Exynos Modem 5410 Enables Satellite Voice and Video on Galaxy S26

Samsung’s silicon team has quietly delivered one of the most consequential connectivity updates to mainstream smartphones in years: the new Exynos Modem 5410 brings fully standardized satellite support — including voice and video capabilities — to a single, power-optimized modem, and that modem is now widely reported as the key enabler for satellite voice and video on the upcoming Galaxy S26 family.

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Background​

Samsung Semiconductor has published technical details for the Exynos Modem 5410 showing a modem built for the 3GPP Release 17 era that integrates terrestrial 5G and three distinct satellite modes on one chip. The company lists support for LTE Direct-to-Cell (LTE DTC), NB‑IoT NTN (NarrowBand IoT Non‑Terrestrial Network) and NR‑NTN (New Radio Non‑Terrestrial Network), and explicitly calls out LTE DTC for enabling voice, NB‑IoT NTN for location/text use cases, and NR‑NTN for higher‑quality communications such as video calls. The modem is manufactured on a 4 nm EUV process and touts energy and security features designed to reduce the typical satellite‑link penalties in power and complexity. Samsung’s own marketing and recent demonstrations place the Exynos Modem 5410 as a multi‑mode modem that can operate across sub‑6 GHz and mmWave 5G while switching or falling back to satellite NTN modes when terrestrial coverage is absent. That combination — native terrestrial 5G + 3GPP‑standardized NTN — is what differentiates the modem from past add‑on satellite dongles or emergency‑only implementations. Multiple outlets reporting on the modem and Samsung’s product roadmap link the Exynos Modem 5410 to the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to launch in early 2026 and will likely be offered in standard, Plus, and Ultra variants. Reports vary on exact launch timing and regional chipset maps, but there is broad agreement that Samsung intends to pair its new Exynos connectivity with upcoming flagship hardware in select markets.

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What the Exynos Modem 5410 actually enables​

Three satellite modes, three user scenarios​

• LTE DTC (Direct‑to‑Cell): Enables circuit‑switched style voice calls directly to compatible satellite networks. This technology is positioned as the path for making normal voice calls when there’s no terrestrial cell tower nearby.
• NB‑IoT NTN: Optimized for low‑data, low‑power telemetry — location sharing, short text messages, and IoT telemetry. This mirrors how emergency messaging and location sharing have been implemented historically but in a standardized 3GPP way.
• NR‑NTN: The high‑throughput non‑terrestrial radio mode capable of supporting richer data flows, which Samsung explicitly associates with video communication. NR‑NTN is the 5G‑NR extension of satellite NTN and is intended for higher‑bandwidth uses than NB‑IoT.

Those three modes on one modem mean a single smartphone can in theory switch between quick, low‑power emergency messages and full two‑way voice or even video sessions depending on the available satellite link and network support. That’s a major step beyond the emergency‑only systems many phones have offered until now.

Performance and efficiency claims​

Samsung advertises download speeds up to 14.79 Gbps in NR CA scenarios when aggregating sub‑6 GHz and mmWave terrestrial bands, while also highlighting lower standby power use due to the 4 nm EUV manufacturing node. The modem also includes forward‑looking security features such as a Root of Trust and hybrid post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) support for modem keys and credentials. These elements are targeted at making satellite links practical without crippling battery life or device security.

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Why this matters for Galaxy S26 (and for smartphone owners)​

The Galaxy S25 generation offered a limited, emergency‑oriented satellite texting experience in some models; the Exynos Modem 5410 is positioned to move Samsung (and potentially other OEM partners that adopt the modem) well beyond that. If device OEMs and carriers implement the modem’s capabilities in full, the S26 lineup could be the first widely distributed mainstream phones to offer routine voice and video calls via satellite — not just emergency messages. That change would reduce the connectivity gap for remote workers, outdoor professionals, and travelers in areas with poor or no cell coverage. However, availability will be fragmented. Samsung appears to plan a regional chip strategy for the S26 series: certain markets (notably South Korea and parts of Europe) are expected to receive Exynos‑powered variants that can pair with the Exynos Modem 5410, while other regions — particularly the U.S. and China — may continue to see Snapdragon‑based Galaxy models that may or may not include an equivalent satellite modem. That split will determine whether satellite voice/video is broadly available or limited to select regions and SKUs.

