Capturing stunning underwater shots has never been easier thanks to the advancements in smartphone technology. Gone are the days when you needed an expensive underwater camera setup to shoot clear, vibrant photos beneath the surface. In 2025, there will be several smartphones designed to withstand water, resist pressure, and deliver high-quality images that rival dedicated cameras. If you’re searching for the best phone for underwater photography, this guide will help you navigate the top options and make an informed choice. Whether you’re a casual swimmer, a diving enthusiast, or someone who just loves creative photography, the right phone can make a huge difference in your underwater shots.

Underwater photography with a smartphone isn’t just about waterproofing. You also need a device with excellent camera sensors, advanced image processing, and software features that can handle low-light conditions and vibrant colors underwater. Many modern smartphones now include AI-assisted photography modes that automatically adjust white balance, exposure, and contrast to capture breathtaking underwater images. Choosing the best phone for underwater photography also involves considering durability, battery life, and ease of use, so you don’t miss a single shot during your underwater adventures.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 smartphones for underwater photography in 2025, highlighting their strengths, features, and what makes them perfect for capturing aquatic moments. We’ve tested the latest devices in real-world underwater conditions to bring you insights that go beyond specifications. Let’s dive in and discover which phone could be your next underwater photography companion.

Why Choosing the Right Phone for Underwater Photography Matters

Not all waterproof phones are created equal. While many devices can survive a quick splash or accidental dunk, the best phone for underwater photography goes beyond basic water resistance. Underwater conditions present unique challenges for photography. Light behaves differently, colors appear muted, and clarity can be affected by water particles. A phone designed to perform underwater will handle all these challenges while giving you the best possible shots.

A strong camera sensor with optical image stabilization, multiple lenses, and advanced AI features is crucial. Phones with ultra-wide lenses allow you to capture expansive underwater scenes, while telephoto lenses help you zoom in on marine life without losing detail. Furthermore, phones with higher IP ratings, such as IP68 or IP69, can withstand greater depths and longer exposure times underwater, giving you more freedom to explore and photograph.

Another factor is durability. The best phone for underwater photography is not only waterproof but also resistant to scratches, impacts, and sand – common issues when shooting at the beach or while diving. Additionally, intuitive camera software designed for underwater scenarios ensures your photos come out vivid and balanced without requiring complex editing. For many users, this combination of hardware and software makes all the difference between a blurry, dull shot and a crystal-clear, vibrant photo worth sharing.

Top 8 Phones for Underwater Photography in 2025

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple continues to lead the smartphone photography space, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is no exception. With its advanced triple-camera system, including an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lens, it delivers stunning underwater images. The ProRAW and ProRes features allow for professional-level editing after your dive, while the improved Night mode ensures clarity even in deeper, darker waters. Apple’s IP68 rating makes it reliable for submersion, and the intuitive camera software automatically adjusts for underwater lighting conditions.

One standout feature is the AI-powered Deep Fusion technology, which intelligently enhances textures and details, perfect for capturing fish scales or coral reefs. Additionally, cinematic video modes let you record smooth underwater footage with excellent stabilization. Many professional photographers now use the iPhone 16 Pro Max for both photography and videography underwater, making it a top contender for anyone seeking the best phone for underwater photography.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is known for its versatile camera system and high-resolution sensors. Its 200MP main sensor, combined with advanced computational photography, makes underwater photography incredibly detailed. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for expansive underwater landscapes, and the 10x optical zoom allows you to capture marine life from a distance without disturbing it. Samsung’s IP68 water resistance ensures durability, and the Super Night mode improves image quality in low-light underwater conditions.

What makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra a top choice is its AI-assisted underwater mode, which optimizes white balance and color saturation specifically for aquatic environments. The phone also supports high-frame-rate video recording, perfect for capturing fast-moving fish or splashing waves. If you want a device that performs exceptionally in underwater conditions while still delivering impressive everyday photography, this is one of the best phones for underwater photography you can get in 2025.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google has long been praised for its computational photography prowess, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues that tradition. Its AI-driven camera software automatically adjusts colors and contrast, making underwater images look natural and vibrant. While its physical camera hardware is not as aggressive as some competitors, the Pixel’s image processing ensures that details remain crisp even in low-light or murky water conditions.

The Pixel 9 Pro also supports advanced video stabilization, allowing for smooth underwater videos without the need for additional gear. Its IP68 rating means you can safely capture shots in pools or shallow ocean dives. Many enthusiasts choose the Pixel 9 Pro specifically for its simplicity and effectiveness, which makes it one of the top candidates when looking for the best phone for underwater photography.

4. Sony Xperia 1 V

Sony’s Xperia series has always catered to photography enthusiasts, and the Xperia 1 V is no exception. With its triple-lens camera system and advanced manual controls, it gives photographers full creative freedom underwater. You can adjust exposure, shutter speed, and focus manually, which is ideal for capturing unique shots of marine life. The Xperia 1 V also features a cinematic video mode that captures footage with professional-level clarity and stabilization.

