Ever tried making a call in the middle of nowhere only to find zero signal bars? Samsung just unveiled the Exynos Modem 5410, a separate 5G chip pairing with the new Exynos 2600 processor for select Galaxy S26 models. The big upgrade is LTE DTC satellite technology that enables voice and video calls in complete dead zones like deserts or open seas. This is a major step up from the Galaxy S25’s satellite feature, which only handles emergency texts.
The Exynos Modem 5410 is built on a 4nm FinFET process for better power efficiency than the previous 5400 model. It supports full 2G through 5G connectivity with sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, hitting download speeds up to 14.79Gbps. Samsung also included ROM-based Hybrid PQC security that encrypts IMEI and sensitive data for better protection against quantum computing threats.
What sets this chip apart is triple satellite support in one package. The Exynos Modem 5410 combines LTE DTC for satellite voice and video calls, NB-IoT NTN for text messages and location tracking, and NR-NTN for high-quality video transmission. Compare that to the Galaxy S25’s satellite SOS feature, which only lets you send emergency texts to response teams via Verizon and Skylo. The S25 can share your location and message emergency services with 3 to 6 second send times, but it can’t handle voice or video calls. The Galaxy S26 changes that entirely for users in remote areas.
External modem raises battery concerns
The Exynos 2600 is Samsung’s first flagship chip without an integrated modem. This gives more space for the 10-core CPU and AMD-based Xclipse 960 GPU. However, using an external Exynos Modem 5410 means data travels between separate chips instead of staying integrated.
Early reports suggest this could drain 5-10% more power during heavy data use or voice calls compared to integrated designs like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem in US Galaxy S26 models. The trade-off is modularity and advanced satellite features, but efficiency takes a hit.
Samsung’s regional chip strategy continues with the Galaxy S26 lineup. Korean and possibly European models will likely use the Exynos 2600 paired with the Exynos Modem 5410, while US, China, and Japan get Snapdragon variants. The external modem choice frees up die space for AI acceleration and graphics performance, but real-world battery tests will determine whether satellite capabilities justify the potential efficiency loss for everyday tasks like navigation or video streaming.
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Source: Samsung’s Exynos Modem 5410 Brings Satellite Calls to Galaxy S26
