No Signal? No Problem: Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Might Finally Bring Satellite Calls

Sunday, 28 December 2025 at 10:15

For years, satellite connectivity on smartphones has been the tech equivalent of a "break glass in case of emergency" hammer. You could send a text if you were lost in the woods, but that was about it. Samsung is looking to change that. Fresh rumors surrounding the Exynos Modem 5410 suggest that the Galaxy S26 series won't just send emergency pings—it might actually let you make a voice call from the middle of the ocean.

The Mystery of the Exynos 2600

The heart of this story starts with the Exynos 2600, Samsung’s first 2nm chip. When it was first announced, industry watchers noticed something odd: the modem was missing. Unlike previous years where the modem was baked directly into the processor, Samsung has opted for an external solution this time around.

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That external chip is the Exynos Modem 5410. By separating the modem, Samsung has more room on the main chip for AI processing and graphics, but it also allows them to pack in some seriously heavy-duty satellite tech.

Voice, Video, and "Direct-to-Cell"

What makes the 5410 special isn't just speed—though at 14.79Gbps, it’s plenty fast. The real star is a trio of satellite standards:

LTE DTC (Direct to Cell): This is the game-changer. It enables actual voice calls via satellite without needing a massive antenna or a specialized "sat-phone."
NB-IoT NTN: This handles the basics—texting and location sharing—but it does so with extreme reliability in dead zones like deserts or deep valleys.
NR-NTN: This is the "future-proof" part. It provides enough bandwidth for satellite video calls, a feature we’ve yet to see in the mainstream market.

Is It Guaranteed?

As always with Samsung, there is a catch. The Exynos chip usually only powers phones in Europe and parts of Asia, while the US gets the Snapdragon variant. If you’re in North America, your satellite features will depend on the Snapdragon X85 modem.

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However, the pressure is on. With Apple and Google already offering satellite SOS, Samsung needs a "win" to stay ahead. If the Galaxy S26 launches in January 2026 with full satellite voice support, it won't just be an emergency tool—it will be a total safety net for travelers and adventurers alike.