Since the backup phrase gives a bitcoin
wallet access to your private key, you can use the 12 - word backup phrase to recover your bitcoin if your device is stolen or damaged.
Other online wallet providers do
offer access to the private keys (this is different to your password) but again the reputation must be taken into account when choosing.
In fact, you can store any of these currencies on any regular Bitcoin address as well, provided that you have
access to the private key of that address.
You need your private keys to spend your bitcoins, so if someone
gains access to your private keys, they can (and will) spend your bitcoins, and your bitcoins will be lost to you.
However, you might want to use your Bitcoin on the Bitcoin Big fork, but since you don't have
access to your private keys you're SOL.
Users» don't have
access to private keys.
These hardware wallets give
you the access to your private keys and can not be hacked as they remain offline.
Those who holds Bitcoin in the wallets giving
them access to their private keys will be credited equal number of Bitcoin Gold.
Users holding their Bitcoins in the wallets of which they have
access to their private keys, will receive the equivalent number of Bitcoin Gold coins for free.
The users don't have
any access to their private keys and the centralised exchanges holds the cryptoassets on behalf of their users.
More importantly, decentralized exchanges have
no access to your private keys.
No one, not even the manufacturer of the device has
access to your private key.
It's all for a big sacrifice though: having
no access to your private keys.
If you are choosing some other wallet to store your ethereum make sure you have
access to your private keys and read other people reviews first before you go.
A good rule of thumb is this: If you have
access to your private keys, then you have full control over your wallet.