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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for underwater photography- our 2026 review.
Table of Contents
  • 01Introduction
  • 02The Verdict: Summary
  • 03Analysis Section by Section
  • 04B1. Optics: Remarkable Versatility The key factor underwater is the ability to capture light. The S24 Ultra's main sensor performs remarkably well. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing ambiance and wrecks. Telephoto lenses are less useful underwater due to the loss of sharpness associated with distance, but the 3x zoom is helpful for turtle portraits.
  • 05B2. RAW Format: Flexibility Above All Shooting in JPEG underwater is a mistake. The S24 Ultra excels thanks to its Expert RAW application. The generated DNG files contain a wealth of information. This is crucial for bringing back reds and oranges during post-processing. The sensor's dynamic range handles backlight towards the surface well.
  • 06B4. Thermal Management: Titanium Does the Job Phones can overheat in underwater housings. The S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This combination effectively manages heat. I didn't experience any thermal throttling during my dives, even in water temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius. Still, keep it shaded on the boat.
  • 07B5. Battery: Proven Endurance Keeping the screen constantly illuminated at maximum brightness drains the battery quickly. With its 5000 mAh capacity, the S24 Ultra holds up well. You can complete your three dives of the day without needing to find a power outlet. Just remember to lower the brightness during safety stops or when you're not taking photos.
  • 08B7. Underwater Housing: The rational choice You can't put this phone in just any housing. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the standard. Be careful, for the S24 Ultra, you absolutely need the Platinum version. It is designed to fit the size of the lenses and allows you to use the touchscreen underwater with impressive fluidity.
  • 09What you need to know before buying
  • 010The right housing Don't look for cheap alternatives. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum is the only one that gives you full access to the touchscreen. This is essential for using Expert RAW and adjusting your settings underwater.
  • 011On-site workflow The workflow is smooth. You come out of the water, rinse the housing, and take out the phone. With USB 3.2, backing up to an SSD takes a few minutes. You can start editing your photos in Lightroom Mobile directly on the large screen of the phone during the return trip.### Important Considerations Titanium dissipates heat well, but direct sunlight remains your enemy. Never leave your housing in full sun on the boat deck. Cover it with a damp towel.
  • 012The Price This is a significant investment. The phone plus the Platinum housing represent a substantial budget. However, you have a complete production tool in your pocket.
  • 013Our Verdict The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse for underwater photography in natural light. Its main sensor and the Expert RAW app offer image quality that rivals good dedicated compact cameras. Thermal management is excellent, and battery life is reassuring. If you have the budget and are willing to spend time on post-processing, this is an outstanding choice. You will not be disappointed with the results.
  • 014Learning Underwater Photography with This Smartphone Having a good phone is not enough to take beautiful photos. You need to understand light, how to approach animals, and post-processing. I have created specific training programs to help you master underwater photography in natural light. Join us at AquaExposure to discover our courses and transform your images. [AquaExposure Training](/lms)
Gear 6 minBenjamin Coste

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for underwater photography- our 2026 review.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra underwater camera test- natural light. AquaExposure score- verdict- available housings. Read before you buy.

Introduction

You've seen the Samsung ads. The S24 Ultra is presented as the king of terrestrial photography. But underwater, reality is different. Water absorbs colors, reduces contrast, and pushes sensors to their limits. I took this phone below the surface to see what it really has to offer. No marketing hype, just real-world performance. When you're at 20 meters deep with a grouper looking at you, you don't have time to struggle with complicated menus. You need a device that reacts quickly and handles variations in light. The S24 Ultra promises a lot with its titanium frame and multiple lenses. But is that enough to capture beautiful images in natural light? Let's find out right away.

The Verdict: Summary

Overall Score: 4.5/5

CriterionScoreComment
B1. Optics4.5/5Excellent sharpness on the main sensor.
B2. RAW5/5Expert RAW does wonders.
B3. Storage4.5/5USB 3.2 at 10 Gbps, ultra-fast transfer speeds.
B4. Thermal Performance4/5The titanium dissipates heat well, but be careful of the sun on the boat.
B5. Battery4.5/5Solid performance for a full day of diving.
B6. Autofocus4/5Fast, sometimes hesitant with particles in suspension.
B7. Housing4.5/5Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum is essential.Ideal User Profile: The discerning diver who wants the quality of an expert compact camera without the bulk, and who is willing to spend time in Lightroom to enhance their RAW files.

