Based on the description of the Exynos Modem 5410, Samsung is laying the groundwork for a possible leap in satellite connectivity on the Galaxy S26.
The company says the modem supports three different satellite network types and associates one of them with voice calls, suggesting something more practical than a last-resort satellite message.
Since there are no official announcements yet, it is speculated that the new modem will be used in the Galaxy S26 in select countries.
Three satellite modes, different tasks
According to Samsung, the Exynos Modem 5410 integrates LTE DTC, NB IoT NTN and NR NTN on a single chip and assigns each a different role.
LTE DTC, short for Long Term Evolution Direct to Cell, is the central promise. Samsung describes it as expanding the possibilities with the ability to make voice calls, a clear evolution compared to short emergency messages.
NB IoT NTN (NarrowBand Internet of Things Non Terrestrial Networks) is suitable for simpler tasks such as location sharing and simple text transmission via satellite, including scenarios far from cell towers, even across deserts or oceans. According to Samsung, this part is certified by Skylo.
NR NTN, short for New Radio Non Terrestrial Networks, is described as a higher-value path, with Samsung pointing to use cases such as video calling.
This goes beyond sending emergency text messages
If these features land in the Galaxy S26 family, the Galaxy S26’s satellite connectivity looks like a layered replacement. Simple text messaging and location sharing are at one end, voice calls are becoming the big middle step, and higher quality communications are at the top.
Samsung also calls this a premium modem and not a niche add-on. It says the chip is based on the 3GPP Release 17 standard, supports 5G NR dual connectivity over FR1 sub-6GHz and FR2 mmWave, and claims a maximum download throughput of up to 14.79 Gbps.
Efficiency and safety are also praised. According to Samsung, the modem uses a 4nm EUV process for lower power consumption in standby mode and features root-of-trust-based hybrid PQC as well as a security processor designed to protect sensitive Secure NV data such as IMEI.
What you should look at before relying on it
The crucial details are still missing: which Galaxy models use the modem, whether satellite voice calls are activated from day one and where they are supported. Until Samsung makes this clear, consider the Exynos Modem 5410 as a capability, not an endorsement.
If you value off-grid coverage, wait for a Galaxy S26 spec sheet that explicitly lists satellite calling, supported satellite modes, and regional availability.
