CHIMNIII

Tesla rumoured Model Pi smartphone for Mars - What we know — and dont

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | Chimniii Desk
Key Highlights
 
  • According to widespread reports, Tesla, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer, would "officially" introduce the Model Pi phone "later this year."
  • The most prevalent rumour is that the phone will be connected via Starlink.
  • By definition, this would enable the phone to function on Mars as well, and to communicate with Earthlings. (
  • However, it would be the first satellite phone compatible with StarLink, a Space X-developed globe-spanning communications satellite constellation aimed at delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote parts of the earth.
  • The smartphone, according to rumours circulating in the tech media, will be available this year.
Advertisement
 

EV giant's rumoured Starlink-compatible smartphone leaked and rendered

 
1/14
 
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
WILL THERE BE A TESLA PHONE? 
 
According to widespread reports, Tesla, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer, would "officially" introduce the Model Pi phone "later this year." It's unclear when, if ever, but the tech gossip mill is rife with Raspberry Pi rumours. In September, devdiscourse.com reported: "Elon Musk did not pass 2021." Every day, people ask the same question on search engines: Is Tesla going to release a phone? Indeed, we will soon see Elon Musk's smartphone."
 
Advertisement
 
2/15
Tesla Pi Phone
CHAMELEON SMARTPHONE: In addition to Starlink satellite communication, the Tesla Model Pi is said to have four cameras, solar charging, and a color-changing skin in a futuristic style. (Credit for the image: Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
3/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
ABOUT HOW MUCH? 
 
While speculations abound, numerous unsolved issues remain, including the following: how much would it retail for? Is it equipped with a SIM card? How much does it cost to use Starlink on a monthly basis? Can I purchase one without first purchasing a Tesla electric vehicle? (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
4/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
PHONE, WHERE ARE YOU? 
 
Rumours that Tesla is developing a smartphone were boosted with the release of concept images by the world-renowned design company ADR (in a video). This raised the question: Is Tesla going after the iPhone — or is it going to establish a completely new market niche, such as a true-to-form satellite phone capable of mining bitcoins everywhere, including on Mars? (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
5/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
NEURALINK PHONE: The Model Pi is also rumoured to include a Neuralink brain-phone interface. Musk-led business is working on ultra-high-bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect humans and computers.  (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
6/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
VERY CAREFULLY MONITORED. Its release date is being kept under wraps. A Starlink antenna is removed from its packaging. A smartphone with high-speed connections anywhere would be an enticing piece of equipment to own, as it eliminates the requirement for terrestrial connectivity. Tech magazines have obtained photographs of the new device allegedly developed by the electric vehicle manufacturer, as well as some data about its capabilities. (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
7/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
IS THERE A PHONE FOR MARS? 
 
The most prevalent rumour is that the phone will be connected via Starlink. By definition, this would enable the phone to function on Mars as well, and to communicate with Earthlings. (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
8/15
Cellphones
 
FROM BELL TO 5G: Since Alexander Graham Bell patented his device in 1876, the phone has come a long way. By 2021, the worldwide 5G smartphone market is estimated to reach approximately 500 million units. Additionally, the 5G penetration rate will rapidly increase to 37%. According to market research firm TrendForce, the Top 7 worldwide smartphone manufacturers in 2021 will be Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Huawei, and Transsion. They will collectively account for almost 80% of the global phone market. However, this sector could be threatened by an economical satellite phone.
 
Advertisement
 
9/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
PET PROJECT: Starlink is one of Elon Musk's most significant pet projects and seamlessly integrates into the next-generation smartphone. Tesla is inextricably linked to SpaceX, a private rocket company with aspirations to land humans on Mars. Starlink, of course, aims to establish a network of low-orbit satellites to enable quick internet connection from any location, eventually deploying more than 40,000 satellites into low-earth orbit; it has already attracted more than 500,000 subscribers. Native Starlink functionality for the Tesla Pi phone is a greatly anticipated feature if it is released. According to space industry observers, there are presently approximately 1,600 Starlink satellites in orbit (November 4, 2021), making it the largest artificial constellation of its kind. The number will continue to rise as reusable rockets reduce the cost of launch. (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
10/15
SpaceX_300821
 
WHAT IS ROCKET SCIENCE? 
 
