Background
Solana Mobile, a subsidiary of Solana Labs, entered the smartphone market with its crypto telephone, the “Saga,” in April 2023.
A crypto telephone is a specialised smartphone designed with enhanced security measures to facilitate safe communications and transactions on this planet of cryptocurrencies and blockchain know-how. Initially priced at $1,000, the Saga’s worth was lowered in August 2023 to “deliver extra folks into the ecosystem.”
Developed in collaboration with OSOM, an organization skilled in Android growth for tech giants like Google, Apple, and Intel, the Saga goals to simplify and safe Web3 transactions and digital asset administration, together with cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
The machine encompasses a 6.67-inch OLED show, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, and runs on the flagship Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Cellular Platform. Distinctive to Saga is the Solana Cellular Stack (SMS), a collection of customized add-ons that combine crypto performance into the telephone’s {hardware} and software program. The telephone’s safe ingredient, generally known as the “seed vault,” shops personal keys individually from different information, enhancing safety.
Moreover, Saga affords a customized “dapp” retailer with a curated record of crypto functions. Solana has dedicated to not imposing “extractive charges” on dapp retailer apps, contrasting the 30% price charged by Apple and Google.
When first introducing the telephone, Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana Labs, said that Saga goals to set a brand new customary for the Web3 expertise on cellular gadgets.
MKBHD’s Review
Historic Context and Construct High quality
Marques Brownlee, broadly generally known as MKBHD, begins his evaluate by tracing the Saga’s lineage again to the Important Cellphone, a promising however finally unsuccessful enterprise launched in 2017. The Important Cellphone’s crew later shaped OSOM, which collaborated with Solana to create the Saga. Brownlee lauds the telephone’s construct high quality, mentioning its matte chrome steel body, coloured titanium buttons, and ceramic again. Nevertheless, he additionally notes that the machine is heavy, weighing round 250 grams.
Specs and Efficiency
MKBHD identified that regardless of its premium construct the Saga’s specs are common. He stated that it encompasses a 6.67-inch flat 1080p 120Hz show, a 4,100 milliamp-hour battery, and mediocre cameras. The machine runs on final 12 months’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Brownlee means that these specs don’t justify the telephone’s preliminary $1,000 price ticket, which seemingly contributed to its worth discount.
Crypto Options
MKBHD then centered on the Saga’s crypto-centric options, highlighting three foremost features: the Solana Cellular Stack (SMS), the Seed Vault, and the Dapp retailer. In response to MKBHD, the SMS serves as an SDK that enables apps to attach completely to the Solana blockchain. This function limits the telephone’s utility for customers eager about different blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum. He additionally talked about the Seed Vault, which offers a safe surroundings separate from the Android OS for storing a 24-phrase seed. Lastly, MKBHD identified that whereas the Dapp retailer is exclusive, it’s not unique to the Saga and shall be obtainable on different gadgets.
Remaining Ideas
Brownlee concluded by questioning the Saga’s worth proposition, particularly given its worth drop and area of interest crypto options. He argued that even on the lowered worth, there are higher choices obtainable out there. Brownlee’s remaining verdict resonated along with his video title, advising most individuals to steer clear of the Saga, because it affords restricted attraction past its area of interest crypto functionalities.
Corporations like HTC with their Exodus telephone, Sirin Labs with the Finney, and Samsung with blockchain options in some of their Galaxy fashions, have ventured into creating crypto telephones.
These telephones goal to offer a safe and handy means for customers to handle their digital belongings and interact with blockchain know-how. Nevertheless, they typically come at a premium worth in comparison with common smartphones.