The Samsung Unpacked 2026 event was full of AI announcements. In addition to the new hardware and AI improvements, two features in particular stood out: Privacy Display and Ocean Mode.
However, Ocean Mode is not new. First introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it is designed for marine researchers to give them the ability to capture more color-accurate visual data underwater and consistently monitor coral reef ecosystems over time.
Now the company is making the same feature available to consumers with Ocean Mode in the Expert RAW camera app, which is also available on the Galaxy S26 series.
How Ocean Mode Improves Underwater Photography
The problem with underwater photography is that photos have excessive blue tones. This is because water absorbs light unevenly, and warm hues such as reds and yellows quickly disappear as depth increases.
Ocean Mode allows users to capture more color-accurate photos underwater by removing the blue tones. It also minimizes motion blur by adjusting the shutter speed and using multi-frame image processing. The result is clear, sharp and true-color photos.
Water resistance is not the same as sea resistance
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Ocean Mode might tempt you to get into underwater photography, but you might want to give it a while.
Yes, the entire Galaxy S26 series has an IP68 rating, meaning the phones are dustproof and can survive up to 1.5 meters (approximately 4.9 feet) underwater for 30 minutes. However, what many people don’t know is that the water resistance ratings are for fresh water, not salt water.
Seawater contains large amounts of dissolved salt and saltwater is highly corrosive. It can destroy your phone’s ports, seals and charging ports. Additionally, the evaporated water can leave behind salt residue that can clog your phone’s ports and buttons.
What should we do then?
The simplest answer is to buy a waterproof case for your phone before diving into the sea with it. Not only does this prevent your device from being damaged, but it also increases the depth at which you can dive with your phone.
After all, 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) isn’t deep enough for underwater photography. Ocean Mode is a really cool edition of the Galaxy S26 series, but don’t forget to take necessary precautions.
