hello. This is Technologytodaynow. Google’s next flagship smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 series, is reportedly coming with satellite connectivity. According to the media, a string of code has been found in the latest Android 15 beta 4 that hints at such a feature.
Pixel 9 Series Satellite Communication Features
Pixel Satellite SOS
Google’s new satellite communications feature, which is likely to be coming to the Google Pixel 9 series, is called Pixel Satellite SOS. Google says that this feature requires Google Messages to be set as the default SMS app for this feature to work. In addition, the code string found contains the phrase “Satellite SOS is free for two years”. This shows that the satellite communication feature is likely to be free for two years.
Expect features to be available through updates
Another string of code says, “Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication.” This suggests that past models could also be updated to support emergency satellite communications capabilities. However, this feature may only be applicable to the Pixel 9 series. That’s because the Pixel Feature Drop update could bring satellite connectivity to the Google Pixel 9 series.
With Exynos 5400 modem
The modem that supports satellite communications connectivity is expected to be the Exynos 5400. The modem is integrated into the Tensor G4 processor, which means that Google and Samsung have teamed up to use the Exynos 5123 and 5300 modems in the first, second, and third generation Tensor chips.
Performance of the Exynos 5400 Modem
The Exynos 5400 modem supports data transfer rates of up to 11.2 Gbps, utilizing the 5G standard-compliant FR1 frequency band, providing a total bandwidth of 380 MHz. It also supports 3GPP Release 17, enabling satellite-based communications. This modem is also featured in the Galaxy S24 series, which does not yet have satellite communications capabilities, but may offer this feature in the future when the Galaxy S25 is released with satellite communications support.