Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Pixel 9's satellite SOS goes head-to-head with iPhone and inReach - hardware or satellite system?
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
The Pixel 9 uses geostationary satellites over 22,000 miles up, so once you lock on, you don't have to move the phone. The iPhone uses low Earth orbit satellites that are constantly moving, which means you're adjusting your hand position to keep the connection. Garmin inReach uses the Iridium network of low Earth orbit satellites and generally handles challenging conditions better than either phone. I test all three in open terrain and slot canyons to see how the hardware and satellite systems actually perform when you need them.
00:00 Pixel 9 Satellite SOS
00:25 Open Sky Test
04:00 Another Android Satellite Phone
05:09 Canyon Mouth Test
06:47 Deep Canyon Test
08:10 SOS Coverage
08:27 Messaging
08:50 SOS Insurance
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Pixel 9's satellite SOS goes head-to-head with iPhone and inReach - hardware or satellite system?
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
The Pixel 9 uses geostationary satellites over 22,000 miles up, so once you lock on, you don't have to move the phone. The iPhone uses low Earth orbit satellites that are constantly moving, which means you're adjusting your hand position to keep the connection. Garmin inReach uses the Iridium network of low Earth orbit satellites and generally handles challenging conditions better than either phone. I test all three in open terrain and slot canyons to see how the hardware and satellite systems actually perform when you need them.
00:00 Pixel 9 Satellite SOS
00:25 Open Sky Test
04:00 Another Android Satellite Phone
05:09 Canyon Mouth Test
06:47 Deep Canyon Test
08:10 SOS Coverage
08:27 Messaging
08:50 SOS Insurance
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