Analysis Section by Section

B1. Optics: Remarkable Versatility The key factor underwater is the ability to capture light. The S24 Ultra's main sensor performs remarkably well. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing ambiance and wrecks. Telephoto lenses are less useful underwater due to the loss of sharpness associated with distance, but the 3x zoom is helpful for turtle portraits.

Learn More Main sensor: 200 MP (f/1.7). Ultra-wide lens: 12 MP (f/2.2). Telephoto lenses: 10 MP (3x) and 50 MP (5x).

B2. RAW Format: Flexibility Above All Shooting in JPEG underwater is a mistake. The S24 Ultra excels thanks to its Expert RAW application. The generated DNG files contain a wealth of information. This is crucial for bringing back reds and oranges during post-processing. The sensor's dynamic range handles backlight towards the surface well.

Learn More 16-bit DNG files via Expert RAW. Integrated color profiles for Lightroom.### B3. Storage: Speed and Efficiency When you return from a dive, you want to quickly transfer the photos and videos from your phone. The USB 3.2 port at 10 Gbps makes a huge difference. Transfers to an external SSD are incredibly fast. If you prefer wireless connectivity, Quick Share is very effective for sending your images to a tablet or computer.

Learn More USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) connectivity. Wi-Fi 7. Native Quick Share.

B4. Thermal Management: Titanium Does the Job Phones can overheat in underwater housings. The S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This combination effectively manages heat. I didn't experience any thermal throttling during my dives, even in water temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius. Still, keep it shaded on the boat.

Learn More Titanium frame. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy SoC. Enlarged vapor chamber.

B5. Battery: Proven Endurance Keeping the screen constantly illuminated at maximum brightness drains the battery quickly. With its 5000 mAh capacity, the S24 Ultra holds up well. You can complete your three dives of the day without needing to find a power outlet. Just remember to lower the brightness during safety stops or when you're not taking photos.

Learn More 5000 mAh battery. 45W fast charging.

Before each dive session, be sure to check your external battery pack. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the power bank that's right for your housing and your desired battery life.### B6. Autofocus: Fast but improvable The autofocus is quick. It locks onto moving subjects well. However, like many smartphones, it can be distracted by particles suspended in the water. Tapping on the screen allows you to force the focus where you want it.

Learn more Multi-directional phase detection autofocus. Laser AF.

B7. Underwater Housing: The rational choice You can't put this phone in just any housing. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the standard. Be careful, for the S24 Ultra, you absolutely need the Platinum version. It is designed to fit the size of the lenses and allows you to use the touchscreen underwater with impressive fluidity.

Learn more Compatibility with Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum. Patented touch membrane.

What you need to know before buying

The right housing Don't look for cheap alternatives. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum is the only one that gives you full access to the touchscreen. This is essential for using Expert RAW and adjusting your settings underwater.

On-site workflow The workflow is smooth. You come out of the water, rinse the housing, and take out the phone. With USB 3.2, backing up to an SSD takes a few minutes. You can start editing your photos in Lightroom Mobile directly on the large screen of the phone during the return trip.### Important Considerations Titanium dissipates heat well, but direct sunlight remains your enemy. Never leave your housing in full sun on the boat deck. Cover it with a damp towel.

The Price This is a significant investment. The phone plus the Platinum housing represent a substantial budget. However, you have a complete production tool in your pocket.

Our Verdict The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse for underwater photography in natural light. Its main sensor and the Expert RAW app offer image quality that rivals good dedicated compact cameras. Thermal management is excellent, and battery life is reassuring. If you have the budget and are willing to spend time on post-processing, this is an outstanding choice. You will not be disappointed with the results.

Learning Underwater Photography with This Smartphone Having a good phone is not enough to take beautiful photos. You need to understand light, how to approach animals, and post-processing. I have created specific training programs to help you master underwater photography in natural light. Join us at AquaExposure to discover our courses and transform your images. AquaExposure Training

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Smartphone Overheating and Condensation in an Underwater Housing.

