4 best satellite phones

If you are going to go “to the edge of geography”, where ordinary GSM networks do not work, you will need a good satellite phone. It will also be useful as an emergency communication tool if coverage of mobile operators in your region is weak. We have prepared an overview of the best satellite devices from the latest lines of well-known companies, choosing the most functional and reliable devices.

Thuraya XT-PRO Dual - a phone that is always in touch

Hybrid phone on two sim cards can work simultaneously as a satellite and as the most common GSM-device, and both of its cards are constantly in active mode. In addition, the manufacturer supplied the XT-PRO with four popular navigation systems at once: GPS, BeiDou, Galileo and GLONASS - with such a set you will not get lost.

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Pros:

• Catching ground networks 2G and 3G.
• The screen under the Gorilla glass with anti-reflective coating reads well in the sun.
• The ability to access the Internet from any of the SIM cards.
• Energy-consuming battery, which allows you to talk continuously up to 9-11 hours, has an 75% charge per hour.
• The ability to automatically send to a given number, fax or email address with the coordinates. It comes in the form of an active link that leads to a Google map with a saved tag.
• Three options of tracking with sending location information: at certain intervals, distance traveled or when leaving a given square.
• In areas with weak communication, if the call fails, a message about it will come to the phone anyway.
• The device has a separate SOS button.
• A set of simple but nice additional functions (alarm clock, world time, calculator, etc.).
• Rich equipment: two chargers (road with adapters for different sockets and car), headphones and cable for PC connection.

Minuses:

• Insufficient level of IP55 dust and moisture protection, as well as impact resistance at the level of IK05 (approximately corresponds to the fall of the 200-gram hammer from a height of 35 cm). This is enough for the city, but not for extreme conditions.
• The huge cost is about 80 thousand rubles.

Iridium 9575 Extreme - for extreme conditions

This model has a high class of protection against water and dust IP65 (or Mil STD 810, if we evaluate it by military standard). The phone has a GPS tracking function to track the location of a signal and sends the information to the owner’s personal account on the manufacturer’s official website.

The antenna device is also interesting: here it extends 12 cm, and its tip can be rotated in any direction to catch the signal.

Pros:

• It quickly establishes communication and keeps it well - numerous Iridium satellites do provide the widest coverage.
• You can not only make calls and write SMS, but even send short messages to e-mail (up to 160 characters) and use voice mail.
• Ergonomic, non-slip case.
• There is a custom emergency key SOS.
• Built-in notebook for 100/155 addresses (for informational “business cards” and for contacts with one field, respectively).
• Counter expenses for communication.
• Included are protective case, car and traditional charger, adapters for the antenna and different types of sockets, as well as a USB cable and headset.

Minuses:

• Expensive (from 80 to 90 thousand rubles).
• The battery lasts only 4 hours of conversation, and only up to 30 hours in standby mode.

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Inmarsat iSatPhone 2 - the most autonomous satellite phone

This model has a good level of protection against external conditions: IP65, operating temperature range -20 .. + 75 ° С, permissible humidity levels up to 95%. The phone itself is equipped with a large screen with a very clear picture and anti-reflective coating.

Its main advantage is the battery, which in talk / standby mode is able to last 8 and 160 hours, respectively.

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Pros:

• It is registered in the network in 45 seconds, and with good visibility of the sky - even faster (10-15 seconds). It catches calls and messages even with the antenna down.
• There are built-in Bluetooth 2.0 and GPS.
• Automatic tracking function with a separate button for quickly sending coordinates.
• The ability to write and receive e-mail messages.
• Scratch-resistant glass screen Gorilla Glass.
• There is an SOS button.
• Luxury equipment: in addition to the cord for the PC, charging with 4 adapters and a car cable, it also includes a strap on the wrist, a case and a USB flash drive.
• More affordable price than analogs - up to 60 thousand.

Minuses:

• Thick folding antenna is on the side of the monoblock, which is not very convenient.
• Through a dense forest thicket can not immediately get through to the satellite.

Qualcomm GSP-1700 - a compact and inexpensive option

This device does not provide any "bells and whistles", because it does not require a high level of protection or crazy autonomy. Qualcomm is most likely addressed to people who on duty travel a lot around the world.

The main advantage of the phone is the quality of communication - it catches almost anywhere in the world and has a transmission speed like that of the terrestrial network.

Pros:

• In the tube is always great audibility.
• Answer a call from any button.
• Phonebook for 99 numbers, with the possibility of hiding individual contacts from prying eyes.
• Encryption keylock is another useful feature in terms of security.
• The duration of the conversation is easy to control by the minute signal in the dynamics.
• Ability to send information by e-mail.
• Supports TCP / IP stacks, allowing you to use your phone as a modem.
• Lack of moisture protection is compensated by a complete waterproof cover.
• Relatively low price of about 30-35 thousand rubles.

Minuses:

• The battery capacity of 2600 mAh is only enough for 4 hours of talk time or up to one and a half days of waiting.
• Not organized work with the transfer of SMS, although you can accept the message.
• Specific charger, which is difficult to find a replacement, while inside is the most ordinary 18650th battery.

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