Galaxy S24 Ultra Aids Coral Reef Conservation Efforts

When considering Samsung, many might not immediately think of the company’s initiatives focused on environmental sustainability. However, Samsung has shown a strong dedication to rehabilitating damaged marine ecosystems, and this mission is being advanced through a new project centered on the 2024 Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The tech giant has unveiled a new Ocean Mode for the smartphone, aimed at aiding coral reef conservationists and researchers in coastal areas. This feature enhances the mapping process of impacted regions, which is vital for institutions like UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as they utilize photogrammetry for data collection to assess coral reef health and growth.

Capturing underwater images of reefs can present various difficulties. One significant problem is motion blur, which occurs when divers hover above reefs to photograph them. Additionally, the water’s absorption of warmer colors, such as reds and oranges, can cause images to appear darker and more blue than what the human eye perceives. Such obstacles can lead to imprecise data collection.

To tackle these challenges, Samsung has integrated advanced technologies into the Ocean Mode. This new feature optimizes the existing Galaxy camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, ensuring high-quality underwater photography of coral reefs. It reduces motion blur and fine-tunes white balance settings, enhancing the quality of images taken below the water’s surface. This improvement is crucial for accurately transmitting data to researchers, ultimately facilitating more effective coral restoration strategies.

Reports from ZDNet Korea reveal that the Ocean Mode automatically captures photos every two seconds. The images this mode generates have reduced blue tones and less motion blur, thanks to advanced processing and adjustments in shutter speed.

A Growing Partnership

Since last year, Samsung has been providing smartphones to various organizations for underwater research, eliminating the need for expensive underwater cameras. This initiative is part of Samsung’s “Coral in Focus” program, collaborating with numerous non-profits, including the U.S.-based Seatrees and Scripps Institution. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still available for consumers, it has recently been succeeded by the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the company’s latest flagship model. Utilizing the older device for researchers, alongside a crucial new application, maximizes the functionality of the phone.

Even prior to the introduction of Ocean Mode for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the “Coral in Focus” initiative had already led to the restoration of over 11,000 coral reefs across 4,500 square miles. This commitment to marine conservation isn’t a new endeavor for Samsung, which began incorporating recycled discarded fishing nets into Galaxy devices starting with the Galaxy S22 series three years ago, addressing ecological damage caused by these nets.

Coral reefs, known as the “rainforests of the sea,” play a significant role within marine ecosystems. As indicated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these reefs sustain 25% of all marine life despite covering only 1% of the ocean floor. Samsung’s efforts warrant recognition; although it is typical for tech companies to use recycled materials to cut down on raw material usage and aim for net-zero emissions, it is less common for them to repurpose older devices for environmentally sound projects.

It will be intriguing to observe whether Samsung’s Ocean Mode will be accessible on other devices or if it might eventually be offered as an update for consumer versions.