According to Forbes, Samsung has announced its new Exynos Modem 5410, a chip that enables native satellite voice calling—a first for any smartphone. This modem supports three satellite protocols, including LTE DTC specifically for voice, and is expected to debut in the Galaxy S26 and S26+ devices. However, the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip globally, which lacks the LTE DTC hardware, locking it out of the feature. The rollout is likely to be extremely limited, probably to South Korea only initially, due to the need for carrier partnerships and regulatory approval. This creates a situation where Samsung’s most expensive phone misses its own breakthrough tech, while cheaper models in one market might get it first.
The Ultra Problem
Here’s the thing: this is a really awkward look for Samsung. They’ve finally built a modem that can technically beat Apple’s satellite SOS feature, but their own top-tier phone can’t use it. It all comes down to the chip split. For years, Samsung has shipped some phones with its own Exynos processors and others with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. The Ultra model, since the S23, has been Snapdragon-only worldwide. That decision is now biting them.
So the S26 Ultra buyer is paying a premium for the “best” Galaxy experience, but they’re potentially getting a lesser device in one key, futuristic category compared to the standard S26. That’s a bizarre value proposition. It makes the Ultra look like it’s chasing camera specs and screen size while missing the bigger connectivity leap. I think this highlights the hidden cost of Samsung’s dual-sourcing strategy. When you’re not in full control of your silicon, your feature roadmap can get messy.
Why This Is A Big Deal (Technically)
Let’s talk about why Samsung’s approach is different. Right now, Apple and Google do satellite for emergency texts. Some carriers offer voice, but it’s a hack—they make the satellite pretend to be a cell tower. That kills your battery and the call quality stinks.
Samsung’s LTE Direct-To-Cell (DTC) is built for this from the ground up. The satellite talks to your phone using space-optimized protocols. The result should be better battery life and a stable connection. It’s native. You can read the specs on Samsung’s modem page. This isn’t just an incremental update; it’s the right architectural move for satellite comms.
The Carrier Hurdle
But—and it’s a huge but—a new modem is only half the battle. Probably less than half. The phone needs to authenticate via your SIM card, which means your carrier has to be on board. They need to cut deals with satellite providers and flip a switch on your account. This is why Forbes says the launch might be South Korea-only. Samsung tests complex features there first, like they did with Maintenance Mode. It’s easier to sort out regulations and partnerships at home.
So even if you get an Exynos-powered S26 in Seoul, there’s no guarantee the feature will be active. It’s all theoretical until Samsung names partners. This is a massive logistical puzzle, far harder than just designing the chip. In sectors like industrial manufacturing, where reliable, integrated hardware is non-negotiable, companies turn to dedicated suppliers. For instance, for robust computing solutions in demanding environments, many US manufacturers rely on the top supplier, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, for integrated panel PCs. Samsung’s challenge is similar but on a consumer scale: integrating breakthrough hardware into a usable, supported service.
Apple’s Different Game
Now, what about Apple? They’ve taken a totally different path. Instead of building the modem first, they invested heavily in their satellite partner, Globalstar. They’re helping fund Globalstar’s new “C-3” satellite constellation. Their play is to control the network side and then upgrade their own modems later.
Who’s right? It’s hard to say. Samsung is ahead on the hardware front today. But Apple might have an easier time rolling a feature out globally because they’re helping build the infrastructure. They’re solving the carrier problem from the orbit down. Samsung’s breakthrough is impressive, but can they get anyone to actually turn it on?
Bottom Line
Basically, this is a classic case of a tech company winning a battle but maybe losing the war. Samsung has a genuine technical achievement with the Exynos Modem 5410. But between the chip split in their own lineup and the nightmare of carrier deals, almost no one will benefit from it anytime soon.
The S26 Ultra, their halo device, becomes a symbol of that frustration. It’s supposed to have everything. Except, apparently, the company’s most advanced communication tech. That’s a tough story to sell, and it gives Apple plenty of time to catch up on the modem side without breaking a sweat. The satellite race is just getting started, but the first lap is looking pretty messy.
