Redmi appears to be preparing its first phone with satellite messaging. A new listing spotted by Weibo user WhyLab on China’s MIIT certification site shows a device with model number 25104RADAC, believed to be the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, featuring Beidou short message support. This confirms that the upcoming Note-series device will support satellite connectivity.
25104RADAC certification reveals Beidou Short Message support
What is satellite messaging, and why does it matter?
Beidou Short Message, offered via China’s BeiDou satellite system, enables smartphones to send and receive text messages even outside mobile network coverage, making it ideal for emergencies, travel, or off-grid communication. While Xiaomi has already introduced this feature in flagship models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, this marks the first time it is trickling down to a Redmi phone.
Redmi opting for the Note series rather than its more premium K or Turbo lineup makes sense. The Note series is its mass-market backbone, and launching satellite messaging here could help it reach a far greater number of users. If confirmed, the Note 15 Pro+ could be the most affordable smartphone yet to support the feature.
This also signals a broader shift in smartphone strategy, where premium features like satellite messaging are no longer exclusive to flagships. Apple debuted the feature in 2022, followed by Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and others. Mid-range adoption was the logical next step, and Redmi looks to be leading that charge.
What about India?
In India and China, where rural connectivity remains inconsistent, such features could be beneficial. In India, the rules governing spectrum for satellite communication are expected to be finalised soon. Once that happens, phones like the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ could potentially work with networks such as Jio SES, OneWeb, or Starlink.
If you need a phone for adventure travel, patchy coverage, or backup safety communication, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ might be worth waiting for. It’s also expected to feature a new Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, a 1.5K display, dual 50MP cameras, and a large battery, possibly up to 8,000mAh. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ was priced at Rs 30,999 in India, so the Note 15 Pro+ could offer serious value for money if priced similarly. Hopefully, more brands will follow suit and make satellite connectivity a standard in upper mid-range phones.
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