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<\/p>\nSolana Mobile, a subsidiary of Solana Labs, entered the smartphone market with its crypto phone, the \u201cSaga,\u201d in April 2023. <\/p>\n
https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=HpHLWRfTlm8%3Ffeature%3Doembed<\/p>\n
A crypto phone is a specialized smartphone designed with enhanced security features to facilitate secure communications and transactions in the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Initially priced at $1,000, the Saga\u2019s price was reduced in August 2023 to \u201cbring more people into the ecosystem.\u201d <\/p>\n
Developed in collaboration with OSOM, a company experienced in Android development for tech giants like Google, Apple, and Intel, the Saga aims to simplify and secure Web3 transactions and digital asset management, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs.<\/p>\n
The device features a 6.67-inch OLED display, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, and runs on the flagship Snapdragon\u00ae 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform. Unique to Saga is the Solana Mobile Stack (SMS), a suite of custom add-ons that integrate crypto functionality into the phone\u2019s hardware and software. The phone\u2019s secure element, known as the \u201cseed vault,\u201d stores private keys separately from other data, enhancing security.<\/p>\n
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Additionally, Saga offers a custom \u201cdapp\u201d store with a curated list of crypto applications. Solana has committed to not imposing \u201cextractive fees\u201d on dapp store apps, contrasting the 30% fee charged by Apple and Google. <\/p>\n
When first introducing the phone, Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana Labs, stated that Saga aims to set a new standard for the Web3 experience on mobile devices.<\/p>\n
Marques Brownlee, widely known as MKBHD, begins his review by tracing the Saga\u2019s lineage back to the Essential Phone, a promising but ultimately unsuccessful venture launched in 2017. The Essential Phone\u2019s team later formed OSOM, which collaborated with Solana to create the Saga. Brownlee lauds the phone\u2019s build quality, mentioning its matte stainless steel frame, colored titanium buttons, and ceramic back. However, he also notes that the device is heavy, weighing around 250 grams.<\/p>\n
MKBHD pointed out that despite its premium build the Saga\u2019s specs are average.He said that it features a 6.67-inch flat 1080p 120Hz display, a 4,100 milliamp-hour battery, and mediocre cameras. The device runs on last year\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Brownlee suggests that these specs do not justify the phone\u2019s initial $1,000 price tag, which likely contributed to its price reduction.<\/p>\n
MKBHD then focused on the Saga\u2019s crypto-centric features, highlighting three main aspects: the Solana Mobile Stack (SMS), the Seed Vault, and the Dapp store. According to MKBHD, the SMS serves as an SDK that allows apps to connect exclusively to the Solana blockchain. This feature limits the phone\u2019s utility for users interested in other blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum. He also mentioned the Seed Vault, which provides a secure environment separate from the Android OS for storing a 24-phrase seed. Lastly, MKBHD pointed out that while the Dapp store is unique, it is not exclusive to the Saga and will be available on other devices.<\/p>\n
Brownlee concluded by questioning the Saga\u2019s value proposition, especially given its price drop and niche crypto features. He argued that even at the reduced price, there are better options available in the market. Brownlee\u2019s final verdict resonated with his video title, advising most people to steer clear of the Saga, as it offers limited appeal beyond its niche crypto functionalities.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=hRSMJGs0YMg%3Ffeature%3Doembed<\/p>\n
Companies like HTC with their Exodus phone, Sirin Labs with the Finney, and Samsung with blockchain features in some of their Galaxy models, have ventured into creating crypto phones.<\/p>\n
These phones aim to provide a secure and convenient way for users to manage their digital assets and engage with blockchain technology. However, they often come at a premium price compared to regular smartphones.<\/p>\n