Right now, when it comes to cryptocurrency hardware, the first thing that comes to our mind are the various hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor. However, a new kind of device has been gaining popularity: Blockchain Phones.

Blockchain phones have been around for a while now, and different companies have tried different ways of making it. While none of them have been able to break into the mainstream market yet, here are a few different implementations of blockchain phones:

HTC Exodus

HTC Exodus was the first attempt at a blockchain phone from a mainstream manufacturer. It has a premium build and runs on the Android operating system. However, what sets it apart is the preloaded blockchain features. It comes with Blockfolio app for tracking cryptocurrency holdings and their proprietary wallet called Zion Wallet, which can be used to interact with Dapps directly.

HTC has also gone one step further than just preloading their device with cryptocurrency apps. The Zion wallet is powered by a separate hardware chip on the phone and runs on a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). HTC claims that it ensures all your cryptocurrency funds are safe, even from the operating system.

For now, the HTC Exodus 1 is still a work in progress. Meanwhile, HTC is also working on a budget-friendly successor for Exodus 1, with full capability to host a Bitcoin node.

Sirin Labs — Finney

Finney is another ambitions blockchain phone from a startup called Sirin Labs. Sirin Labs raised a whopping $157 million during its ICO in 2017 and managed to launch a unique blockchain phone successfully.

Finney also runs on Android operating system and comes with the latest specs. However, it comes with an integrated cold wallet which pops up from the top of the phone. Transactions can only be done when the user physically opens the cold wallet. During other times, funds are inaccessible to anyone, including the operating system.

Apart from an impressive hardware wallet, the phone also comes with an inbuilt token swap service and a Dapp store to discover new Dapps and access them directly. While Finney comes with a premium price tag, it is the only device which comes with a unique hardware feature to store cryptocurrencies securely.

Samsung

South Korean manufacturing giant Samsung has also taken a special interest in cryptocurrencies. However, they haven’t done anything significant yet. The company preloaded its flagship device Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 with a cryptocurrency wallet. Apart from that, Samsung also launched a blockchain-version of Galaxy Note 10 in partnership with Klaytn network.

Samsung has also launched a Blockchain Dapp Kit for Dapp developers to access the crypto wallet in a secure environment. However, Samsung’s offerings do not have specific hardware features like HTC and Sirin Labs. But it is still good to have large companies like Samsung taking an interest in Cryptocurrencies, as consumers can get access to secure cryptocurrency wallets on their mobile devices without any compromise.

These are just some of the examples of blockchain phones. Other companies such as LG, China Telecom, and PundiX are also working on creating their blockchain phones. Smartphone giant Apple also recently revealed cryptocurrencies are very interesting, and they’re watching the industry very closely.

Cryptocurrencies are not dying anytime soon, and as more manufacturers realize that, we’re going to have more options. However, right now, the available options are too basic or too expensive. Unless you’re a hardcore crypto enthusiast, it is a good idea to wait for more options in the future. For now, stick to your hardware wallets that have been proven to be secure.