6 Best Satellite Phones And Communicators With Specifications
Are you in search of a phone that can work where your latest smartphone cannot?
Well, a satellite phone is all you need. And if you’re confused to know which satellite phone one should buy? We are here to fix your problem. We have listed down a few options for you available around you.
Are you a globe-trotter and you find yourself always traveling “off the grid,” or on an adventure with no one around but still you want to stay connected to you your loved ones during that, then Satellite phone is the one for you.
Earlier only government agencies, spies, and well-heeled yachtsmen used some of The best satellite phones. But nowadays satellite phones are easily available and are actually inexpensive in comparison to a smartphone. Not only that a sat phone will also offer you a lifeline around any part of the world. Anyone who is traveling to a remote area with no signals or network then a satellite phone is a lifesaver for you. Hikers also keep a sat phone with themselves just in case of emergencies. Also, staff posted in remote areas with no network can also be guided properly through a smartphone.
Having a Sat phone might make you feel like James bond, the entire name itself add to the vibe. A Satellite phone is sometimes underestimated but actually, it can do much more than your expectation. They are easily accessible & widespread and there are several options to choose from according to one’s needs.
But your work is not done by just buying a Sat phone you have to also keep in mind that in order to have access to a satellite you must have a subscription beforehand. The subscription prices may vary depending on what kind of network you choose and for how long you are taking the subscription. The prices may vary according to what kind of service you need for yourself.
The point to be kept in mind before buying a Sat phone is that the prices of the satellite network are much higher than our normal cellular network.
Other than a satellite phone to work full-blown one could consider having satellite communicators. They are comparatively smaller device that only offers data or text services. It is great for emergencies. These devices can also connect to a basic smartphone in case you need to actually speak to anyone
Therefore a Satellite phone is ideal for calling and texting in a remote area where your smartphone might not be able to catch cellular network and work properly. But the thing to keep in mind is that you have to be outside in an open area to actually be able to catch network clearly the best view of the sky can ensure you get a signal. Also, a Satellite phone can also suffer delays as the signal travels along a route but the bright side is you’ll never be out of touch in case of emergencies.
Table of Contents
6 Best Satellite Phones And Communicators With Specifications (2022)
1. Iridium 9555
SPECIFICATIONS
Network: Iridium
Weight: 247g
Dimensions: 140 x 270 x 60mm
Talktime: 3-4h
Standby: 30h
Display: Mono LCD
Waterproofing: Waterproof keypad
Data connection: 2.4kbps
Other features: Speaker, Mini USB data connection (20Kbps)
About Phone-
It is considered one of the Best satellite phones for backpackers. It looks like an old 90’s cell phone due to its bulky appearance and a stubby antenna. But actually, the antenna can stretch itself to 12cm and can be angled into different directions to pick up the network more quickly and easily. The design and the outer body look something like a Nokia 2110 and also some 90’s era cell phone and the button arrangement is also quite similar. The design makes the handling and gripping of the phone easy when one is wearing gloves and his hands are cold. This phone also includes short email capability and the ability to receive as well as send SMS.
2. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
SPECIFICATIONS
Network: Inmarsat-4Weight: 318g
Dimensions: 169 x 75 x 36mm
Talktime: 8h
Standby: 160h
Display: Color screen (with Gorilla Glass)
Waterproofing: IP65, IK04
Data connection: –Other features: Magnetometer, Speaker, Bluetooth handsfree
The IsatPhone 2 is one of the easily available Sat phones which can be found on the INMARSAT network. It has a solid and sturdy build-up and its antenna is foldable. This handset is ideal for remote travelers. If you are fond of sailing near the equator then this might be the one for you. But in the valleys, you might face an issue catching the signal. If you are hiking in the mountains of North or south you might face considerable issues. If you are exploring and sticking near the equator you do not have to worry about the Inmarsat network. An emergency button is also located under the flap. It has an easy and straightforward contacts database. You can also send 160-character text messages. You can also send a text/email/tweet with your GPS location. and in case the handset is unable to catch signals a built-in compass is activated
3. Thuraya XT-LITE:
SPECIFICATIONS
Network: Thuraya
Weight: 262g
Dimensions: 145 x 78 x 24mm
Talktime: 11h
Standby: 100h
Display: 5.2-inch 1080P color screen
Waterproofing: IP67 Dust & Water protection
Data connection: 60kBps up / 15kBps down
Other features: USB-C data connection, camera, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, SOS button
It is the best combination of a smartphone and well a satellite phone. It Includes Android OS, has a front and a rear camera also is a dual sim. It allows the users to install the trusted apps for an emergency phone and you can use it in coverage areas in one handy unit. There are front (8MP) and selfie (2MP) cameras, the Android version is not the latest but can be worked on. It doesn’t support 5G. But the most disappointing of all is that it doesn’t cover America. At 60kbit/s down the satellite network provides faster data than some of the other sat Phone.
4.Garmin inReach
Specifications:
Dimensions: 6.8 x 16.4 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 213g
Battery life: Up to 100 hours at 10-minute tracking mode (default)
Up to 75 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging
Up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode
Up to 3 years when powered off
Waterproof: IPX7
Memory: 2GB
Interface: micro-USB
It has a Built-in satellite receiver that lets users send and receive SMS. It is comparatively cheaper than the other satellite handsets. It is a handheld GPS receiver as well as a satellite receiver. It allows its users to send and receive SMS via the Iridium network.
6. SPOT X
Specifications
Dimensions: 166 × 38 × 24 mm
Weight: 198g
Services: Satellite SMS, automatic positioning, and SOS
Battery life – 240 hours
Operating temp: -20 °C to 60 °C
Durability: MIL-STD-810G for shock
Ingress protection: IP67
This old Blackberry look-alike Device is a Two-way device. That means it provides a reliable 2- way satellite communication so that one can stay connected to the workers living and on duty in remote areas outside the terrestrial coverage. Which a qwerty keypad and the ability to pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth is a lifesaver for many working in remote areas. Users can connect with managers, or family directly through the phone 24/7. Managers can watch and track the location of their employees as well.
What sets the ‘sat phone’ apart from a regular smartphone?
A satellite phone is obviously very useful and economic. It is used up in towns, cities and near major highways due to easy reach, satellite connection, and reliability. You can get your hand on a satellite phone just like picking up a standard phone from online retailers and one just needs to add monthly plans or pre-paid cards can also be used. If one is traveling to a remote area and needs a satellite phone for a short period of time only they get a prepaid card from Amazon with a SIM required for the satellite network and destination. You can buy a bundle of them as used according to your convenience. Also one needs an international dialing code when you are calling.
Wrapping up-
We hope that this article was helpful for you to decide which satellite phone will be the best for you. Comment down which one is your favorite among all.
Thank You For Reading!