The Pixel 10 series is here, bringing all the modern bells and whistles that one expects from a premium smartphone range. With advanced new chipsets, smart cameras, cutting-edge generative AI features and bright displays, the Pixel 10 is ideally one of the finest choices you can make in the Android universe, as far as conventional slab phones are your concern. However, did you know that these new Pixel phones can make WhatsApp calls where network reception is zero?
Similar to modern-day iPhones, the Google Pixel 10 series supports satellite connectivity for wireless communications in case the user veers off the mobile grid. Google and WhatsApp have now come together to make use of this capability for WhatsApp subscribers. Based on a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Google has clarified that the Pixel 10 series will allow its users to latch on to satellite connectivity for WhatsApp calls.
WhatsApp calls on Pixel 10 in no-network zones
Google says that its Pixel 10 users can make calls via WhatsApp even when they are in a no-network zone. The Pixel 10 series devices can latch onto satellite connections and allow WhatsApp calls to be made. Google says that satellite connectivity will allow users to make both audio and video calls on WhatsApp, thus making it a lot easier to connect with contacts even in remote locations.
The functionality will be available from August 28, 2025 – the same day these Pixel 10 phones hit the market. A video teaser released by Google shows a satellite icon appearing on the status bar when a user receives a WhatsApp call via the satellite network.
Pixel 10 is world’s first smartphone to allow this
With this feature, the Pixel 10 series ends up being the world’s first smartphone to allow for both audio and video calls via satellite communications. Arch rival Apple has had satellite connectivity since 2022’s iPhone 14, but has only allowed text messages in the event of an emergency.
Hence, this makes the Pixel 10 the right phone to have in case of an emergency. However, there are a couple of things you need to know. The service will initially be supported by a select number of network operators, and Google has warned that additional charges may apply when making such calls. This clarifies that WhatsApp calls, whether audio or video, over a satellite network won’t be free, unlike regular calls.
In addition to the Pixel 10 series, Google also confirmed that its Pixel Watch 4 LTE models will receive satellite connectivity support, enabling them to send urgent help messages when a user is in distress.
