temperature. If you are recording a lot, take breaks. The autofocus can be unreliable in low light. Learn how to manage it. It's a matter of experience. Don't be caught off guard.

Prix

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end smartphone. Its price reflects this. The cost of a good speaker system adds to that. It's a significant expense. However, the quality of the images and the versatility of the device can justify this cost. Consider resale value. A well-maintained device retains its value. This is an important factor to consider.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a very good companion for underwater photography in natural light. It doesn't replace a dedicated camera, but it comes close. The RAW Expert feature is a major asset. The optical quality is excellent. Points to watch out for are condensation and autofocus. But with a good waterproof housing and proper preparation, you will capture stunning images. This is a device I recommend for divers who want a high-performance and versatile solution. You just need to know how to use it to its full potential. That's the real key.

You have the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, now learn how to use it like a pro underwater. Our AquaExposure training courses guide you step-by-step. Master the settings, composition, and post-production. Visit AquaExposure Training to discover our courses. It's time to level up.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on a smartphone in an underwater housing.

Are you hesitating between several devices? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this device with other tested models.