Solana developers reveal details about a new cryptocurrency smartphone

Solana representatives have confirmed the company’s plans to release a new cryptocurrency phone, the Saga Chapter2. The new phone will retain the main features of its predecessor Saga, such as an integrated crypto wallet, customized Android software, and a «dApp store» for crypto applications.

1/ Almost overnight, Solana Mobile's Saga became the most rewarding experience on a phone, ever, and sold out.

You know that story. Now it's time for the next part of the epic.https://t.co/nYR9apGGIT

Preorder #Chapter2 & spread the word to maximize your chance at rewards🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/tYZCBLWwHK

— Solana Mobile 2️⃣ (@solanamobile) January 16, 2024

On their official page on the X platform, Solana developers announced the possibility of pre-ordering the phone. "The initial deposit for the Founder's Window pre-order is $450, and our goal is to have the deposit cover the full cost," the company representatives explained.

3/ Price💲

At Solana Mobile, we're all about bringing web3 to the masses by making it more affordable & globally accessible.

The initial “Founder Window” preorder deposit is $450 and our goal is that the deposit covers the full price (excl. taxes, shipping, fees). pic.twitter.com/pHZzdoZOOL

— Solana Mobile 2️⃣ (@solanamobile) January 16, 2024

Saga Chapter2 is expected to be available for purchase in the first half of 2025. According to Solana Labs, the pre-order price of $ 450 is available for a short time only. The money paid will be considered a non-refundable deposit for «founders» who want to buy the phone long before its release date.

However, Solana’s official website warns that low demand could lead to the project’s closure and refunds: «If our target number of pre-orders is not reached, we may decide not to continue. In this case, we will refund your deposit.»

Solana Labs has not yet disclosed the hardware of the second Saga phone or presented the finished device. However, the reduced price indicates more limited features than the first phone. Saga cost $ 1000 at launch, but the price was later reduced to $ 599.

Currently, Saga smartphones are asking more than $ 3,200 on eBay. The growth of Saga’s market performance can be attributed to the distribution of the BONK hat meme token that comes with the phone. These digital tokens effectively compensated for the cost of the smartphone, which led to a quick sellout.