Upcoming smartphones from Xiaomi will feature NaVIC (NAVigation with Indian Constellation) support, according to the latest rumors floating around the internet. This is not surprising since just last year Xiaomi was in talks with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to implement their navigation system in handsets sold in India. The Managing Director of Xiaomi India, Manu Kumar Jain recently confirmed that Xiaomi’s upcoming Redmi smartphone in the country will support NaVIC.
The device is also the first globally to flaunt the technology. Xiaomi did not reveal what they plan on naming the device. The MD had posted a picture with ISRO Chief Dr. K Sivan after a meeting regarding NaVIC last month.
Soon after the meeting, Xiaomi confirmed it will be using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G SoC on its upcoming smartphone. The SD720G is the world’s first chipset to feature NaVIC support. Rumors suggest that the handset could be placed under the Redmi moniker, judging by Xiaomi’s release cycle.
Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 5 and the Note 7 previously in February. If it aims for a similar launch, the Redmi Note 9 or any of its variants might be the likely candidate to arrive with NaVIC support. The said SD720G powered Redmi phone could be arriving as a rival for the Realme 6 Pro which is said to be equipped with the same SoC. The Realme 6 series will be made official on March 5.
Xiaomi will be looking at announcing its own entrants to counter Realme’s rising influence in the segment. Additionally, the SD720G fits the bill as the chipset is designed for mid-range Android handsets, an area the Redmi brand specializes in. If Xiaomi’s NaVIC-supported smartphone is indeed placed under the Redmi banner, the company might make a surprise announcement soon.
ISRO created the NaVIC, short for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS, for aerial, marine, and terrestrial navigation, vehicle tracking, fleet management, and quick response to disasters. The system can easily be integrated with smartphones. While the advanced features will be locked for the general public, available only to special permit holders. NaVIC is capable of providing location accurate to 20 meters and less within its operating zone, which is the Indian subcontinent and its bordering regions. Allied neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan will benefit from NaVIC.
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