Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could get SOS satellite support — what you need to know

Introduction

The features that may come with the speculated Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have created a buzz in the air. Several leaks have been doing rounds lately, hence giving us an early glimpse of what might come up with this premium flagship device. Recently one week ago, the unofficial renders showed the design of the S25 Ultra device.

But the real talking point is the possible inclusion of satellite connectivity-a real game-changer if this indeed pushes the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra into new dimensions in terms of popularity. This, along with a slew of other rumored enhancements, sees this device set fair for a major total launch at the beginning of 2025. Wow, Samsung really amazes everyone all the time, but this time, they appear to be catching up with those from Apple and Google. According to the latest news, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has just cleared the Chinese 3C certification, revealing a number of new tech enhancements.

The sparse details come hot on the heels of Apple's Emergency SOS satellite connectivity already available in the iPhone 14 and reportedly backed up in satellite support with Google's Pixel 9 series. Now, it would appear that Samsung is stepping up to the plate with a similar feature for its upcoming flagship.

The review will point out various design highlights, display points, and features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in this broad review, while taking a deep dive into certain leaks related to this gadget. This article further answers some of the common questions and gives a view of what makes this gadget stand out of the crowd.

Design

For years, Samsung has been the leading brand in terms of premium design, and most expect nothing but the same from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Although the renders in question are unofficial, they do a pretty good job in showing how the device might look. The S25 Ultra would continue with the premium glass and metal build that Samsung's flagship devices boast of, where the feel and look of this device are strong and premium in nature.

A key expected design element of the S25 Ultra is its big camera module, housing multiple sensors. It could also have a bit raised camera bump on this model, just like it has been in the previous models to give it that professional and highly technical look and feel. This device might come in a set of colors for different choices to be made by the user.

The S25 Ultra is also expected to come with curved edges for smooth and seamless interaction while it is held. The S25 Ultra is also likely to retain its water and dust resistance rating, making it a staple of all Samsung flagship smartphones. Samsung makes devices that look good, and that are built to survive daily wear and tear-a fact that extends to the S25 Ultra.

Display

One of the high points for any Samsung Ultra device comes from its display, and that is expected to continue with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Most often, Samsung screens revolve around the impressive AMOLED display, rich in color, deep blacks, and impressive levels of brightness.

The S25 Ultra will have a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, probably around 120Hz or even 144Hz. It will mean smoother animations, better gaming, and an overall enhanced visual experience. In terms of resolution, the S25 Ultra is expected to offer 3200 x 1440 pixel resolution, meaning sharp visuals and crisp details.

From video watching to game playing, and from scrolling through social media to mere browsing, the display will definitely envelope you into an experience that few other devices can match. Samsung screens have always been luminous, so even outdoors under direct sunlight, users will see great visibility.

In addition, the screen could show the progress of under-display camera technology so that a viewer can view anything without interruption. That means the front camera would sit hidden beneath the screen for a full, interruption-free screen. While this is pretty new stuff, Samsung is very likely to further push the boundaries of what's possible on smartphone screens.

Features

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is said to come with some innovative features that will set its place completely different from its predecessors and rivals. It reportedly includes a feature very few are excited about: satellite connectivity.

It looks like Samsung is finally playing catch-up with Apple's Emergency SOS features, first launched on the iPhone 14, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That satellite connectivity enables users to make emergency calls even when no cell signal is available and can be of critical help in the most remote areas.

Currently, this feature is available on the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 14, but apparently, Samsung is bringing this to their flagships. According to leaks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra got its certification via the Chinese 3C certification body, meaning that satellite connectivity might just be part of the package it brings.

It's been speculating that Samsung will team up with Google and Qualcomm on just this, and the feature might be free - at least for a time - before a paid subscription model goes live.

Other features leaked include support for charging at 45W, just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, meaning the S25 Ultra will charge up rapid to get users back into using their device in no time. The accompanying battery is also expected to be big enough to provide long-lasting power into the day, even for heavy users.

It is also possible that S25 Ultra will be able to increase its video performance on the camera side. Though not so clear, Samsung may increase the capability of this camera in terms of video recording-say, it offers 8K video recording at higher frame rates. This phone is very likely to show off multiple sensors, including a high-resolution primary camera, ultra-wide-angle lens, and telephoto lens for excellent zoom capabilities.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is shaping up to be quite an impressive flagship that is currently merging Samsung's hallmark design and build quality with the latest in technology. Packing in rumored satellite connectivity, 45-watt fast charging, and enhanced video performance, the S25 Ultra becomes a direct opponent in its class to take on such other top-tier smartphones from the likes of Apple and Google.

Boasting a formidable display, powerful features, and sleek design, the S25 Ultra aims to be one of the most anticipated releases well into its 2025 debut. More details and leaks are expected to emerge as the launch draws near to piece together what this device would offer. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected in January 2025 with this device marking a major paradigm shift in the series.

