Samsung Galaxy S24 underwater photography test: our rating for 2026.

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The Samsung Galaxy S24 was released in early 2024. In July 2026, this entry-level flagship phone will be available as a refurbished device for between €280 and €330, sometimes even less, on French online marketplaces.

This is the time when a smartphone becomes an attractive option for divers who want to get into underwater photography without breaking the bank.

The question deserves to be asked honestly. The base S24 is not the S24 Ultra. It doesn't have the same sensor, the same USB connector, or the same battery. But it does have Expert RAW, Android with Google Services (GMS), Samsung Ocean Mode, and an IP68 certification. This is a real starting point, not just a gimmick.

This test applies the AquaExposure evaluation grid, designed for photography in natural light only. No artificial lighting is allowed. What we are evaluating here is: can the base S24, inside a Divevolk housing, produce usable images at depths of 15 to 20 meters in 2026?

To understand how this device fits into the broader landscape, see our comparison of smartphones for underwater photography in 2026.

Designed for: - Recreational divers on a tight budget who want to enter the underwater RAW world. - Purchasing refurbished equipment combined with a used Divevolk housing. - Dives in clear, shallow water (less than 15m) in good lighting conditions.

Not ideal for: - Multi-day dive cruises involving intensive RAW shooting (USB 2.0 is a limitation, battery life is limited) - Photographers who need to quickly retrieve their files between dives - Those who are considering the S24 Plus or Ultra: the difference justifies the extra cost.

The base S24 features three sensors. The main sensor is a 50 MP wide-angle camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor, an f/1.8 aperture, and optical stabilization. This is a significantly smaller light-collecting area compared to the S24 Ultra (1/1.3 inch) or the S25 Ultra (also 1/1.3 inch). In low-light underwater conditions, this difference directly translates into noise starting from around 15 meters.

The ultra-wide-angle lens (12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55 inch) does not have a native macro mode. The 3x telephoto lens is 10MP, 1/3.52 inch, and f/2.4. For natural light underwater photography, the main wide-angle lens and the ultra-wide-angle lens are the two modules that are actually useful.

The result is decent for an entry-level flagship released in 2024. It's not better than several current mid-range phones in terms of raw sensor quality. This is the compromise accepted with this model.

The main 1/1.56 inch sensor places the basic S24 in our "entry-level" category of the AquaExposure rating system. For scenes at depths of 10-15 meters in bright light, the results are acceptable. Below 15 meters or with a visor.

Reduced maneuverability, and the lack of space is noticeable. A score of 3.0/5 has been applied.

B2a - Expert RAW: 3.5/5

Expert RAW is available on the base Galaxy S24 through the Galaxy Store (free application). It unlocks the RAW DNG format with full manual controls over ISO, shutter speed, white balance in Kelvin, and focus. The bit depth of the DNG files varies depending on the mode: the standard native RAW format is 12 bits on this model, not 16 bits as on the Ultra.

It can be edited in Lightroom and Darktable, with a reasonable latitude for correction. Manual white balance adjustment using Kelvin is the key tool when shooting underwater: it allows you to fix the color compensation of a scene and prevent the system from recalculating between shots.

With Expert RAW on the base S24 model, the maximum RAW DNG resolution is 12 bits. This is lower than the 16-bit DNG offered by the Ultra model, but it's still usable for natural light photography up to a distance of 15-20 meters. The important thing is to enable manual white balance before using an underwater housing.

B2b - MotionCam Pro (Android GMS): 4.5/5

The basic S24 runs on Android with the full suite of Google Mobile Services (GMS). MotionCam Pro is available without restrictions. This application produces video RAW files that can be used with complete manual control over exposure, white balance, and focus.

This is one of the key strengths of the Samsung Android ecosystem for underwater photography. An iPhone, a Huawei device, or a model without GMS cannot replicate this workflow.

Inside a Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus housing, the touch-sensitive gel membrane allows access to all MotionCam Pro controls from underwater. The workflow functions exactly as it does on the surface.

