HTC Exodus 1S: impressive in theory as it is dismal on paper

HTC’s fall from grace has been a remarkable one. But it seems that the firm isn’t quite done falling just yet.

Over the weekend, it announced a new device in its crypto-focussed Exodus range. Dubbed the HTC Exodus 1s, it’s about as uninspired a phone we’ve seen debut in 2019.

Up front, there’s a 5.7-inch 720p display. Behind that, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chipset from 2017 lies alongside 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Thankfully, there is a microSD card slot — a glimmer of hope, at least.

The phone also features 13MP cameras front and back, a headphone jack (woot!) and a microUSB for charging and data connectivity.

Yes, microUSB.

Oh, and there’s also a 3075mAh battery, and, to round up the package that was clearly designed two years ago but only made it to fruition this week: Android 8.1 Oreo.

This will cost potential buyers €219. And this in a world where Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and Xiaomi all offer better bang-for-the-buck.

A pocket Bitcoin node

HTC’s trump card, or unique selling point at least, is the Exodus 1s’s focus on cryptocurrency. It’s reportedly the first smartphone that can run a full Bitcoin node.

Essentially, using this device, those wanting to send and receive Bitcoin can fully validate transactions and blocks, without the need of a PC.

It’s a big development for a very specific list of clientèle, and could be huge in the coming years. But by then, the Exodus 1s may not even have the hardware to keep up.

Feature image: HTC