On November 29, 2018, Sirin Labs, an Israeli startup, announced the commercial launch of its flagship blockchain smartphone, the Finney. Named after the late Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney, the device aims to provide secure mobile technology integrated with a cold storage cryptocurrency wallet. The phone is now available for pre-order at $999 on the company’s official website, and will join Amazon’s Launchpad program in January 2019.
Specifications and Security Features
The Finney smartphone features a 6-inch touchscreen display, an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via micro-SD). It runs on Sirin OS, a forked version of Android 8.1 Oreo. The standout feature is a secondary touchscreen embedded on the back of the device, which serves as a dedicated secure zone for cryptocurrency operations. This second screen is isolated from the main OS by a hardware firewall, ensuring that private keys remain safe even if the primary system is compromised. Sirin OS also includes a Token Conversion Service (TCS), allowing users to swap between BTC and ETH directly on the phone.
In terms of camera, the Finney offers a 12-megapixel rear camera and a front-facing selfie camera, with a design reminiscent of the company’s earlier luxury model, the Solarin (which sold for $13,800). The Finney supports nano-SIM, Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Competitor: HTC Exodus 1
Sirin Labs faces competition from HTC’s Exodus 1, another blockchain-focused smartphone that runs a modified version of Android. The HTC Exodus 1 is currently available for pre-order at 0.15 BTC (roughly $600 at the time). Both devices target crypto-savvy users seeking enhanced security, but Finney’s dual-screen architecture offers a unique physical barrier against malware. Sirin Labs also plans to license Sirin OS to other OEMs for broader adoption.
Concept Stores and Blockchain Academy
To promote the phone, Sirin Labs will open two flagship concept stores: one in London (December 2018) and another in Tokyo (January 2019). The London store will double as a blockchain academy, offering educational sessions on cryptocurrency and decentralized technologies. This initiative reflects the company’s goal to bridge the gap between complex blockchain tools and mainstream consumers.
Despite the buzz, industry observers remain cautious about the mass-market appeal of dedicated blockchain phones. Most users currently prefer using standard smartphones with separate hardware wallets. Nonetheless, efforts by Sirin Labs and HTC highlight the growing demand for mobile-first security solutions in the crypto space.