Samsung Galaxy S23 underwater photography: our 2026 review.

To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the AquaExposure Training. # Samsung Galaxy S23 Underwater Photography Test: Our Review (2026)

When it comes to underwater photography in natural light, the choice of equipment is crucial. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit like a Swiss Army knife that many divers consider. It's compact, powerful, and you often already have it in your pocket. But underwater, does it hold up? Can it really capture the beauty of the marine environment without breaking the bank on professional equipment? We dove with it, we pushed it to its limits. Let's see together what it has to offer for our aquatic explorations. No complicated technical jargon, just practical experience and real-world feedback. What matters is the result in the water.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a good companion for beginners or for taking high-quality memory photos. It doesn't compete with the Ultra models, but it gets the job done. Its strengths are its versatility and ease of use. Its weaknesses are its heat management and transfer speeds, which can be a bit slow for large RAW files.

Ideal Profile: The occasional diver, the traveler who wants an all-in-one device, or someone who is new to underwater photography and doesn't want to make a significant investment right away. You are looking for simplicity and decent photos without any hassle.

B1 Optics

The S23's optics are good for a smartphone. The images are sharp in the center, with good management of chromatic aberrations in natural light. The colors are vibrant, slightly oversaturated by default, which some people may like. The real issue is the small sensor size. Underwater, this limits the amount of light captured. You really have to be close to the subject to get a good result. The depth of field is wide, which is an advantage for underwater landscapes.

To learn more: The main sensor of the S23 is typically a 1/1.56 inch sensor with a resolution of 50MP and an aperture of f/1.8. Optical image stabilization is present.

B2 RAW

The S23 allows you to shoot in RAW format. This is a key feature for underwater photography. The RAW format gives you incredible flexibility in post-processing. You can recover details in the shadows, adjust white balance precisely, and correct blue casts. Without RAW, your photos would be much more difficult to work with. This is what makes the difference between a good photo and an exceptional one.

To learn more: The S23 produces RAW files in 12 bits, often in the DNG format. Samsung's Expert RAW application offers finer control.

B3 Storage

The internal storage of the S23 is sufficient for one or two days of diving. However, RAW files are large. If you shoot a lot, you will quickly fill up the memory. The phone does not have a slot for a memory card. File transfer is done via USB 3.2 (5 Gbps) or Quick Share. Quick Share is very efficient for wireless transfers, but USB is faster for large volumes. This is something to consider so you don't get stuck on the boat.

For more details: The S23 uses USB 3.2 Gen 1, offering theoretical transfer speeds of 5 Gbps. Internal storage varies from 128 GB to 256 GB.

B4 Thermal

This is where the S23 shows its limitations. The aluminum chassis, while robust, tends to dissipate heat less effectively than the titanium used in recent Ultra models. When diving, especially in warmer waters or during extended sessions, the device can overheat. This can lead to slowdowns, and even cause video recording or burst photo capture to stop. The risk of condensation inside the housing is also higher with aluminum. This is an important point to be aware of.

To learn more: The S23 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Thermal management is ensured by a passive cooling system.

B5 Battery

The battery life of the S23 is decent. For a day of three dives, you need to be careful. Disable everything that isn't necessary - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode. Power consumption underwater is higher, especially if you are constantly using the screen. An external battery pack is a good idea for recharging between dives. The important thing is not to run out of power at a critical moment.

For more information: The S23 features a 3900 mAh battery. Actual battery life depends heavily on usage and conditions.

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

The autofocus on the S23 is fast and accurate on the surface. Underwater, it remains performant in natural light. It locks onto subjects well, even when they are moving. The tracking is effective for fish that are swimming by. The key thing is to have enough light. In low-light conditions, it may hesitate a bit. But for most daytime diving situations, you will be satisfied.

For more information: The S23 uses a phase detection autofocus (PDAF) system on the main sensor.

B7 Enclosure

The choice of case is crucial. For the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is a reliable option. It is robust, easy to use, and allows access to all touchscreen functions underwater. This is what matters for a smooth experience. Make sure you have the correct version, as recent Ultra models may require the Platinum version for optimal compatibility.

For more information: The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is compatible with a wide range of smartphones. It offers a maximum depth of 60 meters.

Containers

As mentioned, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the reference waterproof case. It is reliable and gives you complete control. Always check the exact compatibility with your S23 model before purchasing. There are other options available, but the SeaTouch 4 Max offers the best balance between price, performance, and ergonomics.

Terrain workflow

Your workflow will be simple. Fully charge the phone. Put it in airplane mode. Launch the photo app of your choice (either Samsung's or a third-party app like Filmic Pro if you want more control). Insert it into the waterproof housing. Check for watertightness. Dive. After the dive, take the phone out and transfer your photos via Quick Share or USB. Post-processing in RAW format is a real advantage for enhancing your shots.

Key Considerations

The risk of condensation with the aluminum frame is real. Make sure to use dehumidifying packets inside the enclosure. Heat management is also a limiting factor for long recording sessions. Don't expect to record in 4K for 30 minutes straight without interruption. The USB 3.2 (5 Gbps) transfer rates are acceptable, but not as fast as the USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) on the Ultra models. It's a minor detail, but it's important to know.

Prix

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a device that offers good value for money today. Its price has decreased since its release, making it an interesting option for underwater photography without breaking the bank. Of course, the cost of the waterproof case needs to be added.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a good starting point for underwater photography in natural light. It won't revolutionize your practice if you're a professional, but it offers perfectly respectable image quality for its segment. It's a reliable device, easy to use, and will allow you to capture wonderful memories of your dives. If you're looking for a compromise between performance and budget, this is a good choice. The key is to understand its limitations and leverage its strengths. And believe me, it has them.

You have your Samsung Galaxy S23 and you're ready to dive? That's perfect! To master underwater photography techniques in natural light, AquaExposure offers tailored training courses. Learn how to compose your images, manage the light, and post-process your RAW files for stunning results. Visit our learning platform to learn more: [Access a specialized course for smartphone and action camera photography](/en/blog/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.