Test Samsung Galaxy S26: Underwater Photography Review and 2026 Score

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There's a question I've been receiving more and more frequently since the beginning of the year: Is the Galaxy S26 worth it for underwater photography?

The release of the S26 in early 2026 coincides with the introduction of a new feature from Samsung, called Ocean Mode. The brand presents this as a color correction designed specifically for marine environments. It's a genuine innovation. However, it's a software-based solution, not an underwater housing. And the confusion between the two is costly for those who dive with their phones without adequate protection.

This review focuses on the standard Galaxy S26 (not the Ultra) in natural light photography, using a Divevolk underwater housing, and utilizing Expert RAW and MotionCam Pro. To understand where the S26 stands among the smartphones tested this year, you can consult the complete comparison of underwater photo smartphones 2026. And for everything we know about Ocean Mode, a dedicated article is available: Samsung Ocean Mode: what it really is.

The overall score is calculated based on 7 criteria, weighted according to their actual impact on image quality underwater.

|---|---|---|---| | B1 Optics | 20% | 3.5/5 | 1/1.56" sensor, f/1.8 aperture, good in natural light | | B2 RAW / Colorimetry | 25% | 4.0/5 | Expert RAW 16-bit + MotionCam Pro, generic color science | | B3 Storage | 15% | 3.5/5 | UFS 4.0, USB 3.2, no microSD card slot | | B4 Thermal Management | 15% | 4.0/5 | Vapor Chamber, stable Snapdragon processor | | B5 Battery | 10% | 3.0/5 | 4300 mAh, standard Li-Ion battery | | B6 Autofocus | 10% | 3.5/5 | Dual Pixel PDAF, native focus peaking | | B7 Housing | 5% | 3.0/5 | Universal Divevolk housing, no dedicated housing | | | | | A good smartphone, solid but not exceptional |

Ideal for: Divers who want usable DNG files in natural light, who dive regularly and want a complete RAW workflow without investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Not ideal for: Depths exceeding 20 meters where light is scarce, very fast-moving subjects (pelagic sharks, dolphins), photographers who already own an S26 Ultra or an iPhone 17 Pro in a housing.

The main sensor of the standard Galaxy S26 is 1/1.56 inches with 50 MP, and has an aperture of f/1.8. This is noticeably smaller than the Ultra model (1/1.3 inch, f/1.4), but still sufficient for natural light photography between 5 and 15 meters. The ultra-wide angle lens (12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55 inch sensor) remains the least interesting option underwater due to its aperture and sensor size.The 3x telephoto lens (10 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.94 inch) is useful for subjects at a distance, such as nudibranchs or anemones, but becomes unusable when the light level decreases. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is present on both the main and telephoto lenses, which helps with still images. The lack of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), a technology found in some competitors, is noticeable in video footage while drifting.

Underwater, the S26's 1/1.56 inch sensor performs well up to 12-15 meters in bright light. Beyond this depth, noise increases and dynamic range decreases. Stay within the illuminated area and you will get clean images.

This is a strong point of the S26 when used underwater. Expert RAW, the dedicated Samsung application available on the Galaxy Store, produces 16-bit DNG files in multi-frame computational mode. This is rare on Android devices and makes a significant difference during post-processing when recovering colors absorbed by water.

MotionCam Pro (Android with GMS) works perfectly on One UI 8.5 and adds a layer of RAW video control that Samsung does not offer natively. For video, this is the application to prioritize. The lockable white balance in Kelvin within the native Video Pro mode is also a useful tool for maintaining consistency between clips.The limitation comes from the color science. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ISP (or Exynos 2600, depending on the market) is not paired with an optical partnership like Leica (Xiaomi) or Zeiss (Sony). The Ocean Mode is interesting but remains an algorithmic scene correction, not a true Log profile. For genuine RAW video log footage, you need to use a third-party app.

If you export in DNG format from Expert RAW and then open the image in Lightroom with a custom white balance, the result is surprising. The latitude for color correction is real. This is where the S26 distinguishes itself from smartphones that only offer processed JPEG files.

The base Galaxy S26 model is available in 128, 256, and 512 GB configurations. There is no microSD card slot- this has been a permanent feature of Samsung devices for several generations. In practice, a 60-minute dive using Expert RAW at 16-bit will fill approximately 8 to 15 GB depending on the number of photos taken. Plan for the 256 GB model if you dive regularly.

The internal UFS 4.0 storage chip offers theoretical read speeds around 4000 MB/s. When transferring files via USB-C 3.2 to a Mac or PC, you will achieve approximately 800 to 1000 MB/s if your cable and host port are compatible with 10 Gbps. This is fast enough to transfer the footage from a dive in just a few minutes.

No microSD card: plan your storage needs before traveling. A 512 GB model permanently solves this issue. A 128 GB model will force you to sort through photos after each dive.## B4 Thermique (4.0/5)

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or Exynos 2600 on some European markets) is paired with a larger vapor chamber compared to the S25 generation. The Armor Aluminum 2 frame dissipates heat better than plastic materials. In practice, according to Notebookcheck tests, the phone handles extended 4K video recording sessions without significant throttling.

For diving, thermal management presents a less obvious issue: a warm phone submerged in cold water generates condensation inside the housing. Allowing the phone to cool for a few minutes before closing the housing remains a good habit, regardless of the model.

[!WARNING] Silica gel: mandatory. The aluminum frame is conductive - using silica gel packets before each dive is non-negotiable, especially in cold water. The critical moment is when closing the housing: if the phone is still warm and the surrounding air is humid, condensation will occur immediately.

