Best Satellite Phones 2023

What are Satellite Phones?

In an increasingly interconnected world, reliable communication is essential, even in remote areas where traditional networks are unavailable. Unlike traditional cell phones that rely on terrestrial networks, satellite phones connect directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, ensuring global coverage even in remote or disaster-prone areas.

What are the Key Features of Satellite Phones?

For someone new to satellite phones, understanding the key features and differences between popular models is crucial. The key features to look out for in a satellite phone are: price, talk time, standby time, geographical satellite coverage, and other pluses and minuses. 

Which Satellite Phones to buy?

In this article, we will compare the Thuraya XT-Lite, Thuraya X5-Touch, Thuraya XT-Pro, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2, and Iridium 9555.

• SGD$740. 
• The XT-Lite is an affordable entry-level option, providing a cost-effective solution for users on a budget.
• Offers up to 6 hours of talk time, allowing for extended conversations without the need for frequent charging.
• Provides a standby time of up to 80 hours, ensuring connectivity even during periods of inactivity.
• Thuraya's network covers Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Lightweight and compact design, making it easily portable for outdoor activities.
• Limited additional features and functionality compared to more advanced models

• SGD$1,800. 
• The X5-Touch falls into a higher price range, offering advanced features and capabilities.
• Offers up to 11 hours of talk time.
• Provides a standby time of up to 100 hours, ensuring connectivity during idle periods.
• Thuraya's network covers Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Android-based operating system, allowing access to third-party applications, email, and internet connectivity.
• Higher price point may not be suitable for users on a tight budget.

• SGD$1,470. 
• The XT-Pro sits in the mid-range price category, offering a balance between affordability and advanced features.
• Provides up to 9 hours of talk time.
• Offers a standby time of up to 100 hours, ensuring reliable connectivity during periods of inactivity.
• Thuraya's network covers Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Rugged and durable design, resistant to water, dust, and shock.
• Limited additional features compared to more advanced models.

• SGD$1,150. 
• The IsatPhone 2 falls within the mid-range price category, providing a balance between affordability and reliability.
• Offers an impressive talk time of up to 8 hours.
• Provides a standby time of up to 160 hours.
• Inmarsat's network covers most of the globe, including landmasses, oceans, and polar regions, making the IsatPhone 2 suitable for users requiring global coverage.
• Weather-resistant design, making it suitable for use in harsh environments.
• Limited additional features compared to more advanced models.

• SGD$2,090. 
• The Iridium 9555 is positioned in the higher price range, offering robust global connectivity.
• Provides up to 4 hours of talk time.
• Offers a standby time of up to 30 hours, ensuring connectivity even during longer periods of inactivity.
• Iridium's network covers the entire globe, including land, sea, and air, making the 9555 suitable for users requiring worldwide coverage.
• Reliable and extensive coverage, including polar regions and oceans.
• Relatively short talk time compared to other models.

Conclusion

Thuraya XT-Lite, X5-Touch, and XT-Pro provide varying levels of affordability, features, and durability, with geographical coverage in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 offers global coverage, while the Iridium 9555 excels in worldwide connectivity.

Ultimately, the choice of a satellite phone depends on individual needs, budget, and the specific geographical areas where coverage is required. By considering the factors discussed in this article, new users can make an informed decision and find the satellite phone that best suits their communication needs, ensuring reliable connectivity in even the most remote locations.

About BuyNav

BuyNav is the new online store for Marine Navigation and Communication Equipment. The store is managed by Allied eParts, a market-leading marine electronics distributor, with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

We stock a wide range of products including Marine Antennas, Marine Radios, Monitors, Acoustic Beacons, Marine Safety Equipment, Battery Chargers, Batteries, Magnetrons, Recording Charts and Pens & Accessories. Brands we carry include AC Antennas, Actisense, Entel, Crystal, e2v, Hattleland, JRC, McMurdo, Motorola, Novega, RM Young, Samyung, Sartech, Savox, Victron Energy and Yuasa.

Kindly note that the above analysis is our own opinion and based on our own research and analysis. Manufacturers have not verified our analysis of their product.