MWC 2023 | Motorola Defy Series touts Apple- and Qualcomm-beating satellite-phone capabilities thanks to inaugural MediaTek platform

The Bullitt group has confirmed that new Motorola Defy-series smartphones will be available soon as mobile devices with the cutting-edge upgrade of satellite connectivity. With their triple rear cameras, lack of punch-holes and inescapably noticeable bezels, they do not seem pitched at the high-end market - nevertheless, they are rated to outdo even the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max' latest SOS features in some respect

This new Bullitt Connect service is based on MediaTek's MT6825 module, a new 3GPP 5G NTN-based add-on chipset that can "be added to any smartphone" for 2-way satellite functionality. This latest contender in the fast-emerging everyday satellite-phone market will be part of the OEM's MWC 2023 showcase, as will its potential advantages over current or upcoming solutions.

Even Apple concedes that SOS via Satellite may only work out in the wild with a clear line of sight to the satellite in question; however, Bullitt and MediaTek assert that this will not be the case with an MT6825-equipped device.

In addition, its satellite services should keep running in such a way that messages come in automatically, whereas even Qualcomm's upcoming rival requires that one checks for them manually, and only in 30-second intervals at the most frequent.

On the other hand, Bullitt has indicated that its Connect service will only be available for free to a Defy-series customer for the first 12 months post-sale, reverting to a subscription-only model that might cost as much as US$29.99 per month otherwise.

Those still interested in these rugged, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor-enabled Defy-line devices may be able to purchase one following their launch in the first quarter of 2023.

In the meantime, check the Defy (2021) out on Amazon