In January 2024, following the release of HUAWEI Mate60 last year, Honor and OPPO have successively launched smartphones that support satellite communication technology. This brings users a more convenient and seamless communication experience. It signifies that the penetration rate of satellite communication capabilities in domestic Android phones is expected to continue increasing.
According to China exportsemi net, satellite mobile phones have broken through the limitations of traditional networks, achieved global communication coverage, and provided users with more reliable means of communication. Regardless of whether it is in mountainous areas, oceans, deserts, or even polar regions where there are no base stations, users can enjoy stable voice calls, text messaging, and internet connectivity. This is a boon for frequent travelers, adventurers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and emergency workers.
Figure 1: In 24, domestic mobile phones opened the satellite era (* picture from the network)
A few months later, the satellite technology of Honor and OPPO surpasses that of Huawei's Mate60. Chinese semiconductor companies exploring overseas markets have learned that Fang Fei, the President of Honor's product line, revealed that Honor has collaborated with China Telecom over the past two years to jointly address technical challenges such as highly power consumption, tight link budgets, and difficulties in heat dissipation in satellite operations. They have achieved technological breakthroughs in chip miniaturization and integrated satellite antennas, opening up new directions for direct satellite connectivity in smart terminals. In terms of specifications, the Honor Magic6 series smartphones are equipped with self-developed satellite communication technology based on the BeiDou-3 system. The processors used are Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3, which supports AI edge computing with a massive model size of 7 billion parameters.
The OPPO Find X7 series utilizes self-developed "Satellite Antenna Directional Diagram Control Technology" which allows for the control of the radiation direction of the satellite antenna. This enables the antenna beam to dynamically align with the satellite, improving the impact of satellite direction on phone calls. As a result, normal satellite communication can be achieved in both the earpiece and hands-free modes. The processor is equipped with Dimensity 9300 and Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processors respectively.
Some digital influencers have conducted tests on the satellite communication capabilities of Honor and OPPO. The results indicate that the Honor Magic6 has a faster satellite acquisition speed and does not have the limitation of disconnecting within 5 minutes. Additionally, it does not require prior alignment before use.
It is a good thing that domestic terminal manufacturers can compete healthily in advanced technology. HUAWEI group, as a pioneer of advanced technology, has made great contributions.
The application of this technology is expected to bring more convenient and efficient communication experience to users. At the same time, it also brings new development opportunities for the mobile phone industry. In the future, satellite communication is expected to become the business with the largest growth in terminal applications, and it can avoid raising the price of receiving terminals through technical means, and further promote the popularization of satellite communication technology in Android phones.
It is reported that XIAOMI will follow up on satellite technology later. Currently, among the leading domestic brands, HUAWEI, XIAOMI, and OPPO have already announced their support for satellite technology in their products. However, there hasn't been any official news about Vivo's involvement in satellite technology. Nevertheless, it is considered that only a matter of time before VIVO joins the satellite phone camp.
In addition, Zhao Ming, the CEO of Honor, has stated that the satellite communication solution co-developed by Honor and domestic partners will be shared with the entire industry, allowing all competitors to utilize this technology. This initiative has the potential to break industry barriers and drive innovation and development across the entire sector. China exportsemi net is also looking forward to the emergence of more mobile phones supporting satellite communication technology, which will bring better communication experience to users.
Meanwhile, as the number of satellite phones continues to increase, the global recognition of the BEIDOU system is also growing. It is considered that this presents another wave of opportunities for domestic semiconductor companies to expand internationally. Furthermore, they have the potential to establish a leading advantage in certain markets. For example:
- Emerging markets: In some emerging market countries, such as Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, Chinese semiconductor companies can leverage their cost advantages and technological capabilities to offer cost-effective satellite communication solutions. These regions typically have significant demand for infrastructure development and communication technologies. Chinese companies can collaborate with local partners to jointly promote the application and development of satellite technology. By working together, they can address the specific needs of these markets and contribute to their infrastructure and communication advancements.
- Along the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation between China and these nations is becoming increasingly close. in these countries, Chinese semiconductor companies can leverage policy support and cooperation opportunities to provide technology services in satellite communication, navigation, remote sensing, and other related areas. These countries often have high demand for infrastructure development and cross-border communication. Chinese companies can meet the local market's needs by providing customized solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
