Solana Seeker Smartphone Hits 140,000 Pre-Orders

Last year’s launch of the Solana Saga smartphone was a bold move by Solana Labs that didn’t initially seem to pay off. But a year-end surge in demand, fueled by the rising value of token airdrops tied to it, cleared out the remaining stock and sparked questions about what’s next. Let’s understand how Solana Seeker Smartphone is different than Solana’s Saga!

Enter the Solana Seeker. Revealed in January, just weeks after the airdrop craze revitalized the Saga’s fortunes. This next-gen Solana phone is set to launch in mid-2025. Impressively, it has already attracted 140,000 pre-orders. Signaling strong interest from the crypto community.

A Fresh Take on Crypto Phones

Solana Mobile, the division behind the hardware, unveiled the official branding and a first look at the new Android handset at Token 2049 in Singapore on Friday. The Seeker is different—and not just in name. Priced at $450 for pre-orders—less than half the cost of the Saga—it aims to be more accessible without compromising on quality.

Emmett Hollyer, Solana Mobile General Manager, told that the Seeker shouldn’t be judged by its lower price point. “We’ve priced it very aggressively because we want it to be accessible for growth,” he said. “Not necessarily because we see this in any way as a step down.”

Upgraded Specs and Features

While full hardware specifications haven’t been released yet, Hollyer mentioned that the Solana Seeker will have a brighter “flagship display” and a longer-lasting battery than the Saga. It will also feature better cameras, including a new third sensor on the back.

In terms of performance, the Seeker will be a meaningful step up from the Saga. Given that it’s been a while since the Saga’s specs were set in early 2022. Advancements in technology naturally enhance the Seeker’s capabilities. The new hardware is also lighter and smaller, catering to users who plan to use it as a secondary device rather than replacing their primary phone.

Focused on the Crypto Community

This represents a shift in both form and messaging. Hollyer explained that the name “Seeker” was inspired by users trying to “find new opportunities,” whether that’s rewards, experiences, or connections. He acknowledged that messaging around the Saga may have been confusing regarding its crypto focus.

With 140,000 people already placing deposits for the Seeker, Solana Mobile is confident there’s a growing group of prospective users. This phone is aimed at new and entrenched crypto users, not the general public. “I don’t expect this to be a device that we’re just pitching to the masses,” Hollyer said. “I’d love to be there, but we need to really get this right and learn from our users before we can start to pull in the masses.”

Amid all the changes, some elements of the Seeker remain familiar. The crypto integration is again driven by the Seed Vault. A custom custody solution built within a secure environment on the phone. Visually, it’s called out in the phone’s design this time, seen in a glossy cutout wrapped around the right side of the frame.

In addition, Solana Mobile has designed a custom software wallet for the Seeker in collaboration with Solflare. Promising a better user experience. Developers have shown substantial interest in launching mobile decentralized apps (dapps) alongside the Seeker. With pre-orders already hitting a sevenfold multiple of the Saga’s units. Developers have more incentive to devote time and resources to mobile.

Like the Saga, each Seeker phone will ship with a Genesis NFT—a soulbound token forever tied to the owner’s wallet. The Seeker is poised to be a “rewards magnet” for owners, with Solana builders eager to tap into its audience.