Reports suggest that Samsung could be set to add satellite connectivity to its next line of Android flagships.
According to new reports, the next generation of Samsung’s flagship Android devices may support satellite connectivity similar to that introduced in the iPhone 14.
The company is reportedly working with US satellite communications company Iridium to provide the technology, and it could feature in the upcoming Galaxy S23 lineup.
Satellite communications in the S23
The story was first reported by Korean outlet ETNews (via ice universe on Twitter). It says Samsung is looking to join Apple and Huawei in bringing satellite communications to its devices, and has been working on it for two years.
The company works in conjunction with Iridium, which offers voice and data communications via 66 low-orbit satellites.
If supported in Galaxy phones, the technology could be used to send text messages as well as small pictures. That would put it beyond the iPhone’s offering, which is largely limited to texting important data to rescuers in emergency situations.
Of course, satellite technology is a fairly niche addition to a smartphone and is only used in areas where you don’t have mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. And while Iridium’s network covers the entire world , there is no guarantee that the service will be immediately available to everyone. The iPhone’s satellite system, for example, is only available in the United States and Canada.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed the report, or even those on any other features of the upcoming devices. Still, if true, it would be another breakthrough tech to join what looks like an increasingly impressive list of features in Galaxy S23 devices that includes a 200MP resolution primary camera and the Snapdragon 8 Gen chipset. 2 much faster.
The S23 will be launched in early 2023
The S23 series is shaping up to be a much bigger update than the last two generations. While these have been largely incremental, the Class of 23 looks set to deliver both features and performance. The phones are expected to be announced in early 2023.
