The Samsung Unpacked 2026 event was filled with artificial intelligence announcements. In addition to new hardware and AI improvements, two features stand out: Privacy screen and Ocean mode.
However, Ocean Mode is not new. It was first launched with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and was designed for marine researchers, enabling them to obtain more accurate color visual data underwater and continuously monitor coral reef ecosystems over time.
The company is now offering consumers the same feature with Ocean Mode in the RAW Expert camera app, which will be extended to the Galaxy S26 series.
How Ocean Mode improves underwater photography
The problem with underwater photography is that the photos have excessive bluish tones. This is because water absorbs light unevenly, and warm tones such as reds and yellows fade quickly with depth.
Ocean mode allows users to take underwater photos with more accurate colors by removing blue tones. It also minimizes motion blur by adjusting shutter speed and using multi-frame image processing. The result is crisp, clear photos with accurate color.
Water resistance is not ocean resistance
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Ocean Mode might tempt you to explore underwater photography, but you might want to wait for the photography.
Yes, the entire Galaxy S26 series is IP68 certified, which means the phones are waterproof and can survive underwater up to 1.5 meters (about 4.9 feet) for 30 minutes. However, many people don’t know that water resistance ratings are for fresh water, not salt water.
Seawater contains a large amount of dissolved salt, and saltwater is very corrosive. This can damage the connectors, seals and charging ports of the phone. Also, when the water evaporates, it can leave behind a salt residue that can clog the phone’s ports and buttons.
What should we do then?
The easiest answer is to buy a waterproof case for your phone before diving with it in the sea. Not only will this prevent your device from getting damaged, but it will also increase the depth to which you can dive with your phone.
After all, 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) is not enough for learning underwater photography. Ocean Mode is a really cool edition of the Galaxy S26 series, just be sure to take the necessary precautions.
