What does the community think of the new Trezor Safe 7?
The community assessment of the Trezor Safe 7 is divided, with great enthusiasm about the design and transparency, but also considerable skepticism about the long-term durability and marketing value of certain new features.
Experts and users describe the device as very good, and the launch itself was compared to an “Apple keynote”.
The central functions are assessed as follows according to the opinions I have gathered from the Internet:
TROPIC01 (Transparent Secure Element)
The introduction of the TROPIC01 chip, the first transparent and auditable secure element, is viewed almost universally positively in the community and as a significant security gain:
- Highest recognition for transparency: Users are really, really happy about the open-source Secure Element (SE) chip. This is considered a game changer and the first auditable SE chip to be commercially available.
- Enhanced physical protection: The dual-chip architecture (TROPIC01 and a second EAL6+ Secure Element) is considered the strongest physical protection measure in the industry.
- Hardware-enforced PIN: The TROPIC01 ensures that PIN attempts are enforced directly via the hardware, making brute force attacks physically impossible. This is seen as an important security improvement compared to purely software-based solutions.
“Quantum-ready” architecture
The quantum-ready architecture of the Safe 7 is the most controversial topic of discussion and is the cause of great skepticism:
- Marketing gimmick: Many community members refer to quantum readiness as “nonsense”, “gimmick” or “marketing fluff”.
- Criticism of relevance: The main criticism is that the wallet is useless against quantum attacks as long as the Bitcoin network and other blockchains themselves have not yet been converted to post-quantum algorithms (PQC).
- Proactive preparation: Less savvy users may worry about the “scary” idea of quantum computers, but informed users understand that Trezor is simply future-proofing the device itself with PQC signatures in the bootloader so that it can receive secure firmware updates later without having to be replaced.
Wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) and rechargeable battery
The introduction of Bluetooth and the integrated battery is the point that raises the greatest safety concerns:
- “Lukewarm storage”: Part of the community sees Bluetooth as a new potential attack vector and refers to the device as “lukewarm storage” (warm storage), as cold storage should not have wireless connections. The concern is that attackers can intercept communications, although some users admit that this is only relevant when used in close proximity.
- Added convenience: On the other hand, Bluetooth is praised as a “huge bonus” and an important step for user-friendliness. For iPhone users in particular, wireless connectivity was previously not possible or only possible to a limited extent. Bluetooth functionality is also seen as “smart business” in order to reach a larger target group.
- Security protocols: Proponents (including Trezor employees) emphasize that Bluetooth is end-to-end encrypted by the open-source Trezor Host Protocol (THP) and thus secured against eavesdropping. Bluetooth can also be completely deactivated at any time so that the device can only be used wired.
- Battery concerns: Many users are against the permanently installed battery, as it is a wearing part that could limit the service life of the device. Some would like a battery-free version.
- All-clear on the battery: The battery choice (LiFePO₄) is positively received, as this type is more durable and robust. Above all, it is emphasized that the device continues to work via the USB-C cable, even if the battery is defective or empty.
Design and user-friendliness
The physical design and increased usability are highly praised:
- Premium feel: The housing made of anodized aluminum unibody and Gorilla Glass conveys a “very high-quality” and “solid” impression.
- Large display: The 2.5-inch, high-resolution touchscreen (62% larger than the Safe 5) is seen as a “super pleasant upgrade” as it greatly improves the legibility of transaction details.
- Price: The price of $249/€249 is classified as a premium price, although it seems reasonable compared to competitor models such as the Ledger Stax ($399).
To summarize: Although the community welcomes the technological advances (TROPIC01, premium design, large display) and the added convenience (Bluetooth, iOS compatibility), traditional safety concerns regarding the Bluetooth function and the long-term stability of the battery remain. The “Quantum Ready” feature is dismissed by many as a marketing tactic, although Trezor provides the technical justification as to why this is necessary for future, secure firmware updates.
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