Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for Underwater Photography: Our 2026 Review

When discussing underwater photography with a smartphone, many people wonder about its limitations. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra arrives with impressive specifications on paper. But what's it like underwater? We took it diving with us, using natural light, to see what it truly offers. No frills, just the facts. We are looking for performance, reliability, and most importantly, the ability to capture beautiful images without unnecessary hassle. The smartphone market is constantly evolving. What was impossible yesterday becomes standard today. Let's see if the S23 Ultra meets our expectations for underwater exploration.

Overall Score: 3.8/5

B1 Optics - The Window to the Underwater World

The main sensor of the S23 Ultra performs very well. It captures light effectively, which is crucial for natural diving environments. Details are present, and colors are accurate. However, the other lenses – ultra-wide angle, telephoto – are less useful underwater. Image quality degrades quickly with depth and distance. Focus on the main sensor. That's what will make the difference.

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

B2 RAW - The Raw Material of the Image

The S23 Ultra offers the Expert RAW format. This is a significant feature for photographers. You have complete freedom to work on your images after the dive. Correct white balance, recover details in shadows, adjust exposure. RAW provides creative freedom. Without it, you are limited by the phone's automatic processing. This is what matters for professional-quality results.To delve deeper: The RAW Expert feature on the S23 Ultra provides DNG files with a 12-bit color depth. This offers a rich foundation for editing. The S25 and S25+ models lack native log recording, which makes them less versatile for advanced post-production.

B3 Storage - Memory for Your Dives

The S23 Ultra uses USB 3.2 (5 Gbps) for data transfer. This is acceptable. It's sufficient for transferring a memory card after a day of diving. However, it's not as fast as the S26 Ultra or the S24 Ultra, which use USB 3.2 (10 Gbps). Wireless file transfer via Quick Share is very efficient. It's a good alternative for smaller files. But for large RAW files, a cable remains more reliable.

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

B4 Thermal Management - Heat Dissipation Underwater

The S23 Ultra's chassis is made of aluminum. This is something to be aware of. Aluminum, underwater, can promote condensation inside the housing. Especially if the water is cold and the phone generates heat. This is a risk that needs to be considered. The S26 Ultra and the S24 Ultra, with their titanium chassis, handle this issue better. Pay close attention to the preparation of your housing. This is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises.To learn more: The S23 Ultra, like the S23, uses an aluminum frame. This can create a thermal bridge with humid air trapped inside the housing. Titanium models offer better thermal insulation and reduce this risk.

B5 Battery - Your Companion's Endurance

The battery in the S23 Ultra is robust. You can potentially get through a day of three dives with good management. However, heat buildup, related to the aluminum frame, can affect battery life. This is especially true if you are filming extensively in 4K. Plan to have an external battery for recharging between dives. It's a habit worth developing. Never go on an adventure without a backup plan for power.

To learn more: The S23 Ultra is equipped with a high-capacity battery. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is optimized for energy efficiency. However, the underwater environment and intensive use can heavily strain the battery.

Before each dive session, be sure to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose a power bank that is suitable for your housing and your desired battery life.

B6 Autofocus - Capturing the Sharpness of the MomentThe autofocus on the S23 Ultra is fast at the surface. Underwater, in natural light, it can sometimes hesitate. This is especially true 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 settings. Your eye remains the best autofocus system.

For more information: 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 Housing - Protecting Your Camera

The housing is a crucial 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 you 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 waterproofing and increased compatibility with the dimensions of newer devices.

Available HousingsThe choice of underwater housing is the key issue. For the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is a top option. 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 choice for beginners.

Field Workflow

Your workflow should be well-established. Before each dive, check the housing for watertightness. Clean the lens. Set your phone to airplane mode to conserve battery power. Underwater, prioritize RAW Expert mode. Take your time to compose shots. Avoid taking rapid bursts of photos. After the dive, rinse the housing with fresh water. Dry it thoroughly. Transfer your photos quickly. This routine will save you from many problems.

Important Considerations

The aluminum frame of the S23 Ultra is a potential point of concern for condensation. Prepare your housing with desiccant packets. Monitor the phone's temperature. If you are filming extensively, take breaks. The autofocus can be unreliable in low light conditions. Learn how to manage it. This comes down to experience. Don't be caught off guard.

PriceThe Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end smartphone. Its price reflects this. The cost of a good underwater housing adds to that. It's an investment. However, the quality of the images and the versatility of the device can justify the expense. Consider resale value. A well-maintained device retains its worth. This is something to keep in mind.

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 advantage. The optical quality is excellent. Potential issues include condensation and autofocus performance. However, with a good housing and proper preparation, you can capture stunning images. I recommend this device 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 key point.

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-processing techniques. Visit AquaExposure training to discover our courses. It's time to level up your skills.To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and Condensation of Smartphones in Underwater Housings.

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