Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra good for underwater photography?
Yes, it can be used in a Divevolk housing. The S25 Ultra receives a rating of 3.8/5 in our AquaExposure evaluation framework. Its ultra-wide-angle lens with a 3 cm focus, its 16-bit RAW capabilities via Expert RAW, and its full compatibility with the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max make it a robust system for natural light photography down to 60 meters.
What waterproof case should I choose for my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra when diving?
The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the reference model for the S25 Ultra. It allows for depths of up to 60 meters, offers full-screen touchscreen access via a gel membrane, and enables control of Expert RAW and all Pro modes from underwater. The GDome Mobile 2 is a more compact alternative for dives up to 30-40 meters.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra take photos in RAW format underwater?
Yes. Expert RAW (a free application available on the Galaxy Store) unlocks the 16-bit DNG RAW format and provides complete manual controls. For video, the native Pro Video mode offers Samsung Log (H.265) with white balance adjustment in Kelvin values.
What is the expected air consumption for a day of three dives using the S25 Ultra?
With a 5000 mAh battery and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (3 nm), the S25 Ultra can last for 3 dives of one hour each while actively shooting in RAW mode and with the screen on, providing a comfortable margin. Avoid repeated fast charging in cold water to preserve the Li-Ion cells over time.
Should an anti-fog treatment be used with this camera?
Yes, absolutely. Due to its housing (often made of aluminum) and heat dissipation through a vapor chamber, the risk of condensation in cold water (below 15°C) is significant. The use of an anti-fog treatment, such as a silica gel packet or insert, inside the housing is mandatory before each dive.
How can I quickly transfer my photos and videos from this device?
This device boasts excellent connectivity. With a wired connection, the USB 3.2 port allows you to transfer your gigabytes of RAW files or 4K videos to an external SSD or computer in just seconds. For wireless connectivity, using Quick Share is ideal for fast and stable transfers.
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Want to master your housing settings for your next dive? The AquaExposure training covers the hardware module from A to Z, including smartphone housings.
[Access the underwater photography training](/formation-photo-sous-marine).
There's a paradox often encountered in groups of underwater photographers.
People invest hundreds of euros in a housing, choose the right O-ring, carefully prepare their equipment, and then go underwater with a smartphone, often without truly understanding what the sensor is capable of.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra raises this question explicitly. It features a 200-megapixel main sensor, an ultra-wide lens with a focus distance of 3 centimeters, 16-bit RAW capabilities, and Samsung Log in video mode. On paper, this is a configuration that deserves to be evaluated with the same seriousness as a dedicated compact camera.
This test applies the AquaExposure evaluation framework, designed for natural light photography only. No artificial lighting is used- only the sensor, RAW capabilities, and thermal management are considered as responses to how the water affects the light. This guide aims to answer the question: Does the S25 Ultra live up to its promises when used in a housing, at a depth of 20 meters?
Overall Score: 3.8 / 5| Criterion | Score | What it means |
|---|---|---| | Optics & Sensor | 3.7/5 | Remarkable ultra-wide angle lens with a 3 cm close focus distance, shutter lag to watch out for. | | RAW & Color | 4.1/5 | Expert RAW 16-bit, Samsung Log, MotionCam Pro: a complete pipeline. | | Storage | 3.8/5 | Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2, no microSD slot, 1 TB available. | | Thermal Performance | 3.5/5 | Titanium housing, an advantage in warm water, be cautious in cold water. | | Battery | 3.0/5 | Standard 5000 mAh Li-Ion: 3 dives without stress, typical charging cycle. | | Autofocus | 4.0/5 | Multi-directional PDAF + AI + Focus Peaking, laser cannot be disabled. | | Housing | 5.0/5 | Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max: full touchscreen control, certified to 60 meters. |
This system is suitable for: An intermediate underwater photographer who wants a serious RAW pipeline without investing in a dedicated compact camera, in temperate to tropical waters.
This system is less ideal for: Very cold waters (increased risk of condensation) and situations where shutter speed is critical (fast-moving marine life in open water).
The Optics: What the Sensor Sees Underwater
3.7/5
The S25 Ultra features four modules. The one that changes the game for underwater photography is the ultra-wide angle lens: 50 megapixels, f/1.9 aperture, focus as close as 3 centimeters. This is the shortest macro focus distance for a 50 MP ultra-wide angle lens available on a smartphone to date.The main sensor (200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3 inch) remains the benchmark for wide-angle images in open water. Its size corresponds to our AquaExposure category of 1/1.2"-1/1.4", which is a good minimum for scenes in low light at depths of 15-20 meters.
The shutter trigger is a weak point. The latency in standard mode has been documented as problematic by several independent tests in 2025: a fast-moving subject may be out of the frame before the photo is actually taken. The Action Shot mode improves this, but the ISO increases as a result.