Sony’s water-resistant design and durable construction make it perfect for adventurous underwater shoots. Its color science ensures that underwater hues are represented accurately, avoiding the overly blue or green tint that sometimes plagues underwater photography. If you’re serious about taking your underwater photography to the next level, the Xperia 1 V deserves consideration as a best phone for underwater photography.

5. OnePlus 13 Pro

OnePlus continues to improve its camera systems, and the OnePlus 13 Pro delivers impressive underwater photography features. Its large sensor size captures more light, ensuring bright and detailed images even underwater. The phone’s color calibration is optimized for natural skin tones and vibrant aquatic scenery, making it versatile for various underwater environments.

OnePlus’ Hasselblad partnership brings advanced color tuning and professional-grade software features, which enhance underwater shots significantly. With its IP68 rating, it’s safe for pool and shallow ocean use, and the phone’s fast performance ensures you can snap multiple shots in quick succession without lag. For those looking for a balance of affordability and high-quality underwater imaging, the OnePlus 13 Pro is a strong contender in the best phone for underwater photography category.

6. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi has made waves with its innovative camera technology, and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a prime example. It features a large 1-inch sensor and powerful AI image processing that ensures clarity and color accuracy underwater. Its ultra-wide and telephoto lenses provide flexibility for both wide underwater landscapes and close-up shots of marine life.

Xiaomi’s advanced night mode improves visibility in dim underwater settings, while the phone’s IP68 certification ensures it can handle prolonged submersion without worry. Many users appreciate the Xiaomi 14 Ultra for its competitive price point, making it one of the best phones for underwater photography that doesn’t break the bank while delivering professional-quality results.

7. Oppo Find X6 Pro

The Oppo Find X6 Pro is designed for photography enthusiasts who want versatility and performance. Its multi-lens setup, including ultra-wide and zoom lenses, is excellent for underwater environments. AI-powered features automatically optimize contrast, exposure, and color, producing vivid underwater photos with minimal effort.

The phone’s build quality and IP68 rating make it suitable for extended underwater sessions. Additionally, the Oppo Find X6 Pro supports high-quality video capture, allowing divers and snorkelers to record stunning underwater footage. Its combination of AI enhancements, hardware, and durability makes it a solid choice for anyone searching for the best phone for underwater photography in 2025.

8. Huawei Mate 60 Pro

Huawei has consistently focused on camera innovation, and the Mate 60 Pro exemplifies this. Its large sensor system, combined with AI image processing, ensures underwater shots are detailed and vibrant. The phone offers multiple lens options, including ultra-wide and telephoto, providing flexibility for various underwater compositions.

One of Huawei’s strengths is color accuracy and low-light performance, both critical for underwater photography. Its IP68 water resistance ensures safe submersion, and the phone’s processing power handles high-resolution images and video with ease. For photographers looking for a device that excels in both stills and videos underwater, the Mate 60 Pro ranks among the best phones for underwater photography in the current market.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Underwater Smartphone Photography

Even the best phone for underwater photography requires proper technique to achieve stunning results. Lighting is critical underwater since water absorbs and diffuses light differently than air. Shooting closer to your subject helps maintain detail and reduce distortion. Using natural light whenever possible produces more accurate colors, while additional underwater lighting can enhance depth and contrast.

Additionally, keeping your lens clean and free of water droplets ensures clarity. Many photographers also recommend using a waterproof case for deeper dives, even with phones that have high IP ratings. Editing software or apps can further enhance underwater images, adjusting colors, exposure, and sharpness to make your shots stand out. If you’re looking for professional-level results, services like aitinsider.com provide expert image editing that can transform your underwater photos, making them ready for portfolios, social media, or commercial use.

Comparing the Top Phones for Underwater Photography

Choosing the best phone for underwater photography isn’t just about picking the highest megapixel camera or the most expensive model. Each phone on our list offers unique strengths depending on what you prioritize. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in ease of use and video stabilization, making it perfect for users who want professional-looking results without manually adjusting settings. On the other hand, the Sony Xperia 1 V and Oppo Find X6 Pro cater to photography enthusiasts who enjoy having full control over exposure, focus, and color balance underwater.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra stand out for their high-resolution sensors, allowing you to capture intricate details like coral textures or the scales on fish. These phones also perform exceptionally well in low-light environments, which is crucial if you dive deeper or photograph in dimly lit underwater caves. Meanwhile, Google Pixel 9 Pro focuses on computational photography, making it ideal for those who prefer to rely on smart AI processing for perfect underwater shots without any editing hassle. Huawei Mate 60 Pro offers a balance of powerful hardware and AI-assisted features, delivering excellent results in both still photography and video recording.

