Last year, it was rumored that Samsung might equip the Galaxy S23 with iPhone-like satellite connectivity in emergency situations. However, the Galaxy S23 series lacks this feature, and the head of Samsung's smartphone division claimed that the two-way satellite calling ecosystem is not mature enough.
Several rumors then claimed that Samsung would offer two-way satellite calling with the Galaxy S24 series, and screenshots of One UI 6.1 mentioned this feature. Therefore, it was expected that the company's upcoming flagship phone would definitely be equipped with satellite connectivity. However, it seems that the South Korean company will skip this feature again.
The Galaxy S24 may lack two-way satellite communication for emergencies
new Report from ETNews Samsung claims that Samsung is testing the Galaxy S24 with the three carriers in South Korea – KT, LG Uplus and SK Telecom – two weeks before the official announcement. Carriers are testing whether the Galaxy S24 Ultra works as it should on their cellular networks. Samsung provided them with the Galaxy S24 Ultra packaged in the form of a lunch box so as not to reveal its appearance, which is a standard practice among smartphone makers before launch. There appears to be no mention of satellite connectivity in the phone, which could mean that Samsung may have skipped using it for unknown reasons.
This feature was meant to be used in emergency situations and in situations where cellular network reception is not available. The L Band frequency band is used to send a rescue notification, which is then usually sent to the area emergency response team (if available). This feature first appeared in the iPhone 14 series launched last year. Huawei has also brought a similar feature in some of its flagship phones, but no other Android brand has used this feature in its flagship phones. Apparently, Samsung believes that there is no need to rush with this feature.
While Apple uses a one-way architecture to send distress signals to relevant authorities, Samsung is said to be working on a two-way architecture where users can send and receive messages when they are stuck without a mobile cellular network. An industry insider claims that Samsung's two-way satellite connection will be used in the Galaxy S25 series, which is expected to be an epic phone. Samsung has developed its own two-way satellite calling feature, and it will likely be present in the Exynos 2400, but may not be used in the Galaxy S24.
“Writer. Friendly troublemaker. Lifelong food junkie. Professional beer evangelist.”