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How this compares to Apple and existing satellite features​

Apple introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14, and it remains focused on emergency messaging and location sharing with curated PSAP (public safety answering point) workflows. Apple’s implementation centers on a tightly controlled emergency service path and — until recently — text‑centric off‑grid communication. Apple has been expanding its satellite features gradually, but its offering is fundamentally aimed at safety and emergency response rather than routine voice/video calls. Samsung’s modem claims — LTE DTC for voice and NR‑NTN for video — describe a broader remit: everyday voice communications and higher‑bandwidth sessions over satellites. That represents a qualitative shift from emergency‑only satellite features toward regular off‑grid telephony and media. It’s important to note, though, that the modem’s capability to handle voice and video does not automatically mean users will get unlimited, free satellite calling; carriers, satellite operators, regulatory constraints, and business models will determine how the technology is delivered to consumers.

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Technical realities and constraints​

Antenna, spectrum, and physics​

Satellite links are subject to physical constraints that terrestrial wireless engineers have long contended with: long path delays, low link budgets, and the need for clear line‑of‑sight to satellites. Consumer smartphones are severely space‑constrained, and integrating antennas that work efficiently across terrestrial sub‑6/mmWave and satellite bands is nontrivial. Samsung’s modem reduces complexity by unifying protocol handling, but the hardware front end (RF front‑end, antenna tuning, and integration) and device‑level power demands remain the biggest engineering hurdles.

Latency, codec tuning, and UX​

Voice and video over satellite introduce latency that can degrade conversational naturalness; codec choices, jitter buffering, and voice activity detection must be tuned for higher round‑trip times. NR‑NTN and LTE DTC include protocol mechanisms to help, but real‑world UX will depend on satellite network geometry (LEO vs GEO vs MEO), handover strategies, and edge server placement. Early deployments will likely have tradeoffs: acceptable for walks on a trail or safety checks, but not a drop‑in replacement for low‑latency terrestrial VoIP in all scenarios.

Power consumption and battery life​

Satellite transmissions typically use more power than local cell connections. Samsung emphasizes standby and efficiency improvements in the 5410, and the 4 nm process node helps, but expect satellite voice/video sessions to tax battery life more heavily than equivalent LTE or 5G calls. OEM software strategies — aggressive power profiles, session handshakes that compress audio/video, and selective offloading — will be necessary to make those sessions practical for typical users.

Network partners and certification​

A modem can speak satellite NTN protocols, but satellite connectivity requires operators and sometimes certification to tap their networks. Samsung’s documentation mentions partner certification and lists third‑party certifications in specific contexts; concrete, large‑scale availability depends on agreements with satellite operators and mobile carriers to route traffic and manage billing, emergency routing, and regulatory compliance. These are not trivial negotiations and may create staggered rollouts across geographies.

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Business and regulatory considerations​

• Carriers will decide how to package satellite voice/video: bundled, premium add‑on, or enterprise offer. The economics of routing voice/video over satellite differ sharply from terrestrial networks, and operators may charge accordingly or limit minutes/data. Early rollouts may target enterprise, marine, or outdoor professional customers before mass consumer plans appear.
• Regulatory approaches differ by country. Some markets require formal approvals for satellite‑to‑device services, and emergency service routing requires PSAP integration or intermediated relay services — Apple has shown how complex this can be. Global, uniform availability is unlikely at launch.
• Device fragmentation across Exynos and Snapdragon SKUs may result in regional availability gaps. Even with a capable Exynos modem, the decision to enable satellite voice/video on a given SKU will depend on local carrier support and certification.

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Security, privacy, and legal risk​

The Exynos Modem 5410 includes a Security Processor and mentions hybrid PQC support for modem keys — a forward‑looking feature aimed at protecting communications as satellite networks and long‑term digital infrastructure evolve. However, satellite routing introduces new privacy considerations: metadata exposure (who called whom, from where), cross‑border data flows, and lawful intercept regimes vary by country. End‑to‑end encryption and well‑scoped legal agreements will be critical to protect users and operators. There are also emergency and liability concerns. If satellite voice and video are used for emergency response, integrations with PSAPs will have to be certified. That process can be time‑consuming and varies widely between jurisdictions — an impediment to declaring a global emergency voice capability overnight.

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Realistic user scenarios and limitations​

• Backcountry rescue and outdoor professionals: The clearest early winners; satellite voice/video provides situational awareness to first responders and teams operating beyond cell towers. Expect piloted rollouts with specialized carriers or enterprise plans.
• Maritime and aviation passengers/crew: Satellite voice/video could supplement existing maritime comms in cost‑effective ways, but marine operators and regulators will shape adoption rates.
• Everyday consumers: Practicality will depend on pricing and battery/performance tradeoffs. Casual users in cities will rarely need satellite fallback, so mainstream uptake depends on carrier pricing and perceived value.

