Last year, it was rumored that Samsung might equip the Galaxy S23 with iPhone-like satellite connectivity for emergency situations. However, the Galaxy S23 series lacked the feature, and the head of Samsung's smartphone division claimed that the two-way satellite connectivity ecosystem isn't mature enough.
Several rumors then claimed that Samsung would bring two-way satellite connectivity with the Galaxy S24 series, and screenshots from One UI 6.1 mentioned the feature. So, it was expected that the company's upcoming flagship phone would surely have satellite connectivity. However, it looks like the South Korean firm will skip the feature once again.
Galaxy S24 may lack two-way satellite connectivity for emergency situations
A new report from ETNews claims that Samsung is testing the Galaxy S24 with the three network operators in South Korea—KT, LG Uplus, and SK Telecom—two weeks before the official announcement. The mobile carriers are testing if the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs as it should on their cellular networks. Samsung provided them with the Galaxy S24 Ultra that is packed in the shape of a lunch box so as to not reveal its looks, which is a regular practice amongst smartphone makers ahead of the launch. It appears that there is no mention of two-way satellite connectivity on the phone, which could mean that Samsung may have skipped using it due to reasons unknown.
The feature was meant to be used in emergencies and in situations where cellular network reception isn't available. It uses an L Band frequency band to send a rescue notification, which is then usually sent to an emergency response team in the area (if available). The feature first debuted in the iPhone 14 series that was launched last year. Huawei also brought a similar feature in some of its flagship phones, but no other Android brand has used that feature in their flagship phones. Apparently, Samsung thinks there isn't a need to rush the feature.
While Apple uses a one-way structure to send distress signals to related authorities, Samsung is said to be working on a two-way structure where users can send and receive messages when they are stuck without a mobile phone cellular network. An industry insider claims that Samsung's two-way satellite connectivity will be used in the Galaxy S25 series, which is expected to be an epic phone. Samsung has developed its own two-way satellite connectivity feature, and it is likely featured in the Exynos 2400, but it may not be utilized in the Galaxy S24.
