With the Mate 50 series launch, the world’s renowned company Huawei has introduced the world’s first mobile phone with a satellite calling feature. This advanced feature is a whole new technology, which is followed by Apple in the iPhone 14 series.
Huawei’s satellite connectivity feature allows you to send emergency messages to a receiver with a satellite orbiting Earth. Luckily, this feature does not require mobile networks, enabling you to communicate as an SOS via satellite. The Huawei’s Mate 50 series uses the Beidou satellite of China to pass SMS to the receiver.
If you’re thinking of buying a Huawei device with satellite calling capabilities but need information about this new technology, this write-up is exclusively for you. Please read till the end to unveil what is the satellite calling function and how it works on smartphones.
What is the Satellite Calling Feature?
You might have seen the old satellite phones with long antennas sticking out of their heads. Unlike our regular mobile phones, satphones connect to other networks or phones via radio links through satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites. These specialized connectivity features make satellite phones useful even in the remotest locations.
Carrying a satphone in our pockets might not be a suitable option for most of us, so manufacturers like Huawei and Apple are pushing the tech on modern smartphones with no visible antennas. Remember, it was Huawei, not Apple, that first introduced a satellite calling function on a mainstream smartphone in September 2022.
This life-saving satellite connectivity allows you to send SOS messages even when no cellular signal reception is available. Google has made this functionality compatible with Android 14, which means it is coming to more smartphones soon.
You might ask, how can satellite connectivity help you? Imagine you plan an adventurous trip to one of the remotest locations in the world. But after reaching there, you find yourself beyond the reach of cellular towers. Unluckily, you get into an emergency but can’t reach out to anyone for help. This is where the satellite calling function of Huawei comes in handy.
This functionality will provide you with a connection to reach out to someone even when there is no cellular/terrestrial network available. We have already heard a lot of cases where the satellite calling feature has saved lives, the most recent being a Hawaiian family who used this connectivity feature to escape the wildfire.
Current Generation of Huawei Satellite Communication
The current generation of Huawei satellite calling feature only supports one-way messages. It means you can only send an SOS message but won’t be able to receive it. This initial approach for satellite connectivity is appreciable, but there are a few improvements being made for the next generation.
Next Generation of Huawei Satellite Communication
According to the information, Huawei is working on two-way satellite communication functionality, which will allow you to send and receive SOS messages. Also, the company is claiming to improve the latency of its smartphone’s connectivity for fast messaging.
How Does Satellite Calling Function Work?
Huawei has tightly integrated the hardware and software to make the satellite calling function work efficiently, allowing antennas to connect to a satellite. The company has partnered with China’s global BeiDou satellite network to help send emergency messages via satellite.
Huawei Mate 50 and Mate 50 Pro feature this technology and allow you to send short texts and use navigation.
However, Huawei’s system description clarifies that the Mate 50 series can only send emergency messages via the satellite but can’t receive them. Also, we are expecting that the company will implement this technology in a different way in its future devices. Huawei may even bring data and voice connectivity features to its smartphones.
How to Use the Satellite Calling Function?
Though Huawei’s satellite calling function works without a mobile network, it requires the specialized “Changlian App” by Huawei. To use this advanced feature, you must be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. This experience of using a satellite connection is entirely different than sending or receiving messages via cellular connectivity.
If you’re going for an adventurous trip to a remote location with no cellular or WIFI connectivity, here are some ways to be prepared:
- Try the emergency messages via satellite demo and set the information you want to share. For example, you can share your medical ID to notify emergency contacts.
- First, try contacting the emergency number via satellite to reach the emergency services. You might be able to make a call even if your normal cellular carrier network is not available. Unfortunately, if your call doesn’t connect, you can send an emergency SMS via satellite connectivity.
- Select Emergency Text via satellite if you need immediate assistance. However, you can choose to contact roadside assistance if you need help, but you’re not in an emergency.
- To enjoy satellite connectivity, follow the onscreen instructions.
- Once you’re connected, continue following onscreen instructions to stay connected and send your message to emergency services.
It is worth mentioning that Huawei’s satellite calling function is only accessible through China Telecom cards. You can apply for this service via the network provider’s app. Moreover, the company lets you choose from two monthly satellite calling plans, which are:
- The first plan includes 80 minutes of satellite calls for 100 yuan
- The second plan provides you with 200 satellite minutes for 200 yuan
Which Huawei Phones Have Satellite Calling Capabilities?
The following Huawei phones boast satellite connectivity capabilities:
1. Huawei Mate 60 Pro
The Mate 60 Pro by Huawei made its headlines in late August. The company has revealed that it is the world’s first smartphone with satellite calling capabilities. Since the new flagship has been launched, more details about how the much-touted feature works will be revealed.
Huawei claims this potentially life-saving feature allows you to contact authorities during an emergency.
Earlier, this high-tech feature was exclusively limited to sat or satellite phones geared towards off-the-grid explorers and travelers. It makes the Huawei Mate 60 Pro the first conventional smartphone to introduce satellite calling to the mass market.
This high-tech smartphone is integrated with the Tiantong satellite system, which is the first mobile communication satellite system in China. Under the hood, Mate 60 Pro also features a dedicated chip for satellite communication. This customized chip is said to have been developed with the research institute under the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.
Additional Features of Huawei Mate 60 Pro
With the dimensions of 163.7 x 79 x 8.1 mm, Mate 60 Pro is one of the best Huawei smartphones to date. The device is supported by the Kirin 9000S Octa-Core processor with Maleoon 910 GPU. Additionally, Mate 60 Pro features 12 GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage. The smartphone comes with an OLED 6.82-inch screen size, featuring a higher resolution of 1212 x 2616 pixels.
Also, it includes high-tech sensors, such as fingerprint, face ID, color spectrum + BDS Satellite Calling & Message, gyro, proximity, and accelerometer.
It is worth mentioning that Huawei Mate 60 Pro is currently exclusive to China, with the tech giants yet to announce the plans for global release.
2. Huawei Mate 50 Series
Huawei Mate 50 and Mate 50 Pro also feature satellite connectivity capabilities. Also, this series comes with the HarmonyOS 3.0 system. Along with the continuation of the personalized and simple desktop style, it brings a new experience of universal cards.
Unlike the Mate 60 Pro, the Mate 50 series is only able to send short texts via satellite connectivity and use navigation. Also, this feature is only accessible in mainland China and does not support receiving texts.
Summarize
Chinese telecom giant Huawei has introduced its new high-end Mate 60 Pro and Mate 50 series. In addition to impressive cameras and glass upgrades, these smartphones include satellite calling and texting capabilities. Along with Huawei and Apple, many Android brands, including Vivo, Oppo, Honor, Xiaomi, and Nothing, are ready to bring satellite communication functionalities to their smartphone.
Unlike traditional satellite phones, modern smartphones with satellite calling functions offer more reliable performance with no visible antennas. This life-saving feature can be a game-changer if you’re planning a trip to one of the remotest locations in the world. Using this function, you can contact authorities and send emergency messages, even when no cellular network is available. This makes Huawei’s smartphones with satellite communication capabilities not just a luxury but a possible lifesaver.
Unfortunately, Huawei’s satellite calling and messaging features are only accessible in China, but the manufacturers are planning for a global launch soon.