Limitations to be upfront about include: partial geographic coverage (satellite constellation footprints are not uniformly global), degraded performance under foliage or indoors, and potential additional costs for satellite sessions. These constraints will influence whether satellite voice/video becomes a "killer feature" or a niche capabilities suite.

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Industry competition and what to expect next​

Samsung is not alone in pursuing NTN and satellite‑to‑device integration. Apple established an important early model for emergency satellite messaging and has iterated its offering; Qualcomm and other silicon players have also signaled interest in satellite features. Samsung’s integration of voice/video on a single modem is a clear competitive move that pushes the industry toward richer off‑grid experiences. Expect:

• Carrier pilot programs that test voice/video sessions and pricing models.
• Regional rollouts tied to device SKUs (Exynos vs Snapdragon splits).
• OEM and satellite operator partnerships to certify roaming and emergency routing.
• Regulatory engagement as governments and PSAPs define acceptable emergency workflows for voice/video over NTN.

Media and analyst outlets are already speculating that the Galaxy S26 could be an early showcase for the 5410’s capabilities, but those claims hinge on Samsung enabling the modem in retail SKUs and securing operator support. Until carriers announce plans and Samsung confirms SKU‑level configurations, the public should treat device‑level availability as likely but not guaranteed.

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What reviewers and buyers should verify at launch​

• Whether a given Galaxy S26 SKU ships with the Exynos Modem 5410 and has satellite voice/video enabled in firmware. Regional SKU names and model numbers will matter.
• Which satellite operator(s) and carrier partners provide routing and service in your country; the presence of a modem does not equate to a usable service without operator agreements.
• Any limitations or caps on voice/video sessions, billing models, and whether the feature is included as a promotional add‑on, subscription, or pay‑per‑use.
• Real‑world battery impact during satellite calls and the quality/latency of voice/video compared with terrestrial calls. Benchmarks and long‑duration tests will reveal whether vendor claims hold up in practice.

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Strengths, risks, and a measured conclusion​

Samsung’s Exynos Modem 5410 is a bold, technically credible step toward mainstream satellite voice and video on smartphones. Its strengths are clear:

• Standards‑based approach (3GPP Release 17) that encourages interoperability rather than a proprietary silo.
• Single‑chip integration of terrestrial 5G and multiple NTN modes, simplifying OEM design and potential certification.
• Security features aimed at future‑proofing credentials and keys in a world where satellite routing creates new attack surfaces.

At the same time, significant risks remain:

• Availability gaps from regional SKU splits and carrier/operator business decisions will fragment user access.
• Operational constraints (latency, antenna limitations, battery) mean satellite voice/video is unlikely to fully replace terrestrial calling in many scenarios.
• Regulatory and emergency‑service integration could delay or limit true emergency voice/video usability in certain jurisdictions.

Ultimately, the Exynos Modem 5410 is a watershed technological building block: it makes consumer‑grade satellite voice and video feasible from a silicon standpoint. Whether it becomes a ubiquitous everyday feature will depend on Samsung’s SKU decisions, carrier business models, satellite operator partnerships, and regulators. Early adopters — outdoor professionals, maritime users, and enterprise customers — are the most likely to benefit first. Mainstream consumers should watch for carrier announcements, pricing, and real‑world battery tests before assuming the S26 will provide unlimited off‑grid voice and video.

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Looking ahead: what to watch for at launch and beyond​

• Samsung’s official Galaxy S26 launch event (expected early 2026) for SKU breakdowns and explicit modem/SKU pairings.
• Carrier and satellite operator announcements that detail service areas, pricing, and technical certifications.
• Hands‑on battery and call‑quality tests from reviewers to validate vendor claims about efficiency and voice/video usability.
• Regulatory approvals and PSAP integration news that will determine the emergency use case maturity in specific countries.

In short, Samsung’s Exynos Modem 5410 represents a technical leap toward integrated terrestrial + satellite communications that could transform how smartphones behave off the grid. The technology is announced and technically credible; the business, regulatory, and user‑experience layers will decide just how fast and widely the capability reaches everyday users. For anyone who relies on connectivity in remote conditions, the modem — and the Galaxy S26 models that may carry it — are developments to monitor closely. Conclusion: the smartphone industry is entering a new phase where satellite links are not just emergency fallbacks but potential extensions of routine connectivity. The Exynos Modem 5410 makes that future plausible; the timing and reach of the reality will be determined by the ecosystem that brings it to market.

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Source: Technobezz Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Will Support Satellite Voice And Video Calls