NOTE-When I’m traveling, one of the criteria by which I choose a place is that it must have some kind of Internet connection. I can not part during the holidays, because it would stress me and counteract the purpose of the holiday. Nine times out of ten, I have at least one cell phone coverage (T-Mobile), but sometimes when we travel to places like Kings Canyon national Park in California, I am lucky enough to have a signal strength bar and any kind of internet connection. This is where the skyroam Solis X WiFi Hotspot (they call it a smartspot) can come to the rescue. Let’s take a look at it.
What’s this?
The skyroam Solis X is an updated version of the skyroam hotspot that I tested in 2017. It is a portable global WiFi hotspot that automatically connects to the most powerful network operator in the region to provide 4G LTE internet connection.
There are some differences between the Solis X and the original Solis that I reviewed.
The main differences:
Built-in camera, a speaker and two microphones in addition to the power connectors of the device
Covers 25 cell bands, up from 15 previously
Can share data with 10 devices, compared with 5
Smaller than the original and longer battery life
Hardware Specifications
Connectivity: 4G LTE in over 130 countries
WiFi Network: patented VSIM technology; 802.11 a/b/g/N (2.4GHz+5GHz)
Power Bank: 4700mAh
Remote Control Camera: 8MP 720d
Connect multiple devices: up to 10 devices
Size: 3.5″ x 0.9″
Design and characteristics
The skyroam Solis X is a bright orange hockey puck device with a long narrow power button on top and 3 LEDs that indicate the connection status.
On one edge of the camera there is an 8-megapixel camera with an LED flashlight under the lens. In my opinion, it seems strange to add a camera to a Wi-Fi hotspot.
On the opposite edge of the Solis X there is a USB-C port, through which the device can be powered and connected to other devices in order to use it as a portable backup battery for powered other devices.
App
The initial setup of the Solis X is simple. All you have to do is charge the device, install the skyroam Solis app on your phone, turn on the Solis X, wait for it to start and follow the instructions of the app to set it up.
Depending on the location, 1 GB day passes per day (24 hours) are also available. The USA and Europe cost 6 per day, and a world passport costs per day. You can buy several passes and use them as needed.
A subscription is valid for unlimited data and costs per month, 66 months. if you buy 3 months at a time, and month for 6 months at a time. There is no obligation after each purchase and you can cancel at any time.
The Solis X has other features that you can access with the button above and integration with IFTTT. Interactions include tweeting your location, tracking your movements, and using the Solis X as an SMS emergency notification. I think these features are a bit fancy…
Usage and speed of access points
The operation of the device is quite simple. You turn it on and as soon as it starts (it’s slow 3 3-5 minutes), you can find the network in your Wi-Fi list and log in with the password at the bottom of the device.
The speeds depend entirely on your location. If you don’t have cellular coverage in your area, Solis X won’t work for you. However, if you have a large number of carriers in your area, a signal will be received and you will be able to surf, send e-mail, etc.
I tested the Solis x, which is connected to my Huawei P30 Pro and my 12-inch MacBook. I tested Chrome with Gmail, worked on reviews through the Gadgeteer dashboard, watched YouTube videos and Netflix videos. I’m actually typing this review on my MacBook while streaming a Netflix movie in the background without stuttering, even if the Solis X’s signal strength is only 1 bar.
Here are some speed tests to show the speed of the Solis X in my region. I don’t know which mobile carrier is using it, but in my region I have coverage for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. The circled test is my T-Mobile home internet speed test, and other tests are from the Solis X at home and in my daily work.
Final considerations
As long as you have cellular coverage (check here), the skyroam Solis X is an easy-to-use hotspot that provides an internet connection almost anywhere in the world. The main problem is that you have to pay a little for the data. A day sounds good in theory, but you only get 1 GB of data for it and it really doesn’t go that far these days. With 1 GB, you can surf the internet, send emails and watch Netflix for about 90 minutes before all your data is used up. Yes, you can opt for the unlimited option, but Ouch, that’s pretty useless too. In my opinion, the skyroam Solis X can be a useful travel accessory as long as you understand the warnings and prices of the dates.
