Web3 Phone Essentials: Solana's New Seeker Mobile Phone Features

In January, Solana Mobile teased the second iteration of its Web3-powered phone. Last Friday, at Token 2049 in Singapore, the Labs subsidiary officially unveiled the device, now named the Solana Seeker.

This announcement marks "Chapter 2" of Solana's expansion into the mobile hardware space, building on the unexpected success of the Saga, its first model launched in 2023.

Set to launch in mid-2025, the Solana Seeker promises substantial improvements over its forerunner while dramatically reducing the price point. Priced at $450 for pre-orders, less than half the cost of the Saga's initial $1,000 price tag, the Seeker aims to make Web3 technology more accessible to a broader audience.

The announcement has already generated significant interest, with Solana Mobile reporting over 140,000 pre-orders. This enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the Saga's initial reception, which saw sluggish sales until a late surge in demand driven by valuable token airdrops, particularly the BONK meme-coin airdrop that surged in value late last year.

To capitalize on this momentum, Solana Mobile has offered a limited-time 'Founder Window' pricing of $450 until the end of the Breakpoint conference on September 21st. Now, an 'Early Adopter Window' is open at $500, with a final 'Supporter Window' to follow at an unspecified price.

In an interview with Decrypt, Emmett Hollyer, General Manager of Solana Mobile, emphasized that the lower price does not equate to a lesser phone:

"We've priced it very aggressively because we want it to be accessible for growth, not necessarily because we see this in any way of a step-down."

Digital Asset Custody In Solana Mobile Phone

The phone will include the next version of the Seed Vault, a customized custody solution developed in a secure environment. This feature is visually highlighted in the phone's design, with a glossy cutout wrapped around the right side of the frame, emphasizing its importance in the device's architecture.

Solana Mobile has also collaborated with Solflare to design a custom software wallet for the Seeker, promising an improved user experience compared to wallets available on the Saga. This integration aims to streamline crypto transactions and interactions within the Solana ecosystem.

dApp Store In Solana Mobile Phone

The Solana dApp store, a key feature of the Saga, has been improved, with better app discoverability and more robust tracking of token rewards. Hollyer noted a surge in developer interest, with many teams eager to build applications for the new device.

DePIN In Solana Mobile Phone

One of the Seeker's most intriguing features is its approach to data access. The phone will be more permissive about third-party apps accessing its "digital exhaust," such as GPS and cellular data. While this raises potential privacy considerations, it opens up new possibilities for decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) projects. Solana Mobile has consulted with teams like Helium and other Solana DePIN projects to explore how this data could be harnessed for network growth and performance tracking. The Seeker will feature four months of free Helium Mobile service.

NFT In Solana Mobile Phone

Each Seeker will come with a Genesis NFT, a non-transferrable token tied to the owner's wallet. This feature proved highly attractive with the Saga, acting as a "rewards magnet" for various ecosystem projects. Hollyer anticipates that the Seeker's Genesis NFT will not only attract rewards but also unlock exclusive experiences within the Solana ecosystem.

Airdrops In Solana Mobile Phone

In parallel, Helius Labs announced "Airship," a ZK-compression tool that dramatically reduces the cost of airdrops to Solana Mobile devices. This technology will apparently make it 4,000 times cheaper for projects to distribute tokens to Seeker owners, potentially enhancing the device's appeal as a rewards platform. Airdrops that once cost $40,000 can now be executed for as little as $100, according to Solana Mobile.

"It’s the definitive web3 mobile device, designed to harmonize hardware & software." @solanamobile

Hollyer said that the Seeker represents a "meaningful step up from Saga" in terms of performance, mainly due to tech improvements over the past two years. Chapter 2 represents a redesign and a shift in messaging, as noted by Hollyer. Feedback from the Saga's release and evolving user needs—such as running node software and supporting DePINs—influenced this new direction.

While full hardware specifications remain under wraps, Solana Mobile has teased several upgrades from Saga. The Seeker will feature a brighter "flagship display," improved battery life, and an enhanced camera system, including a new third sensor on the rear.

The name "Seeker" symbolizes users seeking opportunities, including rewards, unique experiences, and connections. This better aligns with blockchain users actively exploring decentralized systems, reflecting a more tailored approach, Hollyer noted.

While the concept of blockchain-powered phones isn't new, previous attempts have struggled to gain traction. Devices like the HTC Exodus and Sirin Labs' Finney introduced features such as built-in cold wallets and token conversion services but failed to capture widespread adoption. Vertu's Metavertu, though offering Web3 functionality, remains a niche luxury item with a prohibitive price tag.

More recently, the JamboPhone has emerged as a more affordable alternative. A few days ago, JamboPhone announced it had become the most globally distributed Web3 mobile device. At Solana Breakpoint, it launched its second model, JamboPhone 2, maintaining its accessible $99 price point and availability to 128 countries. This makes it a viable option for users looking to explore Web3 and AI integration without the steep cost, positioning it as an affordable entry point into decentralized technology.

From mainstream mobile phone producers, both Apple and Samsung have announced blockchain wallets and various integrations on their devices, however claimed no breakthrough in Web3 user experience or device design.

As Solana Mobile gears up for Seeker's 2025 launch, we will observe closely whether the next-gen Web3 device will come from the mainstream mobile phone producers or from the crypto space.