Pixel phones stand out in multiple sections, including camera quality. Google wants to make it easier for anyone to take great photos with their smartphones in any condition. The company’s next step is to boost underwater photography with an automatic underwater mode that works with any waterproof case on the Pixel 9 series.
Underwater photography can yield eye-catching results in the right place. Flagship smartphones are becoming more and more water-resistant thanks to advanced IP certifications, which makes the task easier (at least in fresh water). If the IP rating doesn’t inspire enough confidence to dunk your phone in water, there are also dedicated waterproof cases. Currently, no phone brand is actively pushing this type of photography, so Google seems to have spotted a niche where its phones can excel.
Android 15 brought an automatic underwater photography mode to the Pixel 9 series
As spotted by Android Authority, the first Android 15 stable update brings a new automatic underwater photography mode to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google already offers a Dive Case Connector app that makes it easy to use compatible Pixel phones with Kraken Sports waterproof cases. The app even enables modes like Night Sight and Portrait for taking stunning underwater photos. However, it is a hardware-dependent app.
The new underwater photography mode of the Pixel 9 series offers a similar experience, but it works with any waterproof case you attach. Now, the Pixel Camera app will tweak specific parameters after detecting that you’ve submerged the device underwater. Tweaks to the image processing algorithm will ensure that the camera produces high-quality photos under such conditions. For example, the Pixel Camera will correct color distortions resulting from being underwater.
Before Google, Sony tried to promote underwater photography as a key selling point for its Xperia phones. However, the company promoted it without the use of a case. This led to complaints from users whose devices were damaged after not following the instructions correctly. For example, there were people who submerged the phone in saline water. So, Sony stopped promoting its phones as being suitable for taking photos and videos underwater.
No details on the possible arrival of the mode to older Pixel devices
Google’s approach is different, as it requires a waterproof case to take advantage of the “underwater” mode. Only time will tell if the brand manages to start a trend in this type of photography. It would not be the first time a company has managed to do so, as happened with Astrophotography in the recent past. It is not yet known if the automatic underwater photography mode will come to older Pixel models in the future.