Pixel 9's satellite SOS goes head-to-head with iPhone and inReach - hardware or satellite system?
💥 Pixel 9: https://amzn.to/3MmlKUr
📡 inReach: https://amzn.to/3YW2NiZ
📱 iPhone 15: https://amzn.to/4cCAyJ7
💲 SOS Cost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcK3M9I2iKE
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00:00 Pixel 9 Satellite SOS
00:25 Open Sky Test
04:00 Another Android Satellite Phone
05:09 Canyon Mouth Test
06:47 Deep Canyon Test
08:10 SOS Coverage
08:27 Messaging
08:50 SOS Insurance
The Pixel 9, iPhone, and Garmin inReach each handle satellite SOS differently, which affects how they perform in the field. The Pixel 9 connects to geostationary satellites that are over 22,000 miles above the Earth. This can give it a stable connection in open spaces but can also make it less reliable in environments like slot canyons, where obstacles block the line of sight.
The iPhone uses low Earth orbit satellites, which are closer to the Earth and constantly moving. This requires the user to adjust the phone’s position to keep the connection, which can be a hassle in areas with limited visibility to the sky. The iPhone’s system provides a progress indicator during SOS communication, but it can still struggle when conditions aren’t ideal.
Garmin inReach uses the Iridium network of low Earth orbit satellites, offering solid global coverage. It generally performs well, even in challenging conditions, but it’s not perfect. Connectivity can be slow or spotty depending on the environment, especially when the satellite view is obstructed. The inReach does allow for regular text messaging in addition to SOS, which is a useful feature when you just need to stay in touch.
Each of these devices has its strengths and weaknesses, and your choice should depend on where and how you plan to use it. The Pixel 9 might be great in wide-open spaces, while the iPhone’s LEO satellites offer a different kind of flexibility, though with some trade-offs. The inReach remains a reliable option for more remote or global use, but it comes with its own set of limitations. Understanding how these devices work in different conditions is key to picking the right one for your needs.
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