THURAYA SATELLITE SMARTPHONE

I REMEMBER the time when there were only three TV channels to watch and one of the more interesting advertisements that was aired was a satellite phone, enabling users to be connected to the rest of the world no matter where they are.

Fast forward to current times and we have virtually seamless connectivity options in urban and developed areas.

However, the Thuraya X5-Touch may interest those who travel to faraway places or work in the interior, where regular mobile network providers are unable to offer any service.

Powered by the Android platform, the Thuraya X5-Touch features a 5.2inch full HD touchscreen display,

Its two SIM card slots offer full user flexibility, while the dual-active mode enables it to turn on both satellite and GSM (2G, 3G or 4G) modes simultaneously.

To ensure that the Thuraya X5-Touch is able to survive in tough environments, it is equipped with a Gorilla glass display, sporting IP67 rating for full dust and water protection.

The high-capacity battery should be able to offer far more talk time and standby time compared to regular smartphones, and in case of emergencies, the integrated SOS button will come in handy.

The Thuraya X5-Touch does not run on the latest Android 8.0 Oreo version but it is equipped with GPS, Glonass, and BeiDou systems for advanced navigation and tracking functions, while connectivity options come in the form of WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

It also has front and rear cameras. There is still no word on pricing yet.