CES 2025: HMD OffGrid Brings Satellite Messaging to Any Smartphone

(Credit: HMD)

LAS VEGAS—As satellite messaging becomes an important feature in smartphones like the Apple iPhone and the Google Pixel 9, many devices lack built-in support for this capability. HMD Global aims to bridge this gap with the HMD OffGrid, a new compact and rugged device that connects Android and iOS users to satellites, providing connectivity in remote areas where cellular networks are unavailable.

The OffGrid is built for rugged environments, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. This means it can withstand harsh weather conditions, accidental drops, and even submersion in water, making it capable of handling almost anything. Despite its toughness, the device is lightweight at just 2.1 ounces and compact, measuring 3.7 by 2.4 by 0.47 inches. It has a 600mAh battery that HMD says can last up to three days on a single charge.

Users interact with the OffGrid through the HMD OffGrid app, which supports two-way messaging, live location tracking with up to five contacts, and a check-in feature that lets users send prewritten messages with a single button press. Messages can be sent to any phone number, even if the recipient does not have the HMD OffGrid app installed. But recipients will need to download the app to reply. The app also includes an SOS feature powered by Overwatch x Rescue from FocusPoint International, offering 24/7 multilingual emergency response services.

HMD provides two subscription plans for OffGrid users. The HMD Unlimited Plan costs $14.99 per month and includes unlimited messages and check-ins, with live tracking available for an additional $4.99 per month. The HMD Freedom Plan, priced at $79.99 per year, includes 350 text messages and unlimited check-ins, with live tracking available for $0.10 per ping.

The HMD OffGrid is priced at $199 and will launch in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. Keep up with the rest of our CES 2025 coverage to see even more new tech.

About Our Expert

Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.

The Technology I Use

I use a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro customized with lots of keyboard shortcuts thanks to Raycast. Pixelmator Pro is my go-to photo editing application because there is no subscription, and I'm trapped with Evernote because I've used it forever.

I'm between phones at the moment, but I use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now, and used a Z Fold 6 before that. Considering that I like to have multiple windows open at once, the large inner screen of folding phones can show a baseball game on the top while I keep a chat app and Reddit open beneath. I do miss being able to write on the Z Fold 7's screen, though, which has me eyeing a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My home is semi-smart, with many Google Home products that I thoroughly enjoyed in the pre-Gemini days. Be warned: smart bulbs are a gateway drug into smart home life.

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