Satellite Phones Showdown: Iridium 9555 vs. Iridium Extreme®

Introduction

When it comes to reliable communication in remote areas or during emergencies, satellite phones from Iridium are among the most trusted and capable devices on the market. Two of Iridium's flagship models, the Iridium 9555 satellite phone and the Iridium Extreme®, have garnered significant attention for their rugged designs and advanced features. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll compare these two satellite phones against each other, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and unique capabilities to help you determine which one best suits your needs.

Design and Durability:

Both satellite phones are both built to withstand the harshest environments, but they take slightly different approaches to durability.

Iridium 9555:

• Compact and lightweight design, weighing only 9.7 ounces (275 grams)
• Rugged and resistant to dust, shock, and vibration
• Meets military-grade standards for durability (MIL-STD 810F)
• Designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)

Iridium Extreme®:

• Slightly larger and heavier at 13.7 ounces (388 grams)
• Reinforced with a rubber-armored exterior for enhanced shock resistance
• Exceeds military-grade standards for durability (MIL-STD 810F)
• Can withstand submersion in up to 3 feet (1 meter) of water for 30 minutes
• Operates in extreme temperatures from -22°F to +140°F (-30°C to +60°C)

While both phones are built to endure harsh conditions, the Iridium Extreme® takes durability to the next level with its reinforced design and superior water resistance. If you're venturing into particularly extreme environments or need a phone that can withstand accidental submersion, the Iridium Extreme® may be the better choice.

Display and User Interface:

Iridium 9555:

• Monochrome LCD display with backlighting
• Straightforward user interface with a traditional keypad layout
• Dedicated speakerphone button for hands-free operation

Iridium Extreme®:

• Vibrant color display with enhanced visibility in direct sunlight
• User-friendly menu system and customizable options
• Integrated speakerphone with noise-reduction technology
• Additional dedicated buttons for SOS, GPS, and other essential functions

The Iridium Extreme® offers a more modern and intuitive user experience with its color display and streamlined menu system. The additional dedicated buttons also provide quick access to essential features like SOS and GPS. If you prioritize a visually appealing and user-friendly interface, the Iridium Extreme® may be the better option.

Voice and Data Capabilities:

Both the Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme® are powered by Iridium's global satellite network, providing reliable voice and data connectivity in even the most remote locations. However, there are some notable differences in their capabilities.

Iridium 9555:

• Voice call quality optimized for clear and reliable communication
• Supports data transfer rates up to 2.4 Kbps
• Compatible with Iridium's short-burst data services (SBD) for sending and receiving messages

Iridium Extreme®:

• Advanced voice codec for superior call quality and clarity
• Data transfer rates up to 9.6 Kbps (with a software upgrade)
• Supports SBD services, as well as enhanced data capabilities like email and web browsing
• Built-in GPS and location-tracking features

While both phones offer reliable voice and data connectivity, the Iridium Extreme® boasts higher data transfer rates, making it a better choice for users who require more data-intensive applications or web browsing capabilities. Additionally, its integrated GPS and location-tracking features provide added value for activities like navigation and asset tracking.

Battery Life and Charging:

Iridium 9555:

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Talk time up to 4 hours
• Standby time up to 30 hours
• Charges via supplied AC adapter or DC power source

Iridium Extreme®:

• Removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Talk time up to 4 hours
• Standby time up to 30 hours
• Charges via supplied AC adapter, DC power source, or the included solar charger

In terms of battery life, both phones offer similar talk and standby times. However, the Iridium Extreme® has the added advantage of a removable battery, allowing you to carry spare batteries for extended usage. Additionally, the included solar charger provides a convenient way to recharge the battery in off-grid situations, making it an ideal choice for extended outdoor adventures or remote deployments.

Emergency Features and Accessories:

Emergency features and accessories are crucial considerations when choosing a satellite phone, and both the Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme® offer robust options in this regard.

Iridium 9555:

• Supports emergency SOS services for immediate assistance
• Compatible with a range of accessories, including hands-free headsets and external antennas

Iridium Extreme®:

• Dedicated SOS button for immediate emergency assistance
• Built-in GPS and location-tracking capabilities
• Programmable emergency contacts and automatic notification features
• Expanded accessory ecosystem, including a remote antenna, vehicle docking stations, and more

The Iridium Extreme® takes emergency features to the next level with its dedicated SOS button, built-in GPS, and automatic notification capabilities. Additionally, its broader range of compatible accessories makes it more versatile and adaptable to various usage scenarios.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme® satellite phone ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If you require a rugged and compact satellite phone for basic voice and data communication in challenging environments, the Iridium 9555 may be the ideal choice. However, if you demand more advanced features, faster data rates, enhanced emergency capabilities, and a more user-friendly interface, the Iridium Extreme® may be worth the additional investment. Regardless of your decision, both phones offer reliable global connectivity and the peace of mind that comes with having a dependable communication lifeline in even the most remote and demanding situations.