Everyone knows that securing your digital assets becomes an issue when you have a substantial amount. This is why SatoshiLabs has raised the security and utility bar with its Trezor Model T.
Table of contents
In this review, we are going to look at the Model T with the objective to know what makes it stand out. We shall also make comparisons between this hard wallet and other common hardware storage devices. The essence is to give you an insight into why this is a hard wallet that you should consider if the encryption of your public keys and the storage of the appurtenances that are related to your digital assets is high on your priorities.
Introduction
The need to protect digital assets has never been as pressing as the value of cryptocurrencies has continued to increase in the last few years. It is obvious that despite built-in security measures of most wallets, that there always would be a need for an extra layer of security such as provided by cold wallets such as Trezor.
Even though Trezor has a reputation of making some of the best hardware wallets in the market, the company has added yet another model to its collection, the Model T. The Model T is an official Trezor wallet that was designed as an advanced device for the storage of cryptocurrencies. It also features functions that enable it to encrypt passwords and private keys, enabling the user to accomplish a lot more with one single piece of equipment.
The Trezor Model T is the ideal device that enables the user to store every detail associated with their digital assets in an encrypted format and eliminate the need for multiple devices in the storage of cryptocurrencies.
As you are aware, the number of existing cryptocurrencies are in the thousands, with many new projects launched every week. This could present a problem for many investors since it is rare to see a wallet with the capacity to accommodate more than a few dozen coins. Trezor in its new flagship device has worked around this challenge by creating a wallet in Model T, that is capable of storing more than 1000 coins, thereby giving the user the ability to store all the top coins in the market, and more.
The reputation that Trezor has built over the years as a hardware wallet manufacturer stems from the need for enhanced security in the storage of digital assets. The Model T meets the security demand needed to keep your coins safe. We shall examine in detail the features of the Trezor Model T, which has been designed to give the users more in terms of storage, usability, security and many more enhanced features that rest assure the user’s portfolio is secure.
Features of Trezor Model T
To help us understand why this model of the Trezor hardware wallet is peculiar, we shall take a closer look at the features that it comes with.
Support for A Myriad of Coins
Most hardware wallets have the basic feature of security and usability, but hardly would you come across a wallet that is equipped to do as much as the Model T built by Trezor. This is a wallet that has provision for the storage of 1,200 coins.
The implication of this is that you have a massive capacity to store all the top and popular coins in the coin market on your wallet. So essentially, top digital currencies such Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero, IOTA, Dash, Bitcoin Cash and the other well-known cryptocurrencies are supported. Also, you should not be surprised that even less known, low capitalization coins can also be stored on Trezor Model T. We are talking about 1200 coins support.
This practically eliminates the possibility of adding extra wallets in the storage of your portfolio, unless you’re investing in the most recent tokens that may not have been captured for support in the Model T. The ability to store so many coins puts the Trezor Model T in a class of its own as far as storage devices for cryptocurrencies are concerned.
Solid Security Architecture
The product was built on an open source code, ensuring that there is nothing to hide that could pose risks to the assets stored. It also went through extensive audit by research experts, so the user can be rest assured that this is a tamper-proof and hack-proof device that secures their digital currencies.
The Trezor Model T was built with all round security in mind. Not just for the purpose of securing the digital assets of the user, but their digital identity. Obviously, there is a correlation between the security of an individual’s digital signature and the safety of their assets.
The security of the user’s digital identity is enhanced through a number of features such as:
Digital Independence
Protecting your digital wallet has never been simpler than with the Trezor Model T. The concept behind the wallet is to give the user full control of their digital information by giving full protection to their digital assets, passwords and other digital keys that are associated with their cryptocurrencies. All these being controlled by the owner through the token makes it possible to do more with a wallet that also acts as an authentication device, effectively protecting the digital identity of the user.
Key Safeguard
Whoever has access to your private keys has access to your coins. This is why Trezor Model T stores your keys in a way that only you have access to them. Furthermore, they are stored offline to ensure that no malicious activity could access them through the internet.
Device Initiated Network Authentication
Think of the Model T as a hardware token with a mind of its own, geared towards your safety and the protection of your coins. The device ensures that every action that you agree to take is double-checked to make sure that no inadvertent action that could jeopardize your interest is taken. This is done through its interactive user interface that verifies every operation enabling you to confirm data before they are sent.