For more details Ultrawide sensor: 50 MP ISOCELL JN3, f/1.9, 1/2.4 inch, minimum focus distance 3 cm. Main sensor: 200 MP ISOCELL HP2, f/1.7, 1/1.3 inch, minimum focus distance 10 cm. 3x telephoto: 10 MP IMX754, f/2.4, minimum focus distance 18 cm. 5x periscope: 50 MP IMX854, f/3.4, minimum focus distance 24 cm. Optical image stabilization (OIS) on all modules plus hybrid digital stabilization. Shutter trigger latency was not measured in milliseconds in available publications. A score of 3 is applied by default for this criterion, with the note "not measured."
RAW and Color: A Strong Point of the S25 Ultra
4.1/5This is where the S25 Ultra clearly stands out from previous smartphones when housed in an underwater housing.
Expert RAW is a free application (available on the Galaxy Store) that unlocks 16-bit DNG RAW format, multi-image noise reduction, and complete manual controls over ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance.
In the native Pro Video mode, Samsung Log is available. The resulting image is flat, intended for color correction in post-production using software like DaVinci Resolve or Lightroom. Some users reported white balance instability in Log mode at launch, which has been partially corrected in firmware updates.
MotionCam Pro is available on Android GMS and offers a second alternative RAW video pipeline for those who want more control over compression.
For more details RAW format: 16-bit DNG via Expert RAW, 12-bit DNG in native Pro mode. Maximum video codec: H.265 Samsung Log (proprietary logarithmic profile). White balance: manual Kelvin adjustment in Pro Video, with artifacts reported on some firmware versions (currently being improved). Samsung's proprietary ISP, without certified partnerships with Zeiss, Leica, or Hasselblad. Color science: advanced proprietary calibration, recognized in photo tests but without a documented color profile for underwater photography.## Storage and Transfer: Managing Your Files Between Dives
3.8/5
The S25 Ultra does not accept external memory cards. This is the usual trade-off for Galaxy Ultra models since 2019. The benefit is that the USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connector allows for transfers to a portable SSD at real-world speeds exceeding 400 MB/s, without needing to go through a computer.
In RAW 16-bit (DNG Expert RAW) format, each image weighs between 50 and 80 MB, depending on the scene. During a one-hour dive with 300 active shots, expect to use 15 to 24 GB of storage. The 512 GB model can last a week of cruising without requiring daily transfers. The 256 GB model requires a transfer to an SSD each evening (approximately 15 minutes with USB 3.2 Gen 2).
A 1 TB model is available, which permanently eliminates this storage constraint.
Learn More USB 3.2 Gen 2 (theoretical 10 Gbps, real-world 400-800 MB/s depending on the SSD). OTG compatibility is confirmed: a USB-C to USB-C cable is sufficient to connect a portable SSD during surface intervals. No microSD or CFexpress slots are available. Available storage options are 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. For dive trips lasting more than 5 days, the 512 GB configuration is the minimum recommended when shooting in RAW format.
Thermal Performance: Condensation and Resistance
3.5/5The titanium frame of the S25 Ultra is a real advantage for diving. Titanium conducts heat much less effectively than aluminum, which reduces the temperature difference between the inside of the housing and the optical lens. In tropical waters (25°C or higher), the risk of condensation is limited.
In cold water (such as the Mediterranean in winter, the Atlantic, or dives at high altitudes), the temperature difference increases. The internal vapor chamber of the SoC can exacerbate this phenomenon: it transfers heat from the processor to the frame, creating a hot spot that contrasts with the cold air trapped inside the housing. A desiccant remains essential for every dive below 15°C.
For more details Titanium frame (low thermal conductivity) + internal vapor chamber to dissipate heat from the Snapdragon 8 Elite. IP68 rating (1.5 meters, 30 minutes) + Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass. No MIL-STD-810 certification is documented. Thermal score: 4/5 in tropical water, 3.5/5 overall, considering the risk of cold water. Pressure protection is provided by the Divevolk housing up to 60 meters.
The Battery: Autonomy for a day of diving
3.0/5The S25 Ultra features a standard 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery, without silicon-carbon technology. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (manufactured using a 3nm process) partially compensates for this with its energy efficiency. Under typical usage conditions (Expert RAW active, screen on via SeaTouch), a full day of 2 to 3 dives lasting one hour each does not pose an autonomy issue.
The limitation concerns long-term durability. Without published data from the manufacturer, the estimated lifespan of a standard Li-Ion battery is 300 to 500 cycles before a 20% loss of capacity. This is functional for 2-3 years of normal use, but significantly lower than the 1,000+ cycles advertised by silicon-carbon batteries that equip several direct competitors in 2025-2026.
