Samsung is reportedly developing satellite communication support for its smartphones, which could be available on the Galaxy S24 series launching in Q1 2024. The company has already made preparations to support the feature, but has not yet specified a timeline for its release or which phones will support it.
Satellite communication support would allow users to stay connected even in areas with poor cellular service or in the event of an emergency. It is a feature that Apple and Qualcomm have already announced for their devices, but Samsung has been more hesitant to adopt it.
Samsung's Exynos 5300 modem, which features in its Exynos 2400 mobile processor, as well as Google's Tensor G2 and Tensor G3 chips, all support NTN connectivity, which is required for satellite communication. However, it is unclear whether Samsung will enable satellite communication support on its Exynos 2400 chip, which is expected to power the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which is expected to power the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
It is also unclear whether Samsung's Galaxy S24 series of smartphones or the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 will support satellite communication support. Previously, Samsung president and head of mobile experience business division, TM Roh, stated that satellite functionality was still quite restricted on smartphones and that it was too soon to implement the feature on Samsung handsets.
Overall, it is encouraging to see that Samsung is developing satellite communication support for its smartphones. It is a feature that could be very useful for many users, and it is a sign that Samsung is committed to innovation.