Blockchain network Aptos has thrown its hat into the crypto smartphone ring, announcing a deal with affordable smartphone manufacturer Jambo.
The collaboration will build on the launch of the JamboPhone, a $99 smartphone that's designed to "unlock the digital economy for users in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America," according to a press release announcing the news.
Launched in January and available in more than 40 countries, the Jambophone comes bundled with pre-installed applications including Aptos-compatible wallet Petra.
A pre-installed Jambo App offers a "comprehensive introduction to Web3" through its JamboEarn and JamboAcademy educational suite, with Jambo promising to offer "income opportunities" through the app's Quests feature.
While exact specs for the phone aren't available, the device promises to run Android 13, packing in a 4,900 mAh battery, a 6.5" LCD display and a Dual SIM feature, plus a dual-lens camera setup.
Cryptophone competition for Aptos
Crypto smartphones have been around for some time now. Back in 2019, Samsung added a built-in crypto wallet to its flagship Galaxy smartphones, while a few months later smartphone manufacturer HTC launched its own Exodus blockchain phone.
While Samsung's continued to quietly support blockchain features on its smartphones, interest in "cryptophones" kicked into high gear with the launch of the Solana Saga in 2023. A series of airdrops to Saga owners caused interest in the device to spike, with the first run selling out after crypto degens worked out that an airdrop of Solana meme coin BONK was worth more than the phone itself.
Solana has gone on to announce a mid-range 'Chapter 2' smartphone, to launch in 2025, but at $450 it's aimed at a different market than the $99 JamboPhone, which is targeting emerging markets with its promise to bring Web3 advancements to customers, "regardless of their geographic or economic status."
Edited by Stacy Elliott.