Tropical overheating: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 manages heat better than the Apple chip in ProRes mode. In water at 28°C, software-based overheating occurs after approximately 28 minutes of continuous 4K Log recording. This provides a comfortable margin for clips of 3 to 5 minutes.

The S26 handles heat well on the surface. Underwater, cold water naturally cools it. The real concern is the moment of closing the housing, not the dive itself.## B5 Battery (3.0/5)

The basic S26 battery has a capacity of 4300 mAh, which is 700 mAh less than the Ultra version (5000 mAh). Samsung certifies 1200 charge cycles according to the EU Label, which is acceptable. The battery chemistry remains standard Li-Ion, without silicon-carbon or semi-solid batteries like those found in some Chinese competitors.

In cold water (below 10°C, typical of lakes or quarries at altitude), the voltage of a Li-Ion cell mechanically decreases. Overall battery life tests at room temperature show a 12% improvement compared to the S25 Ultra, but this margin is significantly reduced in cold water. For two dives per day, plan to bring a charger on board the boat.

A 60-minute dive in Expert RAW mode with the screen active and continuous autofocus consumes approximately 20 to 25% of the battery, depending on the water temperature. Two dives per day: charge between sessions.

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery pack. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose a power bank that is suitable for your housing and your desired dive time.

The difference with the Ultra model is significant: the Ultra adds a Laser AF module to improve focusing performance in low-contrast conditions. In practice underwater, suspended particles (backscatter) often interfere with autofocus on all smartphones. Manual mode with focus peaking remains the most reliable method, regardless of the model.

The shutter lag ranges from 150 to 250 ms depending on whether the AI scene optimizer is enabled. In Pro or Expert RAW mode with AI disabled, the lag decreases towards the lower end of this range. Disable automatic modes as soon as you are in the water.

As of the date of this review, there is no dedicated rigid housing available for the Galaxy S26. This is simply because the phone was released early in 2026, and manufacturers like Nauticam or Ikelite only develop dedicated housings for hybrid cameras or DSLRs. For smartphones, the market is divided between universal solutions (Divevolk, Seafrogs) and shallow-depth soft cases.The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus or Platinum is the most interesting solution: it is certified to a depth of 60 meters and features a touchscreen that allows you to access your phone's screen while underwater. This means you can use Expert RAW or MotionCam Pro exactly as you would on the surface. The Seafrogs solution is less expensive, but often requires using the housing's proprietary software, which restricts access to third-party applications.

To choose between the two Divevolk models, consult the dedicated guide: Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus or Platinum, which one to choose.

The housing is more important than the phone. A Galaxy S26 in a Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max will produce better results than an S26 Ultra in a cheap, flexible case costing around 30 euros. Don't compromise on the housing.

To ensure your smartphone fits securely and compare interior volume, make sure to check if your model's dimensions fit in this housing.

The Housing (Divevolk or Universal)

For the Galaxy S26, the two viable options are the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus (certified to 60m, touchscreen) and the Seafrogs (certified to 40-50m, physical button controls). The Divevolk costs approximately 300 to 380 EUR depending on the model, while the Seafrogs is around 150 to 200 EUR. The price difference reflects whether or not you have access to third-party applications.

Post-Dive Workflow (Expert RAW + MotionCam Pro)Two workflows are possible. The first, entirely Samsung-based: Expert RAW produces 16-bit DNG files, which are imported into Lightroom Mobile or Lightroom Desktop for customized white balance adjustments. The second is a hybrid approach: MotionCam Pro for raw video and Expert RAW for still photos. Both work within the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max. Samsung's Ocean Mode can be activated simultaneously for a real-time preview, but color decisions are made during post-processing.

Current Prices (July 2026)

Prices collected based on manufacturer and distributor price lists, July 2026. Please verify prices on the websites before purchasing.

Used Market Availability

The Galaxy S26 was released in early 2026. As of July 2026, the used market is almost non-existent: it's too recent for devices to be available in large quantities on platforms like Back Market or other refurbished marketplaces. The few units available on the used market are sold at prices close to the new price, which makes them unattractive.If your budget is tight, two refurbished alternatives are worth considering: the Galaxy S25 Ultra (larger sensor, Laser AF, 5000 mAh), available for around €750-900 on Back Market, or the iPhone 16 Pro to switch to the Apple ecosystem with Blackmagic Camera and Apple Log.

The basic Samsung Galaxy S26 is a good smartphone for underwater photography, but not exceptional. Its main advantage lies in the combination of Expert RAW 16-bit and MotionCam Pro on Android with GMS: few smartphones at this price offer such flexibility in post-processing. The 1/1.56-inch sensor performs well between 5 and 15 meters in natural light.

The limitations are clear. The 4300 mAh battery is only sufficient for two dives per day in cold water. The lack of Laser AF (reserved for the Ultra model) is noticeable with subjects that have low contrast. And the "Ocean Mode," despite its promising name, is an algorithmic correction tool, not a substitute for RAW processing.

For someone who is starting underwater photography with a smartphone and wants a serious RAW workflow without spending €1200 on an Ultra: the S26 at €859 (256 GB) in a Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is a coherent combination. For those who already own an S25 Ultra or an iPhone 17 Pro, there's no compelling reason to switch.

Overall Score: 3.6/5

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

The equipment is just one factor. Light, your position in the water, and understanding animal behavior are what make the difference between a decent image and a truly impactful one.

AquaExposure training covers natural light underwater photography, from your first dive to publishing images, with or without a smartphone, with or without an underwater housing. More than 1000 dives summarized into modules accessible to all levels.

Discover the AquaExposure underwater photography course