Normally, satellite communication is a feature solely reserved for the Ultra flagship phones. But soon, that will no longer be the case. We hear Xiaomi Mix Flip 3 has been listed down for satellite messaging support. This is the first clamshell phone from Xiaomi to have this utility, and it won’t be alone.
There are rumors that the Redmi Note 50 Pro+ (SatCom Edition) will also come with Beidu satellite support, which will open doors to network-free short messaging. Coming back to the topic, the Xiaomi Mix Flip 3 has been found in a curious new Weibo leak today, posted by the tipster “Experience More.”
The leaker says that Xiaomi has added Satellite connectivity to a number of its devices, and while we know two of them, there’s a possibility of more phones like this. Just last month, a handset with the serial number “25104RADAC” got radio approval. It was later confirmed to be the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Satellite Edition.
Now Xiaomi's latest folding phone, codenamed “Pixiu,” has also been added to the list of possible devices to have satellite antennas built in. Digital Chat Station provides further clarification that this feature will not be universal.
The Mix Flip 3 may not have “Satellite Edition” in the moniker, but the disparity still exists among its variants. There’s a likely chance that only the “2603APX0AC” model of the Mix Flip 3 will have satellite features, and the “2603EPX2DC” standard edition will miss out.
The same goes for the Redmi Note 50 Pro+, where only the Satellite Edition gets network-free messaging support. These devices may have a price disparity as well, but for now, that remains unconfirmed. We might have to wait for more leaks for clarification.
As always, not all regions where these devices land will have satellite coverage. The regulatory hurdles could get in the way of their wider availability. Though it is intriguing to see budget Xiaomi devices finally adopt this feature. Stay tuned for more leaks and updates as we uncover more secrets about these devices ahead of launch.