FAQs

1. When will the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra be released?

On current estimates, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected out in January 2025, as the brand largely sticks within an established release cycle. Over the past few years, the brand has declared its flagship in the Galaxy S series at the beginning of the year, during or near the Consumer Electronics Show-which takes place at the start of January.

Continuing this trend, the Galaxy S25 Ultra should be officially announced by Samsung about a week after CES 2025. This way, the brand can bask in considerable attention at a time when tech enthusiast circles and the media are abuzz with the latest from CES. Such timing continues to keep Samsung ahead of competitors launching flagship phones throughout any given year.

Pre-orders should start soon after the official announcement, with units probably coming available to customers by the end of January or early February 2025. As always, this is subject to slight changes according to Samsung's supply chain and production schedule, but, of course, first and foremost to any unexpected delays. January 2025 remains the most likely period for the Galaxy S25 Ultra to make its debut.

2. Will the Galaxy S25 Ultra support satellite connectivity?

Numerous leaks and reports have stated that the main communication upgrade for the device would be satellite connectivity with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

That feature, since its unveiling on such devices as the iPhone 14 and Google Pixel 9, enables sending emergency messages via satellite when one is beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks. It will most probably be offered by Samsung, too, in relation to emergency SOS communication so that people in remote areas without cellular could also call for help in cases of emergencies.

This feature will be most helpful for those going on outdoor adventures, hikers, or people who travel to locations with shaky network connections. It is not yet clear whether the satellite connectivity will provide more extensive two-way messaging beyond emergency services, but the inclusion could place the Galaxy S25 Ultra ahead of the competition regarding safety features.

This would position Samsung for the growing demand for better connectivity features that would provide some sort of assurance with regard to moments when off the grid. Since this forms part of those features still in evolution within the technology world, satellite functionality on Galaxy S25 Ultra would come with further improvements and refinements against competitors, increasing the appeal in the high-end segment of smartphones.

3. What kind of charging features would be supported by the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

But it's very likely that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will also stick with support for 45W fast charging, just like its predecessor, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is not a huge leap, but finds a good balance between fast charging speed and battery health. Samsung has focused on making its charging technology efficient enough that, even at 45W, it provides users with an ability to top up their device very quickly without such severe compromise on long-term battery health.

Galaxy S25 Ultra is said to be fitted with enhanced thermal management, which will help prevent overheating during fast-charging sessions. In addition to this, there is further optimization of the battery life that may make it consume power in such a way that users would charge their device less often. It's also expected that S25 Ultra will support wireless charging, probably at the same 15W charging speed, with reverse wireless charging to power accessories like the Galaxy Bud or any other Qi-compatible device.

While one might have expected a leap into even quicker wired charging speeds, Samsung undoubtedly focused much of its design process on stability, safety, and the longevity of the device's battery. This said, this will surely be enough for most users, being sufficient for a quick recharge of the device during daily use.

4. What can we expect in camera performance?

Camera performance on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to see some massive boosts, particularly with video recording and low-light photography.

Several leaks and reports hint at an improved 200MP primary sensor that Samsung has been touted to be working on, which could surely push images to another level in terms of the sharpness and clarity department. Computational photography on the Galaxy S25 Ultra could also massively improve, with better image processing in adverse conditions, such as low light or high contrast.

For videos, this is reportedly capable of 8K video recording at higher frame rates, possibly going as high as 60fps, which would be a huge jump from its predecessor. That makes the S25 Ultra a brute for content creators or videographers who demand high-resolution video with fluent motion. Improved OIS and EIS would also mean steadier footage even when shooting handheld or in highly active scenarios.

Then there's the fact that Samsung is very likely to even further improve the zoom functions in the S25 Ultra, offering cleaner zooms at high magnification factors than on the S23 Ultra, in addition to its already awesome periscope lens. With those expected upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will very likely still stand among the best camera and video phones in 2025.

5. How much will the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Although Samsung has not confirmed the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, some industry analysts believe this is in the premium price category, and hence the price could be between ₹ 120,000 and ₹ 130,000 in India.

This is an estimation based on previous Ultra phones, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra for example; those were positioned as high-end phones in Samsung's lineup. On top of that, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will also arrive with an improved camera system, a powerful processor, enhanced connectivity options such as satellite communication, and premium build quality-all factors that are ballooning up its price.

Besides, inflation, supply chain pressures, and the addition of new technologies also might increase the price by a small margin over its predecessor. This Galaxy S25 Ultra may come with nearly identical pricing as many other high-end gadgets from houses such as Apple or Google in global markets, considering offering top-of-line performance meant for tech enthusiasts and professionals.

However, Samsung may also give financing options or trade-in deals to make the device well within their reach. The prices of the Galaxy S25 Ultra will definitely be higher, keeping in mind all the premium features, plus the latest technologies that one would expect to find on one of the most advanced smartphones in 2025.