The blockchain smartphone hype feels like it’s stronger than ever in 2019. After Samsung announced the launch of private key storage functionality in the S10 and possible tie-up with Enjin for a crypto wallet, the crypto world is going mad for blockchain smartphones. HTC is no stranger to the blockchain smartphone market, launching the Exodus 1 back in December 2018. While the phone wasn’t a major success, HTC is hoping that the second generation of its blockchain smartphones will be a major hit with the crypto crowds.
No Word on the Specs
When it comes to the latest gadget or mobile device, it’s all about the specs it’s packing. Unfortunately, for now there is no word on the spec, but we’re expecting it to feature similar hardware to the Exodus 1. For a new phone running Android, having a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip is par for the course. We’re likely to see 8GB of ram and 128GB of storage – with the option to add an extra 512GB by inserting an SD card.
Triple-mounted rear cameras are all the rage at the moment, so we could very well see HTC opt for this layout to remain ahead of the competition. In the Exodus 1 we saw a 3,500mAh battery, which under the circumstances did require a second charge to get through the day. If HTC is going to make any improvements, we would love to see a slightly more powerful battery installed in the new device.
Are Blockchain Smartphones Popular?
Chances are if you know someone with a blockchain smartphone they’re super invested in the crypto world. For your regular Average Joe, the blockchain tech on offer is nothing more than a gimmick with little use. There is a range of mobile wallets available for Android and iOS, giving all smartphone users the power to buy, hold, and spend a range of cryptos. The second generation HTC will likely feature a secure enclave that stores private keys in a safe and secure manner. However, you can get a hardware crypto wallet that does this for a fraction of the price. With the Ledger Nano X launching later this month, the demand for smartphones with a secure enclave is likely to drop considerably.
For now, it’s hard to tell whether the second generation of HTC blockchain smartphones will be a gamechanger. If HTC really do their homework, we could see a new leader in the blockchain smartphone domain. But, if HTC decides to simply upgrade software and app availability, then we could be looking at another very expensive flop.
