The iPhone 16 series of devices are the first of their line to have debuted with satellite messaging capabilities that extend beyond emergency use to the delivery and receipt of regular texts, emojis included. Now, it seems that Samsung might counter that upgrade with the Galaxy S25 Ultra - in one region, at least.

MySmartPrice claims to have spotted the next-gen super-flagship on the 3C safety regulator's database well in advance of its launch, identified by its model number SM-S9380. Should it really be the S25 Ultra for the Chinese market, it is now certified as a "satellite mobile terminal" as well as one capable of up-to-5G connectivity as usual.

The alleged 3C database entry may also reveal the S25 Ultra's charging specs - and that they show no similar advancement, with rates of 9V/2.77A or 15V/3A at best - the same 45W profile as the current S-series flagship, in other words.

Then again, it is not surprising that Samsung might choose to focus on a satellite upgrade instead, in China at least: it will be required to compete against the successors to devices such as the Find X7 Ultra Satellite Edition, the Huawei Mate 60 series and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 after all.

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