The Skyphone: a hybrid between smart- and satellite phone that takes it to the next level

The Skyphone: a hybrid between smart- and satellite phone that takes it to the next level،

At the launch of the iPhone 14 series, we got our first look at how smartphones can combine with satellite connections. Limited in many ways, sure, but still pretty important, especially when it comes to saving your life. You can send a one-way signal, containing all the important information about how rescuers can find you and in what condition you are. Cool.

But what about… actual calls? Can you imagine going to the top of the Alps and calling it home? Well, this probably wouldn't be at the top of your to-do list, but we're exaggerating in making a point here.

The Thuraya Skyphone is an everyday smartphone… which can also connect to satellites

Thuraya is a UAE-based company with many branches and therefore different resources. He has his own personal fleet of 5 satellites, so hey, it makes sense to make a satellite phone, right?

But today's consumers use a smartphone most of the time: it's the only technological gadget they always have with them. So, the Skyphone is what Thuraya calls “a universal satellite phone”. We call it a hybrid because it works mostly like a typical Android phone, but can seamlessly access the satellite signal.

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It's a bit of a heavy phone – it starts with the 6.67-inch AMOLED display, then there's the hardware it needs to install, including its retractable antenna. We wouldn't say it's bulky – it's thicker, but we've rocked phones with rugged cases before, and they're about the same size. It also has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

The onboard Android seemed pretty clean, a vanilla experience with no extra skins, icon packs or bells and whistles.

But who are you calling? What's your name?

The Skyphone: a hybrid between smartphone and satellite phone that takes it to the next level

OK, this is what really caught our attention. So most of the time the Thuraya Skyphone is your basic smartphone: you insert your SIM card, you get a signal, you call the numbers in your contact list and they see your name.

When you are outside your home country, you connect to local carriers, who transmit your data to your home carrier, and you pay extra for roaming (or you have it included in your plan ).

With the Skyphone, when you are outside of any network coverage, you access a Thuraya satellite connection, which is then relayed to your home operator. So it works like roaming: phone numbers and all. And, just like roaming, you pay extra for the minutes of talk time you spend via the satellite connection. There are no subscriptions or prepaid fees: it's “pay as much as you talk.” We don't have pricing details, and these would obviously be very different for each country.

Where can I make satellite calls?

Thuraya's fleet of 5 satellites provides connectivity to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. So basically, if you're planning on getting stranded, do it on one of these continents. You can choose the satellite service as if it were a SIM card, directly in your connection settings. And you should be good to go, as simple as possible.