Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Dormant Satellite Communication Capability Revealed
Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy S25 series brings a host of impressive features, but one notable addition slipped under the radar: satellite communication support. The S25 lineup, comprising three flagship models, is the first to officially include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite feature, which allows messaging over narrowband (NB) non-terrestrial networks (NTN) via satellite.
Powered by Snapdragon Satellite Technology
The satellite communication feature is embedded within the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, specifically leveraging the Snapdragon X80 5G modem. Qualcomm confirmed this capability in a press release following Samsung’s launch event. While the hardware is ready, Samsung has not yet activated satellite connectivity on the Galaxy S25 series.
Software Update Required for Activation
Samsung will need to roll out a software update to enable this functionality, and its availability is expected to vary by region. The company has not disclosed details about potential costs for accessing satellite services or outlined the specific regions that will support the feature.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Connectivity
This development positions the Galaxy S25 series as a trailblazer in integrating satellite technology into mainstream smartphones. However, questions remain about whether other Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices will gain access to Snapdragon Satellite, given that the necessary hardware is already present.