When comparing these devices, it’s essential to consider the depth you’ll be diving to, the type of subjects you plan to capture, and whether you prefer handheld ease or more professional-level control. By matching the phone’s capabilities with your underwater photography goals, you can ensure that every dive produces stunning images that are crisp, vibrant, and ready to share.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Underwater Photos

Even with the best phone for underwater photography, your results will depend on how you shoot. Understanding the unique challenges of underwater environments can help you create more compelling images. One key aspect is lighting. Water absorbs light and shifts colors, often giving photos a blue or green tint. The closer you are to your subject, the better the clarity and color balance will be. If possible, shoot in shallow water during the day when natural light is strongest.

Another tip is composition. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing expansive underwater scenes, while telephoto lenses are ideal for isolating marine life or interesting patterns on corals. Be mindful of your movement underwater. Fast, sudden movements can stir up particles, reducing clarity and sharpness. Slow, controlled movements help you maintain focus and ensure a clean shot.

Additionally, post-processing is a powerful tool for underwater photography. Even the best phone for underwater photography benefits from minor adjustments in exposure, color correction, and sharpness. Apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed can enhance the natural beauty of your images, bringing out vibrant blues, greens, and other underwater hues. For those seeking professional-grade editing, aitinsider.com offers expert image editing services that can transform your underwater photos into portfolio-ready masterpieces.

Choosing Between iOS, Android, and Specialty Phones

When considering the best phone for underwater photography, you’ll also need to decide between operating systems and brand ecosystems. iOS devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max provide seamless integration with other Apple products and excellent computational photography capabilities. Android phones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and Huawei models, offer diverse hardware options, higher resolution sensors, and more customization in camera settings.

If you value manual controls and flexibility, Android phones tend to provide more options for fine-tuning exposure, focus, and white balance underwater. iOS devices, however, excel in automation, making them ideal for casual users or those who want consistently great results without adjusting settings. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your workflow, editing preferences, and brand loyalty. Regardless of the operating system, each of the top 8 phones we’ve listed is capable of producing stunning underwater imagery, making them all contenders for the best phone for underwater photography in 2025.

Accessories to Enhance Underwater Photography

Even the best phone for underwater photography can benefit from a few key accessories. Waterproof housings or cases can extend the depth rating beyond the phone’s IP certification, giving you more freedom to explore deeper waters. Floating straps or grips help prevent accidental drops while diving, and lens cleaning cloths ensure that water droplets don’t blur your shots.

Underwater lighting is another valuable tool. Compact LED lights can brighten dark areas, reduce color loss, and enhance detail, making your photos look more professional. Some divers also use filters to correct color distortion caused by water absorption, particularly when photographing coral reefs or marine life in tropical environments. Pairing these accessories with your smartphone elevates your underwater photography and ensures every dive results in memorable, high-quality images.

How to Protect Your Phone While Shooting Underwater

Waterproof smartphones are durable, but protecting them is still crucial to avoid costly repairs. Always check the phone’s IP rating and adhere to manufacturer guidelines. Even if a phone is rated IP68 or IP69, it’s best to avoid prolonged submersion beyond recommended depths. Rinse your device with fresh water after diving in saltwater to prevent corrosion, and dry it thoroughly before charging.

Another tip is to regularly inspect the phone for cracks, scratches, or damage that could compromise waterproofing. Using a dedicated waterproof case can also safeguard your device against unexpected bumps or high-pressure situations. These precautions help ensure your best phone for underwater photography remains functional for years, letting you enjoy countless underwater adventures without worry.

Editing and Post-Processing Your Underwater Shots

Taking great underwater photos is only part of the journey. Editing can dramatically enhance the final image. Many smartphones now include built-in editing tools that adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. However, professional editing can elevate your images to a whole new level. Adjusting white balance, enhancing details, and reducing noise are key steps in making underwater photos look crisp and vibrant.

For photographers who want polished, ready-to-publish images without investing hours in editing, services like aitinsider.com offer specialized underwater photo editing. They can correct colors, remove distractions, and enhance clarity, turning your phone-captured images into professional-grade content suitable for social media, portfolios, or even commercial projects. Whether you’re a casual diver or a professional photographer, post-processing ensures your underwater shots truly stand out.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best phone for underwater photography in 2025 involves balancing hardware performance, software capabilities, and personal preferences. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent for users who prioritize automation and consistency, while Sony Xperia 1 V, Oppo Find X6 Pro, and Huawei Mate 60 Pro appeal to those who want full creative control. Xiaomi 14 Ultra and OnePlus 13 Pro provide high performance at competitive prices, making them perfect for enthusiasts on a budget.

Regardless of which phone you choose, combining the right device with smart shooting techniques, accessories, and professional editing ensures you can capture unforgettable underwater moments. For photographers who want to maximize the potential of their shots, aitinsider.com provides expert image editing services to enhance, refine, and perfect every underwater photo. By choosing the right phone and leveraging professional editing, your underwater photography can reach new depths of beauty and creativity.