B2c - Samsung ISP Color Processing: 3.0/5

The ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the base S24 is proprietary and does not have any certified optical partnerships (no Zeiss, no Leica). The automatic JPEG rendering tends to over-process scenes, with excessive saturation and contrast that can make it difficult to edit underwater blues and greens.

In RAW format, this bias can be overcome. However, it requires knowledge of what to do in post-processing. For a beginner who doesn't edit their files, the automatic JPEGs taken underwater might seem appealing on the surface but less convincing at greater depths.

Samsung Ocean Mode (available via Expert RAW) adds a layer of color correction specifically designed for underwater environments. In clear and well-lit water, it simplifies post-processing. Its limitations based on depth are detailed in our article Samsung Ocean Mode: really useful underwater?

This is the most significant drawback of the base S24 for intensive underwater photography use. The USB-C connector is version 2.0, not 3.x. In practice, data transfers to a portable SSD are limited to approximately 40-60 MB/s instead of the 400-800 MB/s available on the S24 Ultra.

Concrete consequence: 10 GB of RAW files (a typical amount) take approximately 3 to 4 minutes to transfer instead of just a few seconds. On a diving trip with three dives per day, this quickly becomes a bottleneck.

The internal storage is UFS 3.1 (for fast read speeds), but the bottleneck is the USB connector. There is no microSD card slot. It is available in 128 GB or 256 GB depending on the market.

For a day of two RAW dives, the 128GB version is sufficient if you transfer the files each evening. For a 5-day cruise, the 256GB version is recommended to avoid daily transfers imposed by the slow USB 2.0 connection.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 depending on the region) offers decent power efficiency for its generation. The frame is made of aluminum with a back panel made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and it lacks the oversized vapor chamber found in the S24 Ultra.

Under normal underwater photography conditions (RAW format, screen active through the housing, one-hour sessions), thermal issues are not a problem. Inside a housing, the surrounding water provides effective passive cooling.

The limitation concerns very long video recording sessions in extended 4K mode, where accumulated heat can force a reduction in performance. For still photography (not video), this issue remains theoretical.

[!WARNING] Silica gel: mandatory in cold water. The aluminum frame of the S24 is conductive. In water below 15°C, a bag of silica gel inside the housing is essential to prevent internal condensation.

Tropical Overheating: Without the heavy 4K Log profile and with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that is less demanding than the Elite version, the S24 can operate for approximately 30 minutes of continuous underwater recording at 28°C before thermal throttling occurs. There are no risks when it comes to photography.

In cold water (below 15°C), the risk of overheating is nonexistent within the enclosure. It is on the surface, during post-dive procedures using the device, that the Snapdragon processor may show its limitations when performing large data transfers.

The 4000 mAh battery is the smallest of the three S24 models (the Plus has 4900 mAh, and the Ultra has 5000 mAh). With the 25W charging, a full recharge takes approximately 65 to 70 minutes.

Under heavy photographic use (RAW format, screen continuously active while in the housing), two one-hour dives are possible without needing to recharge, but with a reduced margin. For a day of three dives, a recharge between the second and third dive is likely necessary depending on the conditions.

In cold water (below 10°C), Li-Ion batteries temporarily lose some of their displayed capacity. This is a normal physical behavior, not a specific defect of the S24. However, with only 4000 mAh, the margin is tighter than with the Ultra.

Ensure a full battery charge the night before each diving day. If the program includes more than two dives, an external battery for the midday break is a useful precaution.

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 Samsung Pro Visual Engine in the S24 combines Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and a laser autofocus sensor. Subject tracking is fast on scenes with high contrast. AI-powered scene detection automatically adjusts settings based on the context.

When underwater, the autofocus (AF) laser can be affected by particles suspended in murky water, as with all laser systems. Manual focusing using Expert RAW or MotionCam Pro remains the recommended method for stationary or slow-moving subjects in turbid water.

Focus peaking is not available in the native Samsung camera app. You need to use Expert RAW or a third-party app to get this visual aid for focusing.

In clear water with a cooperative subject, the Pro Visual AF of the S24 is reliable and fast. In murky water, manual focus locking before triggering remains the standard procedure.

