Samsung Electronics has announced that its “Coral in Focus” initiative, powered by the Ocean Mode feature on the latest Galaxy mobile phones, has received multiple accolades for its efforts in coral reef conservation. The initiative won Gold in the “Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative” category at Engage for Good’s 2026 Halo Awards.
Moreover, “Coral in Focus,” a documentary associated with the initiative, was honored with the Coastal and Island Culture Award at the 23rd International Ocean Film Festival. Samsung also earned a spot on Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list due to its advancements in mobile technology for environmental research.
These achievements highlight Samsung’s commitment to reversing the decline of coral reefs in collaboration with the U.S.-based nonprofit organization Seatrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. By combining the advanced imaging capabilities of Galaxy devices with Seatrees’ restoration model and Scripps’ marine science expertise, Samsung is turning its mobile phones into effective tools for ocean conservation.
Coral reefs, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, support around 25% of marine life and millions of livelihoods worldwide. However, many reefs face the threat of disappearing by 2050 due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. In response, Samsung has partnered with Seatrees and Scripps to enhance coral reef restoration efforts in locations such as Costa Rica, Fiji, the Galápagos Islands, Indonesia, and the United States.
The “Samsung x Seatrees: Bring Coral in Focus” initiative equips partners and local communities with Ocean Mode-enabled Galaxy devices and underwater housings to capture high-quality underwater images. These images are used to create detailed 3D photogrammetric models, which improve the monitoring and evaluation of coral reefs, providing crucial insights into their health and recovery.
To date, the collaboration has resulted in the planting of over 20,000 coral fragments and the creation of more than 80 3D reef models to support research and monitoring efforts. Ocean Mode, now available through Expert RAW, extends these capabilities to more Galaxy users, offering advanced underwater imaging without the need for heavy DSLR equipment. This accessibility is vital for expanding coral reef monitoring, especially in areas with limited resources.
These recognitions reinforce Samsung’s broader sustainability initiative, Our Journey: Galaxy for the Planet. By incorporating recycled materials into Galaxy devices and developing technologies like Ocean Mode, Samsung continues to explore innovative ways to protect the planet.
As of April 2026, Ocean Mode is available on the Galaxy S26 Series and will be rolled out to the S25 Series, S24 Series, Fold 7, Flip 7, Z Tri-Fold, Fold 6, and Flip 6 during the first half of 2026.
