Explained: What Is Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite For Premium Android Smartphones

Chipset-making giant Qualcomm has announced Snapdragon Satellite, which is a satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for premium Android smartphones, at the CES 2023.

Qualcomm and Iridium are said to have entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation top-tier Android smartphones. ( Image: Getty )

Chipset-making giant Qualcomm has announced Snapdragon Satellite, which is a satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for premium Android smartphones, at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite will rival Apple's Emergency SOS via a satellite that was unveiled along with the iPhone 14 lineup in September last year.

San Diego, California-headquartered Qualcomm has joined hands with Iridium, a global satellite communications company. The companies are said to have entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation top-tier Android smartphones.

"Kicking off in premium smartphones later this year, this new addition to our Snapdragon platform strongly positions us to enable satellite communication capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories," Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Modems and Infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies, said in a statement.

According to a tweet by SnoopyTech, the Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite feature is said to become available in the second half of this year. It should be noted that Apple had partnered with Globalstar, a global satellite communications company for Emergency SOS via satellite feature and US-based chip major Qualcomm is likely to take the same path to bring Snapdragon Satellite.

Snapdragon Satellite will offer truly global coverage from pole to pole and can support two-way messaging for emergency use, SMS texting, and other messaging applications -- for a variety of purposes such as emergencies or recreation in remote, rural and offshore locations.

"Iridium is proud to be the satellite network that supports Snapdragon Satellite for premium smartphones," Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium, said in a statement.

"Our network is tailored for this service - our advanced, LEO satellites cover every part of the globe and support the lower-power, low-latency connections ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by the industry-leading Snapdragon Satellite," he added.

To recall, rumours said in late November that South Korean tech giant Samsung may launch its flagship Galaxy S23 series a little earlier than 2022 and the Galaxy S23 lineup will borrow a feature from Apple iPhone 14 and also upgrade its fingerprint sensor. According to a report by tech publication ETNews, the Galaxy S23 series is likely to feature the satellite connectivity that we have seen in this year's iPhone 14 lineup.