Samsung’s ‘ocean mode’: a coral reef fix that’s actually messy

Samsung’s latest camera trick – dubbed ‘Ocean Mode’ – is designed to rescue underwater photos, but it’s a surprisingly complicated solution masking a fundamental problem. Let’s dive in, but proceed with caution.

A partnership with the deep: samsung and seatrees’ underwater mission

It started with a noble goal: helping the non-profit Seatrees restore coral reefs. Samsung, predictably, plugged in its deep pockets and developed ‘Ocean Mode’ for the S24 Ultra and now the S25 Ultra. The idea? To use a smartphone camera to capture better underwater images, directly assisting scientists tracking reef health and building 3D models of threatened ecosystems.

The problem with underwater photos – and why this fix feels wrong

Let’s be blunt: standard smartphone underwater shots look like they’ve been filtered through a swamp. The distortions, the washed-out colors, the blue or green casts – it’s a consistent nightmare. ‘Ocean Mode’ attempts to fix all of this in real-time, supposedly replicating what the human eye sees. Sounds good in theory, right?

How it works (and why it shouldn’t)

The tech hinges on smart algorithms – a data-heavy approach to correcting the inherent issues of light refraction and color distortion underwater. Samsung and Seatrees have been using the feature to generate images, feeding them to researchers to evaluate coral condition. Now, it’s finally available on the S25 Ultra via a One UI 8.5 beta update, though initially restricted to partnership members.

The catch: ip68 isn’t enough for saltwater

Here’s the kicker. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an IP68 rating – meaning it’s water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. But Samsung’s claim only applies to freshwater. Introducing saltwater, the reality of most coral reef environments, compromises that seal. Saltwater intrusion can damage the adhesive layers and other protective elements, potentially leading to costly repairs. Divers, understandably, were using waterproof housings – a workaround that renders ‘Ocean Mode’ largely redundant.

A gimmick with hidden costs

Ultimately, ‘Ocean Mode’ feels less like a genuine innovation and more like a cleverly marketed band-aid. It’s a software update, not a hardware overhaul, and doesn’t fundamentally address the inherent limitations of smartphone cameras underwater. Don’t get caught paying hundreds to fix a problem that simple waterproofing could have prevented. It's a distraction from the genuine need for robust protective gear – not a slick algorithm.