Solana’s New Crypto Phone Seeker: Features, Specs and Shipping Dates

Key Takeaways

• Solana Labs is preparing to ship the first batch of its second-generation mobile phones, announced last September.
• With 150,000 units pre-ordered, projected revenue exceeds $67.5 million
• The new phone promises to improve upon the shortcomings of the first phone.
• The phone will be aggressively priced amid considerable demand.

The second generation of Solana mobile phones is ready to ship, with the company’s first batch scheduled to go out starting Aug. 4.

The newcomer follows the Solana Saga, a device that sparked intense debate upon its release in April 2023.

Initially mocked for its steep price tag, the Saga unexpectedly found a new lease on life after the debut of BONK rewards, sending resale prices soaring up to $5,000.

Solana Seeker Phones Begin Shipping in August

Solana Phones, a subsidiary of Solana Labs, will begin shipping its second-generation smartphone, the Solana Seeker, on Aug. 4, nearly a year after the device was first announced in September.

The Seeker was sold in two phases: a Founder Window priced at $450, followed by an Early Adopter Window at $500 per unit.

In total, the company received pre-orders for 150,000 devices, generating an estimated $67 million in revenue.

The new model also introduces a native ecosystem token called SKR.

The Seeker features a new trustless architecture called the Trusted Execution Environment Platform Infrastructure Network (TEEPIN).

This three-layer system, spanning hardware, platform and network layers, is designed to enable users, developers, and manufacturers to interact in a secure, trust-minimized environment.

Better Specs at a Cheaper Price?

Specs

First look

On paper, the Solana Seeker appears to have addressed some of the design and functionality criticisms that dogged its predecessor, the Solana Saga. It has improved its aesthetic and improved several features.

Additionally, the phone’s competitive pricing, at least during the initial Founder Window, is likely to further fuel its appeal.

In terms of technical specifications, the phone features a brighter display, a camera module with a 108-megapixel primary camera, and multiple storage options. Additionally, the device includes a new seed vault, a security feature designed to protect users’ sensitive crypto assets.

Decentralized Features

What sets Solana Seeker apart is its array of decentralized features, which are designed to cater to Web3 users.

Here’s a quick rundown of the features:

• Seed Vault Wallet via Solflare: Enables self-custody of tokens with a double-tap payment feature.
• Updated Solana Mobile dApp Store: Includes new reward systems for users.
• Seeker Genesis Token: A Soul-bound VIP pass for access to rewards, content, and features in the Solana ecosystem.
• Four Months of Free DePIN Coverage: Users can earn from select DePIN apps.
• AI Agents via Alethea: Users can create and use tokenized AI agents within the Seeker ecosystem.
• Exclusive Web3 Game Titles: Seeker users gain access to unique web3 games.
• Helio Airdrops: Offers cheaper airdrop options for users.

Solana Seeker Can Become the “Crypto Phone”

The tech world still recalls Marques Brownlee’s (MKBHD) scathing review of Solana’s first phone , which roundly criticized its specs and steep price tag. However, with Seeker, Solana is aiming to change minds.

History has shown that first-generation devices often hit the market with limitations and flaws.

Even Google struggled with its initial entry into hardware. The first Google Pixel phone, for instance, was marred by poor design, subpar screens, and software lag. Yet Google chose to focus on a single strength—its camera—which ended up being a game-changer. Today, the Pixel is a household name, and its camera is one of its key selling points.

Solana is following a similar playbook. Instead of trying to outmuscle the competition with a spec-heavy phone, the company is betting on an integrated Web3 experience that sets it apart.

While the first phone had its share of shortcomings, the second-generation Solana Seeker has made significant improvements, from a sleeker design to better cameras and screens, all at a lower price point.