For over a decade, Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S collection has advanced not solely in efficiency and digital camera know-how, but additionally sturdiness — incomes a popularity for reliability in the actual world. Recently, that popularity was dramatically put to the check by chance when a Galaxy S23 Ultra spent hours submerged in a freezing Arctic river — and emerged simply effective, with out a single glitch.
Mikael Krekula, an expert wilderness information primarily based in Kiruna, Sweden, was out on the frozen Kalix River testing sonar tools when his Galaxy S23 Ultra slipped from his glove and fell into an ice fishing gap. The system plunged into the freezing water, settling roughly three meters beneath the floor.

“At that moment, I felt like I had donated my entire digital life to the river — photos, ID, credit cards and all my apps gone in an instant,” Mikael mentioned. “It wasn’t just a phone to me. It was my work companion, essential in everything I do.”
Despite the intense circumstances, Mikael determined to aim a restoration. Over the course of 5 hours, he drilled eight surrounding ice holes to get a greater angle to the cellphone and used a collection of improvised instruments — birch branches, a shovel and a plastic bag on a stick — to attempt to attain the system.

“I could see my phone through the ice. It wasn’t lost completely — just barely out of reach,” he defined. “Eventually, I drove home, grabbed a summer fishing net, tied the net to a birch rod and came back — and within five minutes, it was in my hands.”

Remarkably, the Galaxy S23 Ultra powered on instantly, displaying three missed calls. There was no want for a reboot or drying procedures.
“We let it sit overnight in the cabin just to be safe, but the next day it was still working perfectly,” Mikael added. “And it continues to function just like it did before the incident.”
Technology That Keeps Up With the Wild
As a wilderness information main excursions throughout the Arctic Circle, Mikael depends closely on cellular know-how. His Galaxy S23 Ultra helps navigation, climate updates, language translation, images, and communication — usually in sub-zero temperatures and distant places.
“When you’re guiding guests under the northern lights or across frozen terrain, your tech can’t fail,” he mentioned. “The Galaxy S23 Ultra also delivers outstanding night photography, which is essential for capturing this region’s unique light conditions.”
Mikael now features a hand internet in his winter packing checklist — and grips his cellphone extra tightly. “This was definitely a learning experience,” he remarked. “But it also showed me that the phone can handle a lot more than I expected.”
Real-World Durability, Backed by Advanced Engineering
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68,1 providing water resistance in as much as 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes, in addition to safety in opposition to mud, filth and sand. The circumstances surrounding Mikael’s system exceeded these rated circumstances, illustrating the sturdiness Samsung builds into its flagship units.
Today, Mikael continues to information friends throughout Sweden’s far north along with his Galaxy S23 Ultra shut at hand. From city jungles to frozen wilderness, the Galaxy S collection are constructed to final wherever they’re and Mikael’s expertise is simply the most recent proof of that legacy in motion — examined by the Arctic, trusted by the person and harder than the Kalix River.
To be taught extra about Mikael’s guided wilderness experiences, go to www.ecotours68n.se. For extra details about the Galaxy S23 Ultra, go to www.samsung.com.
1 The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has an IP68 ranking primarily based on laboratory check circumstances. Water resistance is efficient in as much as 1.5 meters of freshwater for as much as 30 minutes. It is just not appropriate for seashore or pool use. Water or mud injury is just not lined by guarantee. Performance past rated circumstances could range…







