Solana Labs has successfully launched its highly anticipated Saga mobile phone to pre-order customers. This cutting-edge Android device, priced at $1,000, is equipped with the latest technology and boasts a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the rest: it is fully crypto-enabled. This means that users can seamlessly integrate their digital assets into their daily lives, easily making transactions and managing their crypto portfolio. The Saga phone is a game-changer for the crypto community, providing a secure and convenient platform for users to access and utilize their digital assets on the go.
Esteemed crypto and web3 correspondent Jeff Benson was granted the opportunity to test Saga for a week and has since imparted his insights on the crypto-capable device in a comprehensive review. While Benson commended Saga’s functionality as a phone, he expressed disappointment with the limited range of Solana dApps available. Additionally, Benson noted experiencing “security fatigue” due to the numerous authentication measures required for most transactions.
Although Saga may not have access to Google Play, it proudly showcases many web3 applications in the Solana dApp Store. The device comes equipped with 20 USDC and 0.01 SOL, as well as 14 dApps, such as Jupiter, Minty Fresh, TIEXO, Ledger Live, and Audius. While Benson found the current selection of Solana dApps somewhat underwhelming, it’s important to note that Saga is a fresh platform, and developers are still building upon it.
Although Saga’s security measures were comprehensive, featuring a circular, recessed fingerprint sensor on the phone’s rear, Benson observed that the Seed Vault is not precisely a wallet. Instead, it operates with Solana Wallet and the Android OS, limiting direct access to confidential information. Benson also evaluated the Phantom wallet, Solana’s most widely used wallet, and identified compatibility concerns with other applications. In his assessment, he maintained a professional tone.
The app kept ghosting me, freezing up as I tried to press buttons and forcing me to close it out and reopen it.
Benson’s ultimate determination was that the phone is a robust foundation for developers to revitalize the network’s prominence.