Even if creating cellphones proves to be as difficult as rocket science, Tesla is a technology innovator with ties to Space X, one of the most advanced space firms today and the first to employ reusable rockets that land vertically on the ground and on marine drones.
 
Advertisement
 
11/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
MARS'S PHONE: The Tesla Pi phone is rumoured to be built for use on Mars, not Mars the cafe, theatre, or chocolate shop. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, famously stated, "I would prefer to die on Mars." However, not on impact." (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
12/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
REPORTS FROM THE TECH MEDIA: Rumours about the new device are prevalent in the Chinese tech media as well. Tesla's new smartphone, according to the Chinese edition of MyDrivers, "will be a true technological revolution" when it launches, fetching a very high desire factor. None of the major phone manufacturers offer satellite connectivity. (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
13/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
NOT THE FIRST SATELLITE PHONE: If the Tesla Model Pi smartphone is released, it will not be the first satellite phone (i.e. Thuraya and Iridium). However, it would be the first satellite phone compatible with StarLink, a Space X-developed globe-spanning communications satellite constellation aimed at delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote parts of the earth. Latency is significantly reduced with a low-earth orbit satellite, which is intended to give 200 Mbps upload/download rates. (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
14/15
Tesla Pi Phone Starlink
 
ABOUT HOW MUCH? 
 
The smartphone, according to rumours circulating in the tech media, will be available this year. Numerous unsolved concerns remain, including the following: how much would it retail for? Is it equipped with a SIM card? How much does it cost to use Starlink on a monthly basis? Can I purchase one without first purchasing a Tesla electric vehicle? (Credit: ADR / Screengrab)
 
Advertisement
 
15/15
Tesla is the first $1 trillion car firm
 
Tesla is no longer an aberration in the auto industry, having become the first automaker to achieve $1 trillion in market capitalisation and also the quickest to do so. However, many analysts believe its journey is just beginning, as robotaxis powered by AI have the potential to revolutionise how humans move, ultimately generating a new multitrillion-dollar business.
Credit for this image goes to Seyyed de la Llata, Senior Designer.
 
Advertisement
 

FAQ

 

Will Tesla make a smartphone?

 

There is no official confirmation from Tesla that they are working on a smartphone, but there have been many rumors and speculation. In 2021, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla was "working on a phone", but he later clarified that he was referring to a software update for Tesla cars. However, there have been other reports that Tesla is indeed working on a physical smartphone, codenamed "Model Pi". These reports suggest that the phone would be powered by a custom-made chip and would have features that integrate with Tesla cars, such as the ability to unlock the car and control certain functions remotely.

The rumored release date for the Tesla smartphone is Q3 2023, but it is important to note that these are just rumors and there is no guarantee that the phone will actually be released. If it does come out, it is likely to be a high-end device with a price tag to match.

As for whether or not you can buy a Tesla phone in India, that is also uncertain. The rumored price range for the phone is between ₹70,000 and ₹80,000, which is equivalent to about US$900 to US$1000. This is a significant amount of money in India, so it is possible that the phone may not be released there. However, it is also possible that Tesla may decide to release the phone in India at a lower price point.

Ultimately, we will have to wait and see if Tesla actually releases a smartphone. If they do, it will be interesting to see how it compares to other high-end smartphones on the market.

 

What is the cost of Tesla phone?

 

The cost of the Tesla phone in the USA has not been officially announced yet, but it is rumored to be around $999. This is the price range for the base model, and the price could go up for higher-end models with more features.

The rumored price of the Tesla phone in the USA is similar to the rumored price in India. This suggests that Tesla is targeting the high-end smartphone market with the Model Pi. If the phone is released at this price point, it will be a direct competitor to other high-end smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

It is important to note that these are just rumors and there is no guarantee that the Tesla phone will actually be released. If it does come out, the actual price could be different from the rumored price. We will have to wait and see what Tesla announces officially.

