HTC's new Exodus S1 blockchain phone offers a potentially attractive smartphone for cryptocurrency fans. But this is not the company's first such mobile phone, nor the only mobile phone of its kind on the market. In fact, the blockchain smartphone market is still expanding.
So what exactly is a blockchain phone? Each device is technically and functionally different, but they are all designed to emphasize blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized applications. They are not ordinary iPhones or Android phone. The most common feature of blockchain phones is enhanced security to protect your cryptocurrency and private keys, while some features allow you to run a full bitcoin node and even dig cryptocurrencies from your mobile device.
Blockchain phones come in a variety of prices, but like everything else, you buy as much as you buy – so as a versatile device, a cheaper model won't be as powerful as an expensive flagship phone.
Let's take a closer look at the HTC Exodus S1 and six other blockchain-centric smartphones.
HTC Exodus S1
The latest listing of blockchain phones is trying to find a balance between price and function. The price of the Exodus S1 is around $250, depending on the exchange rate. Of course, this is a very low-end mobile phone with a 720-inch resolution of 5.7 inches, a built-in 435 chip, and a 13-megapixel main camera.
But in terms of price, HTC Exodus 1S retains the core features of the more expensive predecessors, including Zion Vault and Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). TEE is activated when the transaction is signed, and temporarily quarantines the operating system to protect your data. In addition, there is a social key recovery feature that allows trusted contacts to help you when you lose your key. In addition, you can save a complete bitcoin node on a large microSD card.
HTC Exodus 1
Exodus 1S is a simplified version of HTC's first blockchain mobile phone Exodus 1. The Exodus 1 is an overall more attractive device with an ultra-clear 6-inch four-axis HD+ display, 2018 flagship Snapdragon 845 chip, full power, dual camera settings on the back, and a larger 3500 m Ann's battery pack.
As mentioned earlier, Zion Vault and Trusted Execution Environment are key parts of the Exodus experience, and it can access dozens of applications through the Opera Dapp store. Curiously, unlike the Exodus 1S, at the time of this writing, the more expensive Exodus 1 was unable to run the full Bitcoin node. The Exodus 1 is priced at $699, which is a genuine flagship phone.
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung's flagship smartphone is undoubtedly the most impressive device on the list. The Samsung Galaxy S10 has incredible screens, high-end Android processing power, clear three-camera settings and some stylish designs. This is one of the best smartphones you can buy now, in addition to providing a powerful crypto currency wallet and a reliable dapp option.
Earlier this year, the $899 Galaxy S10 didn't offer Bitcoin support, but after that it was added - you can also use Ethereum, LEO Token, Chainlink, USD Coin and more. At the same time, dapp products include games, social media and financial applications. The Galaxy S10 is built with the 855 processor and has its own trusted execution environment.
KlaytnPhone
You may know another name for KlaytnPhone: Samsung Galaxy Note 10. Samsung's large stylus-driven smartphone KlaytnPhone can also be used in the company's native South Korea. KlaytnPhone is a special edition blockchain smartphone launched by Samsung and Kakao.
Kakao is the country's largest mobile service platform, and KlaytnPhone uses the company's KLAY token. KlaytnPhone is bundled in several blockchain-driven applications, and of course there are corresponding brands - but again, this phone is only sold in South Korea.
Sirin Lab's Finney
Sirin Lab's Finney looks different from the other smartphones we've seen, and its features are completely different from other phones. The slanted design and the atypical angle are of course different, but the biggest difference is its hidden function. It's a cold wallet, a separate piece of hardware that snaps up automatically when you need to trade.
Why do you swipe up? Because it activates your wallet and displays the second "safety screen" of your key data. This is a one-of-a-kind phone, but the $999 price means you have to pay a big price to buy this one-of-a-kind phone.
Pundi X Blok on Blok (BOB)
The original Pundi XPhone prototype has a more common design, but the upcoming Blok on Blok (BOB) version is not at all typical. Of course, this is a blockchain phone, but it's also a modular phone – which means you can connect a variety of accessories together. It has latches and dials; it's crazy, right.
The 660 processor is clearly mid-range, and even the Pundi X says it is a more ideal phone. Pundi X calls it "backward compatible" with Android, and you can switch between the two as needed. However, the company said that you don't need a central service provider to call and surf the Internet.
Electroneum M1
The Electroneum M1 is the lowest-priced blockchain phone, priced at just $80. This meager number brings you a powerful Android smartphone that doesn't have any specific hardware and is replaced by an Electroneum pre-installed app (Android smartphones are also available). The app allows users to bundle ETN's cloud mining service, which can get up to $3 in cryptocurrency per month, which can then be used to purchase everyday items, including mobile phone top-ups.
M1 is aimed primarily at users in developing countries, working with Electroneum's upcoming AnyTasks platform to provide them with access to the global digital economy.
As an ordinary smartphone, the M1 is hard to compete with higher-specific devices - but this is not its real purpose. However, if you are looking for a cheap way to explore mobile mining using specialized equipment, the Electroneum M1 may be a good choice.