OPPO Teases Satellite Connectivity In Find X7 Pro, But Global Launch Remains Uncertain
TL; Dr
- OPPO has announced that its next flagship, probably the Find X7 Pro, will support satellite technology.
- However, details about the schedule, regional support and technology partners have not been announced.
- Although it was launched worldwide, the Find X7 Pro only supports satellite technology in certain regions.
Smartphone satellite connectivity is one of those rare features you hope you'll never use, but you'll be thankful you have. Android was supposed to revolutionize satellite communications with the Snapdragon Satellite in the second half of 2023, but the project is off the table as Qualcomm ended its partnership with Iridium. There's still a glimmer of hope that we'll be getting satellite phones soon, supported by OPPO announcing that its next Find flagship will come with satellite capabilities.
OPPO has announced that its next generation Find flagship products support satellite technology. Although there is no clear name, we assume it is a feature of the OPPO Find X7 Pro.
OPPO's announcement didn't provide any further details on timing or regional support, so we'll have to make do with leaks and rumors about the project.
Since Snapdragon Satellite no longer exists, it is not known which technology partners OPPO is using to bring satellite connectivity to its devices. This phone is said to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so the technology will be compatible with Qualcomm's SoC.
However, OPPO has not mentioned anything about the global launch of the phone. OPPO has decided to forego the international launch of its previous flagship product, the Find X6 Pro, and there is no international launch of the Find X7 Pro.
Even if telephones were distributed around the world, satellite communications would have regional limitations. Global OEMs like Apple have focused this feature on the US, while Snapdragon Satellite is targeted at North America and Europe. In the context of an announcement in China and not the rest of the world, satellite connectivity in China will probably be limited even if the phone is made available to the public.
It remains to be seen if OPPO will introduce this feature to more markets with the Find X7 Pro or one of its sub-brands. We keep hoping this will work.