 

Which phone does Elon Musk use?

 

Elon Musk is known to be an iPhone user. He has been seen using iPhones in public and has mentioned them in interviews. In a tweet from October 2018, he stated that he uses both an iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy phone. However, he has not explicitly said which phone he uses more often.

It is possible that Musk uses an iPhone for work and a Samsung Galaxy phone for personal use. Or, he may simply switch between the two phones depending on his mood or needs. Ultimately, only Musk knows for sure which phone he uses.

Here are some of the reasons why Elon Musk might use an iPhone:

  • He is a fan of Apple products.
  • He is known to be a tech enthusiast, and the iPhone is one of the most popular and advanced smartphones on the market.
  • The iPhone is known for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance.
  • The iPhone is compatible with many of the other devices that Musk uses, such as his Tesla cars.

Of course, it is also possible that Musk uses a different phone altogether. He is a billionaire, so he has access to the latest and greatest phones from all the major manufacturers. Only time will tell which phone Elon Musk ultimately decides to use.

 

Is Elon Musk launching a phone?

 

There is no official confirmation from Elon Musk or Tesla that they are working on a smartphone, but there have been many rumors and speculation. In 2021, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla was "working on a phone", but he later clarified that he was referring to a software update for Tesla cars. However, there have been other reports that Tesla is indeed working on a physical smartphone, codenamed "Model Pi". These reports suggest that the phone would be powered by a custom-made chip and would have features that integrate with Tesla cars, such as the ability to unlock the car and control certain functions remotely.

The rumored release date for the Tesla smartphone is Q3 2023, but it is important to note that these are just rumors and there is no guarantee that the phone will actually be released. If it does come out, it is likely to be a high-end device with a price tag to match.

Ultimately, we will have to wait and see if Tesla actually releases a smartphone. If they do, it will be interesting to see how it compares to other high-end smartphones on the market.

Here are some of the rumored features of the Tesla phone:

  • A custom-made chip from Tesla
  • A 6.7-inch OLED display
  • 8GB of RAM
  • 128GB of storage
  • A triple-lens rear camera system
  • A 108MP front-facing camera
  • A long-lasting battery
  • 5G connectivity
  • Integrated features with Tesla cars

It is also worth noting that Tesla has not filed any trademarks or patents related to a smartphone, which could be a sign that the rumors are not true. However, it is also possible that Tesla is keeping its plans under wraps until the phone is closer to release.

Only time will tell if Elon Musk is actually launching a phone. But if he does, it is sure to be a hotly anticipated product.

 

Is the Tesla Pi phone waterproof?

 

According to the rumors, the Tesla Pi phone is IP68 water-resistant up to 6m for 30 mins. This means that the phone can withstand being submerged in water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes without any damage. This is a high level of water resistance and means that the phone can be used in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, or even underwater for short periods of time.

However, it is important to note that no phone is completely waterproof. Even if the phone has an IP68 rating, it is still possible for water to damage the phone if it is submerged for too long or if the water is too dirty. It is also important to avoid using the phone in water if the ports are not properly sealed.

Overall, the Tesla Pi phone is expected to be water-resistant, but it is still important to take precautions to avoid water damage.

 

How much is the cheapest Tesla phone?

The cheapest Tesla phone is rumored to around US$900. This is the price range for the base model, and the price could go up for higher-end models with more features.

However, it is important to note that these are just rumors and there is no guarantee that the Tesla phone will actually be released. If it does come out, the actual price could be different from the rumored price. We will have to wait and see what Tesla announces officially.

Here are some of the rumored features of the Tesla phone:

  • A custom-made chip from Tesla
  • A 6.7-inch OLED display
  • 8GB of RAM
  • 128GB of storage
  • A triple-lens rear camera system
  • A 108MP front-facing camera
  • A long-lasting battery
  • 5G connectivity
  • Integrated features with Tesla cars

The Tesla phone is expected to be released in Q3 2023, but it is important to note that these are just rumors and there is no guarantee that the phone will actually be released. If it does come out, it is likely to be a high-end device with a price tag to match.

chimniii.com