There are no dedicated housings available from specialized diving equipment manufacturers for the basic Samsung Galaxy S24 (no Ikelite, no Nauticam, and no SeaFrogs specifically designed for the standard S24).

The natural solution is the universal Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus housing, certified up to 60 meters, with a full-screen gel membrane. The S24's format (6.2 inches) fits within the universal dimensions of the SeaTouch. Expert RAW, MotionCam Pro, and Samsung Ocean Mode are fully accessible through the touch membrane.

To compare the available underwater housing options based on your budget and needs, see our guide to waterproof housings for smartphones.

When purchasing the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus, ensure that the internal bracket is correctly sized for the standard S24 (6.2 inches). Make sure this adjustment is made before your first dive.

The Enclosure

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus is the leading solution for this format in 2026. Compatible with many Android smartphones of a similar size, it represents an investment of €300 to €350, which can exceed the price of a refurbished S24 itself.

This is the economic reality of underwater smartphones: the casing lasts longer than the phone itself.

The Post-Dive Workflow

The DNG files from the S24 can be imported directly into Lightroom (desktop or mobile) and Darktable. The Samsung color profile in RAW format at 12 bits is easier to demosaic cleanly than native JPEGs, but it offers less dynamic range than a 16-bit DNG file.

For MotionCam Pro files (raw video), processing is done either within the dedicated application or by exporting frames individually as DNG files for individual editing.

The most important aspect of the basic S24 workflow is the USB 2.0 transfer. If you have a large number of files, it's best to plug in the cable overnight rather than between dives.

Current Prices (July 2026)

New: - Starting from 499 euros (128 GB) on Amazon.fr and Fnac (prices checked in July 2026, availability may vary). - Launch price in January 2024: 899 euros.

Refurbished / Used: - Back Market France (July 2026): starting from €280 (good condition) / approximately €320 (very good condition / perfect condition), 12-month warranty. - Idealo.fr - used: starting from €260 (July 2026).

Sources consulted on July 1, 2026: backmarket.fr, idealo.fr, amazon.fr. Prices are indicative and may vary.

The "value for money" angle: The real selling point of the S24 in 2026.

A refurbished Samsung flagship phone from 2024 for around €290 is a difficult offer to ignore for someone who wants to get into underwater photography without paying the price of a current model.

Expert RAW is available. MotionCam Pro is available. Samsung Ocean Mode is available. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus is compatible.

The limitations are real: USB 2.0, 4000 mAh battery, and a 1/1.56-inch main sensor. However, for a recreational diver who makes two dives per day in warm, clear water, these limitations don't necessarily result in missed shots.

The refurbished S24 wetsuit (290 euros) plus the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus (320 euros) provides a complete setup for less than 620 euros. This is the most affordable entry point into RAW underwater photography with an Android smartphone in 2026.

The basic Samsung Galaxy S24 received a score of 3.2/5 in our underwater photography test under natural light.

This score reflects a decent device, but not exceptional. Expert RAW and MotionCam Pro help to salvage much of the evaluation. The main sensor at 1/1.56 inches and the USB 2.0 connector limit its potential.

In July 2026, it might not be the best choice if your budget allows for the S24 Plus or the S24 Ultra. The sensor upgrade and the USB 3.2 on the Ultra significantly improve the overall experience.

But if the budget is truly limited and the intended use is recreational diving in clear, well-lit water, the refurbished S24, priced around €290, fulfills its purpose. It doesn't replace a dedicated device. However, it allows you to capture RAW images that can be used underwater, which remains the most important aspect.

To compare the S24 with its alternatives in this price range in 2026, our comparison of smartphones for underwater photography in 2026 details the trade-offs.

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.

The quality of the smartphone only goes so far. Natural light underwater has its own rules: angles of incidence, absorption of wavelengths, and real-time interpretation of conditions.

These techniques can be learned. And they transform any device, even a basic S24, into a serious creative tool.

Discover the underwater photography course using natural light on aquaexposure.com