---## Compare this camera with others

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

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Table of Contents

  • 01Introduction
  • 02The Verdict: Summary
  • 03Analysis Section by Section
  • 04B1. Optics: Remarkable Versatility The key factor underwater is the ability to capture light. The S24 Ultra's main sensor performs remarkably well. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing ambiance and wrecks. Telephoto lenses are less useful underwater due to the loss of sharpness associated with distance, but the 3x zoom is helpful for turtle portraits.
  • 05B2. RAW Format: Flexibility Above All Shooting in JPEG underwater is a mistake. The S24 Ultra excels thanks to its Expert RAW application. The generated DNG files contain a wealth of information. This is crucial for bringing back reds and oranges during post-processing. The sensor's dynamic range handles backlight towards the surface well.
  • 06B4. Thermal Management: Titanium Does the Job Phones can overheat in underwater housings. The S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This combination effectively manages heat. I didn't experience any thermal throttling during my dives, even in water temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius. Still, keep it shaded on the boat.
  • 07B5. Battery: Proven Endurance Keeping the screen constantly illuminated at maximum brightness drains the battery quickly. With its 5000 mAh capacity, the S24 Ultra holds up well. You can complete your three dives of the day without needing to find a power outlet. Just remember to lower the brightness during safety stops or when you're not taking photos.
  • 08B7. Underwater Housing: The rational choice You can't put this phone in just any housing. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is the standard. Be careful, for the S24 Ultra, you absolutely need the Platinum version. It is designed to fit the size of the lenses and allows you to use the touchscreen underwater with impressive fluidity.
  • 09What you need to know before buying
  • 10The right housing Don't look for cheap alternatives. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum is the only one that gives you full access to the touchscreen. This is essential for using Expert RAW and adjusting your settings underwater.
  • 11On-site workflow The workflow is smooth. You come out of the water, rinse the housing, and take out the phone. With USB 3.2, backing up to an SSD takes a few minutes. You can start editing your photos in Lightroom Mobile directly on the large screen of the phone during the return trip.### Important Considerations Titanium dissipates heat well, but direct sunlight remains your enemy. Never leave your housing in full sun on the boat deck. Cover it with a damp towel.
  • 12The Price This is a significant investment. The phone plus the Platinum housing represent a substantial budget. However, you have a complete production tool in your pocket.
  • 13Our Verdict The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse for underwater photography in natural light. Its main sensor and the Expert RAW app offer image quality that rivals good dedicated compact cameras. Thermal management is excellent, and battery life is reassuring. If you have the budget and are willing to spend time on post-processing, this is an outstanding choice. You will not be disappointed with the results.
  • 14Learning Underwater Photography with This Smartphone Having a good phone is not enough to take beautiful photos. You need to understand light, how to approach animals, and post-processing. I have created specific training programs to help you master underwater photography in natural light. Join us at AquaExposure to discover our courses and transform your images. [AquaExposure Training](/lms)

Questions about the Journal

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra suitable for underwater photography?

Yes, it is an excellent choice. Its main sensor captures a lot of light, and the Expert RAW application offers great flexibility for correcting colors underwater.

What waterproof case is suitable for a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra when diving?

The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max, in its Platinum version, is the best choice. It allows you to use the touchscreen underwater and access all settings.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra shoot in RAW format while underwater?

Absolutely. The Expert RAW application allows you to shoot in DNG format. This is the key factor for recovering red tones and contrast during post-processing.

What is the battery life for a day of diving with three dives using a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

With its 5000 mAh battery and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it easily lasts for three dives if you manage the screen brightness effectively between dives.

Should an anti-fog treatment be used with this device?

Although this model has a housing that is less prone to condensation than all-aluminum models, temperature differences underwater remain a factor. An anti-fog treatment (silica packet or insert) is strongly recommended as a precaution before each dive.

How can I quickly transfer my photos and videos from this device?

This device features a fast USB-C port (USB 3.0 or 3.2). You can transfer large RAW files or video clips in just seconds (100 to 800 MB/s) directly to an external, compatible SSD or computer.