For more information Capacity: 5,000 mAh. Chemistry: Standard Li-Ion (no silicon-carbon, unlike some competitors). Fast charging: 45W wired. Performance in cold water is not officially documented. Field recommendation: charge to a maximum of 80% for regular use to preserve the cells over time. Before each dive session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the power bank that is suitable for your housing and your desired autonomy.
Underwater Autofocus: PDAF, AI, and Laser
4.0/5The autofocus system combines multi-directional PDAF, AI-powered scene recognition, and a laser ToF sensor. Under normal diving conditions, with good visibility and a stationary or slow-moving subject, the autofocus is fast and reliable.
Focus peaking is available in Pro and Expert RAW modes, providing a visual confirmation of sharpness for subjects that allow time for focusing. In murky or particle-laden water, the ToF laser may lock onto suspended particles rather than the intended subject. Manual deactivation of the laser is not clearly documented in the current firmware.
No LiDAR (reserved for iPhone Pro models): physical distance measurements are not available on Android in 2025, which slightly disadvantages the S25 Ultra in low-visibility conditions.
For more information AF Technology: Multi-directional PDAF + Infrared Laser AF ToF + Scene AI. Laser ToF: present, manual deactivation not confirmed. Focus peaking: available in Pro and Expert RAW. Latency in standard mode is higher than that of the iPhone 16 Pro on fast-moving subjects (Android Authority tests, 2025). Action Shot mode: improves the capture of fast-moving subjects at the expense of increased ISO.
The Housing: Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max
5.0/5The S25 Ultra offers full compatibility with the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max, the current leading smartphone housing for diving. The gel membrane provides access to the entire touchscreen underwater, allowing you to navigate Expert RAW, change sensors, adjust the ISO between shots, all with gloved fingers, just like on the surface.
The certification goes down to 60 meters, which covers all recreational dives and a portion of technical dives using decompression stops. Wet lens ports are available (additional wide-angle, macro) to allow for more specialized photography.
The GDome Mobile 2 is a more compact alternative, compatible with the S25 Ultra, and certified for depths of 30-40 meters, featuring a dome port for split shots (half underwater, half surface).
Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max: A dedicated rigid housing, full-screen gel membrane, certified to 60 meters, with wet lens ports (wide-angle, macro). Approximate price: €299-€349 depending on configuration. GDome Mobile 2: A reinforced soft housing, suitable for depths of 30-40 meters, includes an optical dome, and is more compact. Distributors in Europe (French-speaking countries): Subchandlers, Diveavenue. To check the exact compatibility of your smartphone and compare usable volumes, be sure to check if the dimensions of your model fit within this housing.
What You Need to Know Before Buying
Field Workflow on a Dive Trip
In RAW 16-bit (DNG Expert RAW), each image weighs between 50 and 80 MB. During a one-hour dive with 300 shots, expect 15 to 24 GB of data. With a 512 GB storage capacity, you have enough space for 5 to 6 days of shooting without needing to transfer files. With 256 GB, you'll need to use a USB-C SSD each evening (15 minutes with USB 3.2 Gen 2).
The Samsung Ocean Mode, activated via Expert RAW, adds a layer of automatic color correction optimized for underwater conditions. In clear, well-lit water, it reduces the amount of work required in post-production. To understand its limitations at different depths, see our article Samsung Ocean Mode: Is it really useful underwater?.
Current Prices (July 2026)New: €821 (256 GB) - Source: Amazon.fr, data as of July 2026
Used from Back Market: starting at €701 (Premium grade, 256 GB) - Source: Back Market France, data as of July 2026
Condensation in Cold Water
The internal vapor chamber transfers heat from the processor to the titanium housing. In very cold water (below 15°C), this thermal flow can create a slight differential with the cold air trapped in the housing. Changing the desiccant with each dive remains the rule, regardless of the water temperature.
The ToF Laser and Murky Waters
In green or turbid water, the infrared ToF sensor can be affected by suspended particles. Manual focus adjustment using Focus Peaking then becomes the recommended method for portraits of slow-moving fish or posed subjects. See our comparison of smartphones for underwater photography in 2026 to see how the S25 Ultra compares to the Pixel 10 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro in this regard.
Our Verdict
The S25 Ultra is not the best smartphone for everyone in diving.
It lacks the LiDAR of the iPhone Pro, its Li-Ion battery is more conventional than several competitors from 2025, and its shutter button has a reputation for latency that can cause you to miss a fast-moving subject in standard mode.But for a diver who wants a serious 16-bit RAW pipeline, macro focusing at 3 centimeters on an ultra-wide lens, and access to MotionCam Pro on Android within a Divevolk housing at 60 meters, this is one of the most complete systems on the market right now.
If you're going on a cruise in Egypt or the Maldives with an S25 Ultra in a SeaTouch 4 Max housing, you'll capture some beautiful images. If you regularly dive in the Atlantic in water temperatures below 12°C, check out our comparison of underwater smartphones for 2026 before making a decision.
