Which Hardware Wallet Upgrade Is Worth It in 2024
Security & Chip Upgrade
Original Nano S relied on the ST31 secure element, a reliable chip for its 2019 launch but with gaps in advanced tamper resistance. I once almost fell for a fake transaction prompt: the screen on my old Nano S showed a different amount than what I actually intended, and only a last-minute check saved me. The Nano S Plus swaps this for the ST33 chip, adding real-time threat detection, encrypted memory regions, and anti-glitch protections. During a recent phishing test, the Plus flagged a fake NFT mint request immediately, blocking the signature before I could click confirm. This makes it far safer for users who regularly interact with new DeFi protocols or emerging blockchain networks, as the ST33 can handle more complex attack vectors without slowing down.
Display & Usability
Original Nano S used a monochrome 128x64 pixel screen, which was fine for basic text but failed at visual verification. When I tried to view a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT on my old Nano S, the image was distorted into a blocky mess, making it impossible to confirm the asset’s authenticity before signing. The Nano S Plus upgrades to a color 128x64 display, so NFTs show their intended art, transaction amounts and addresses are easy to scan, and app icons are distinct. It also has a more responsive button layout—pressing left/right to navigate or the action key to confirm feels snappier, which is a big win when you’re rushing to complete a trade or transfer during peak market hours.
Storage & Crypto Support
Original Nano S only had 16MB of storage, limiting it to around 18 crypto apps at once. I constantly had to delete my Solana app to make space for Ethereum or Polygon when I needed to switch between networks, which was a constant hassle. The Nano S Plus doubles storage to 32MB, supporting up to 50 apps. This means you can keep your main EVM chains, Solana, Aptos, and even smaller altcoin wallets installed side by side without juggling. It also adds support for newer tokens like Base and Arbitrum Nova, which the original Nano S didn’t have the processing power to handle, making it compatible with today’s most popular Layer 2 ecosystems.
Battery & Portability
Original Nano S used a replaceable CR2032 coin battery, lasting about a month with regular use but impossible to recharge. At a crypto conference last year, my old Nano S died mid-presentation, and I had no spare battery on hand—wasting a chance to show off a new NFT collection to potential buyers. The Nano S Plus has a built-in rechargeable battery, with up to two weeks of use on a full charge, and it charges via USB-C. It’s also slightly thicker than the original, but not enough to feel bulky in a jeans pocket or small crossbody bag. The USB-C port is another upgrade; micro-USB cables fray easily over time, but USB-C is more durable and widely available these days.
