Solana Web3 Mobile Devices

Crypto and web3 have made their way to smartphones and mobile devices in a big way over the past few years, and web3 mobile is a fast-growing sector. The first crypto phone released – The Finney by Sirin Labs — was launched all the way in 2018. Now, there are numerous mobile devices that integrate Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum, some even produced by global tech giants like HTC and Samsung. 

Sometimes called ‘crypto phones,’ but more recently ‘web3 mobile devices,’ these phones incorporate blockchain, crypto, and decentralized apps into their hardware and operating systems. While regular smartphones offer some crypto apps like the centralized exchanges and wallets available on Android and IOSapp stores, but the devices themselves lack the security needs of a web3 user and offer very limited access to actual decentralized apps. 

In contrast, web3 mobile phones are designed to seamlessly integrate with blockchain networks and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike traditional smartphones, these devices come with built-in cryptocurrency wallets, enhanced security features, and native support for dApps and Web3 protocols. 

Combining web3 with mobile devices unlocks all kinds of new utility, for example:

• Secure wallets: Biometric entry and fingerprint sensors provide greater wallet security
• DeFi: Web3 mobile devices enable making DeFi transactions anywhere, anytime.
• Mobile gaming: Participate in play-to-earn games with built-in asset management.
• DePIN: Use as a hardware device for DePIN, and participation in decentralized mobile
• Digital identity: Blockchain-based identification for secure, private authentication.
• Tokenized rewards: Many dAapps and cryptocurrencies reward holders of certain devices with tokens and rewards. 

While devices like the HTC Exodus and a number of Samsung devices paved the way for web3 mobile devices, it was the Solana Saga — a smartphone made specifically for the Solana ecosystem — that proved what web3 mobile can do. 

Let’s take a deep dive into the Solana Saga and what’s next for web3 mobile on Solana.

Solana has become one of the most popular web3 platforms, and home to a spectrum of DeFi applications, NFTs, memecoins, DePIN, and gaming, making it the ideal blockchain network for a mobile-first web3 experience. Released in 2022 by Solana Mobile, the Solana Saga was the first mobile device for the Solana ecosystem, and it sold out in 2023. It featured high-end hardware on an Android OS, and offered a number of innovations in regards to integrating web3 and mobile.

Key features of the Solana Saga: 

High-end hardware and Android OS
The Saga device is powered by top-tier hardware like a fast processor, ample RAM, and generous storage capacity, but all optimized to handle the demanding computational requirements of blockchain operations. The Saga runs on a customized version of the Android operating system, it combines the familiarity of a mainstream mobile OS with blockchain-specific optimizations. 

Seed Vault
The Solana Saga features a secure seed vault, providing a hardware storage device for your crypto private keys. This vault is protected by state-of-the-art biometric authentication, including fingerprint and facial recognition technology. This dual-layer security approach ensures that only you can access your digital assets, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access or theft.

Solana dApp Store 
Solana dApp Store Integrated seamlessly into the device is a dedicated Solana dApp store, offering a curated selection of decentralized applications built on the Solana blockchain. This store provides easy, one-click access to a wide range of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and other blockchain-based services. 

Genesis Token and Rewards Program
Each Solana Saga device comes equipped with its own Saga Genesis Token, a unique, non-transferrable NFT that represents its owner as a Saga holder. This proved to be a major revelation with the Solana Saga, as dApps and cryptocurrencies from around the Solana ecosystem airdropped tokens or offered exclusive rewards and access to Genesis Token holders. 

Nowhere was this better exemplified than with BONK. The BONK memecoin airdropped 30 million BONK tokens to Saga users, which kickstarted interest in the cryptocurrency and led to a major price appreciation. Many cryptocurrencies and dApps followed suit in offering rewards, such that many Saga owners received far more in airdrops than the price of the phone. 

Want to know more about BONK and memecoins? Read our explainer What Are Memecoins? 

And it’s not just airdrops that offer Saga Genesis Token holders utility. Saga users can benefit from an extensive rewards program that encourages active participation across the Solana ecosystem. This program not only incentivizes user engagement but also helps to foster a vibrant and active Solana community.

In early 2024, Solana Mobile announced Chapter Two, a follow up device to the Solana Saga. Over 140,000 pre-sale devices have been sold, evidencing the major excitement about the device and anticipation for how it will progress on its promise of web3 mobile. Notably, the Chapter Two is being built for accessibility and affordability to a wider market, and is reflected in its price point. The Chapter Two is set for release in 2025. 

Find out how airdrops work and how you can become eligible to receive rewards throughout the Solana ecosystem in our Guide to Aidrops.