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Samsung's satellite-based feature may surpass the iPhone's

Apple iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity via Emegency SOS service feature launch available countries
© Apple / Screenshot: nextpit

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Satellite connectivity debuted in the iPhone 14 last year, and the Galaxy S23 was expected to deliver the same technology, but it was a huge disappointment for fans after Samsung confirmed that they are delaying the rollout of this feature. A recent development from the company suggests they are close to introducing satellite connectivity on Galaxy devices via 5G non-terrestrial networks.

Samsung Electronics has announced that it has successfully demonstrated direct satellite communication on smartphones based on its 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) modem technology. The Exynos 5300 modem is the first chip that is compatible with this feature, which is likely to be equipped on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy devices as well.

Samsung's satellite-based tech is beating Apple to the punch

Like SpaceX's Starlink, 5G NTN will rely on low-orbit satellites to supply internet access in remote areas, especially where Wi-Fi or cellular coverage is poor or absent. Compared to Apple's emergency SOS via satellite which is limited to messaging and sending location coordinates, Samsung is enabling two-way messaging and support for sending images and videos.

Samsung's Satellite-based connectivity on Galaxy smartphones
Samsung's satellite connectivity for smartphones using 5G non-terrestrial networks / © Samsung

Samsung claimed that they were able to achieve this through the design of Exynos 5300 modem, allowing accurate prediction of locations and minimizing the Doppler effect. The latter is prevalent in the case of mobile satellite connectivity as moving low-orbit satellites and end-users on the ground cause the frequency to change, degrading the connection and increasing the latency.

When is Samsung releasing satellite communication on Galaxy devices?

It remains unknown when Samsung will launch satellite connectivity on Galaxy smartphones. It is possible the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Flip 5 could be the first hardware to arrive with this technology. At the same time, Samsung has not announced which satellite provider they are partnering with once they roll out the service officially.

As for Apple, they are making the satellite-based service free for two years on any iPhone 14 model. Cupertino has so far enabled this feature in a few countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, and the UK.

Would you consider a satellite-based service important in buying your next smartphone? We'd like to hear your thoughts about this.

Source: Samsung

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Jade Bryan

Jade Bryan
Junior Editor

I still remember how amazed I was when I first got hold of the Nokia 3210 back when I was a kid, and it was during that time I developed my love for technology, particularly for mobile phones. I started sharing my knowledge through writing in different blogs and forums back in Nokia Nseries era. I even make videos before where I put different phones side-by-side. Today, I'm still an avid enthusiast of smartphones, but my interests have evolved into smart devices and electric vehicles.

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