Easy Backup of Wallet
The implementation of the high security Shamir backup makes the Trezor Model T the first hardware wallet to use the protocol. This makes it possible for users to backup their wallet for easy recovery using a 12-word seed. This eliminates the possibility of losing their assets if they lost their Model T device.
Safe Storage for Passwords
Extra password security is implemented on the wallet through the Model T Password Manager. This secures the passwords of the user individually. These can only be unlocked through secrets that are released sequentially and confirmed through some physical actions of the user.
U2F Account Reinforcement
The U2F (Universal Second Factor) is another feature of the Model T that enables the authentication of actions. The essence is to make sure that what the user is approving is actually what they intend to. The security feature is an improvement not seen in ordinary hardware tokens. Consequently, the trusted display on this Trezor device highlights steps in actions with the purpose of ensuring that activities such as logging in to services is sanctioned.
Touch Screen Interface
Trezor Model T, unlike the former versions of the hardware wallet, was built with a touchscreen module. This is an improvement on the previous versions which are merely operated with buttons. The ease of use facilitated by this feature makes it possible for traders to move their coins in and out of the wallet much quicker than other versions of Trezor such as Trezor One.
Easy Setup
Another improvement seen on the Model T is that Trezor had optimized its setup process. This model of Trezor is so intuitive that the user can set it up and start storing coins quicker than what obtains in older models of the hardware wallet. The recovery phrase that the owner could use as backup can actually be set up minutes after purchase and coins stored thereafter.
Outstanding Customer Support
What’s the use of having great equipment to store your portfolio if you’re left to your devices if you have issues? This is why the Trezor support is always on ground to assist the user in case there are challenges associated with the setup or use of the Trezor wallet.
The company has a dedicated team of experts that attend to the needs of users, day and night. Feedback from users indicate the Trezor support team for customers are top-notch, with a 5-star rating. Although this is the information available from the Trezor shop, there is no doubt that the company works hard to support the users of its products through an efficient after sales service.
Multiple Operating System Support
The device supports most of the latest versions of operating systems (OS) such as Windows (version 10 or newer), MacOS (version 10.11and higher) and Linux. It also supports mobile on Androids. Other OS such as Windows phones and iOS are yet to be supported. Users of ChromeOS can gain access through Google’s WebUSB.
Safety And Certifications
This product has been certified by CE and RoHS to make sure that it meets all the standards expected from a hardware wallet that gives the user the quality and reliability that they desire. Trezor maintains that the Model T meets environmental standards of X-ray emissions levels, so it is safe to be used in most facilities such as the airplane.
Pros & Cons of The Trezor Model T
As we have already seen, the Trezor Model T has a lot going for it as a flagship hardware wallet. Some of the merits and demerits are highlighted here.
Pros
As you may have noticed in the features discussed above. The Model T merits include:
- Top security backed by expert audit.
- Support and storage provision for many cryptocurrencies (1200 coins actually).
- Easy setup of device.
- Touchscreen user interface features a bright colored LCD with 240×240 pixels.
- 2UF authentication ability.
- User digital identity and signature protection.
Cons
As expected, there are demerits to every product. Balancing usability, price and design is not always very easy as we shall see with the Trezor Model T. Here are some of the more obvious cons.
- A Bulky Design makes the Model T possibly one of the largest hardware wallets you would use. Scroll down to see its physical dimensions.
- Doesn’t Come Cheap: It may be considered a high price device. Trezor Model T price is $189 which is more than double the price of Trezor One.
Unboxing Trezor Model T
So what does the package come with when purchased? The package comes with the following accessories:
- Trezor Model T
- Model T magnetic dock
- USB-C cable
- 2x Recovery seed card
- Trezor stickers
The physical specifications of the Model T are as follows:
- Size: 64 mm x 39 mm x 10 mm (2.52 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 in)
- Weight: 22 g (0.77 oz)
- Recommended operating temperature: 20°C to +60°C (-4°F – +140°F)
- Connectivity: USB-C
Be sure to check out our next blog post in series, Review Of The Trezor Wallet Part 2: Comparison, where we show you how the Model T compares to rival hardware wallets.
