Since the launch of the Pixel 6, Google has used its in-house Tensor processors with Exynos modems. The Pixel 9, expected to launch later this year, will reportedly use a newer Exynos modem from Samsung to bring satellite connectivity features for messaging.
That’s not the only Pixel that features the new Exynos modem. Even the Pixel Fold 2 and the Pixel Tablet 2 reportedly use Samsung’s newer modem inside a new Tensor chipset.
Pixel 9, Pixel Fold 2, Pixel Tablet 2 to feature newer Exynos modem
According to a report from Android Authority, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel Fold 2, and Pixel Tablet 2 will use a new Tensor processor that features Samsung’s Exynos 5400 5G modem. This new modem is reportedly faster and more power-efficient than the Exynos 5300 modem used in the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Fold. It also features support for 3GPP Rel. 17, which supports 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for satellite-based communication (such as text messaging) for emergency situations.
While the Pixel Tablet was a Wi-Fi-only device, the Pixel Tablet 2 (codename ‘Clementine’) will reportedly come in a cellular (Wi-Fi + 5G) variant featuring the new Exynos 5400 modem. Apparently, T-Mobile will provide the satellite-based communication feature (using SpaceX collaboration). More service providers could be added later.
This emergency communications feature will be used for text messages in future Pixel devices. A special ‘Satellite Gateway’ app will allow users to communicate with emergency services easily. They must use the Emergency SOS feature to connect to emergency services. Moreover, they need to hold the phone in a specific alignment and direction (to connect to satellite signals), and Google has developed animations to explain that to users.
The app will reportedly ask a few questions about the user’s condition and situation. They are listed below:
- What happened?
- [Are you/Are they/Is everyone] breathing?
- In total, how many people are [missing/trapped]?
- What best describes your situation?
- What is on fire?
- Are there weapons involved?
- What type of vehicle or vessel?
- Do any of these apply?
Could Galaxy S25 feature satellite connectivity for emergency situations?
After Apple launched the iPhone 14 with the satellite-based Emergency SOS feature, it was reported that the Galaxy S23 could also bring a similar feature, especially since the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports the feature on a hardware level. However, the Galaxy S23 didn’t have that feature. Then, it was reported that the Galaxy S24 would have satellite-based two-way communication, but even that didn’t end up having Emergency SOS.
However, the Galaxy S25 might have satellite-based two-way communication for Emergency SOS services and text messaging.
Author’s Note: After the launch of the Galaxy S23, Samsung MX CEO TM Roh said that the ecosystem for satellite-based messaging and emergency services isn’t mature yet. He said that the company will wait for the ecosystem to mature before bringing it to Galaxy phones. Since Android 15 has built-in support for the feature, the Galaxy S25 may finally have that feature. It also looks like a possibility as the Galaxy S25 is pegged to be a major launch for the South Korean firm.