At major launch events, some features often go unnoticed, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is no exception. Among the many new capabilities of the flagship devices, one of the most intriguing features that hasn’t gotten much attention is the support for satellite connectivity. The Galaxy S25 series is the first to officially support Snapdragon Satellite, a groundbreaking technology that enables users to send and receive messages via satellite over narrowband (NB) to non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This development is particularly exciting because it allows users to communicate in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable. This includes remote or rural locations where connectivity is often limited or nonexistent. Qualcomm confirmed this feature in a press release after the launch of the S25 series. The company highlighted it as a major leap forward in mobile communication.
Snapdragon Satellite is integrated into the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and more specifically, it’s powered by the Snapdragon X80 5G modem. The technology relies on satellite constellations to enable communication. It allows users to send texts and access basic messaging services, even when terrestrial network signals are unavailable. While this is a significant step forward, Samsung has not yet activated the satellite communication feature on its flagship devices. As a result, the functionality remains dormant for now.
The rollout of satellite connectivity will likely depend on the region. Access to satellite networks is still limited in certain areas. To enable users to begin using satellite messaging, Samsung will likely need to push a software update. This update will be necessary for the S25 series to activate the feature. Additionally, the pricing model for satellite communication remains unclear. It’s unknown whether this service will be free, come with a subscription, or be offered as a premium add-on. Samsung has not yet provided details on the cost or specific regions that will have access to the feature.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Snapdragon Satellite isn’t exclusive to Samsung. Since the technology is built into the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, other smartphones powered by the same chipset could potentially gain access to satellite connectivity in the future. This means that other brands with Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices might also be able to leverage the technology. Once it becomes widely available, it will further expand the reach of satellite messaging.
While the feature is certainly exciting, we’ll need to wait for more details to understand how it will be implemented. We also need clarity on the exact pricing structure and which regions will be the first to benefit. For now, users can look forward to the possibilities that satellite connectivity could bring. This is particularly exciting for remote areas where traditional cell service is hard to come by. It’s clear that satellite communication is poised to be an important part of the future of mobile connectivity. The Galaxy S25 series is leading the way in making this technology a reality.
