A differential pH probe design uses a container having an outer surface and an inner volume, where the inner volume is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. A first pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the first chamber where the first pH-sensitive area is configured to be exposed to a sample. A second pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the second chamber where the second pH-sensitive area is shielded from the sample and is exposed to a buffer solution. A first electrode is configured to detect a first voltage in the first chamber and a second electrode is configured to detect a second voltage in the second chamber. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to process the first voltage and the second voltage to determine a pH of the sample.