The Trump family is entering the smartphone arena. On Monday, the Trump Organization revealed the launch of Trump Mobile and the T1 smartphone in September — a $499 Android-powered device. A press release from Trump Mobile refers to the phone as “sleek” and “produced in America.”
Trump Mobile seems to be a licensing arrangement built on Liberty Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator with a “freedom-centric” focus. (The terms of use for Trump Mobile state that it is “powered by Liberty Mobile Wireless.”) MVNOs are carriers like Boost or Mint that don’t possess telecommunications infrastructure and instead utilize networks such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Trump Mobile offers additional benefits to users, including roadside assistance and telehealth services.
Unveiled by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. at Trump Tower on Monday — commemorating a decade since their father declared his 2016 campaign — Trump Mobile represents another addition to the Trump Organization’s white labeling endeavors. Like meme coins, footwear, and steaks before, this venture capitalizes on the lasting appeal of their father’s name.
Donald Trump has consistently encouraged Apple CEO Tim Cook to relocate iPhone manufacturing to the US, a decision analysts suggest could elevate the iPhone’s retail price to as high as $3,000. Now, the Trump camp is promoting its own “Made in America” phone to supporters who value the origin of their devices. The method for accomplishing this manufacturing goal remains unclear.
So, how does the T1 stack up against the base model iPhone 16?
The Trump Mobile T1 vs. Apple iPhone 16
As no one has yet encountered a T1 phone, we’re solely depending on the specifications promised by Trump Mobile for this comparison. The T1’s specifications firmly place it in the mid-range category.
– 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage
– A 6.8-inch AMOLED display
– 120Hz refresh rate (without a specified resolution)
– 50MP main camera, two 2MP supplementary cameras
– 16MP front camera
– 5000mAh battery
– Fingerprint sensor and AI facial recognition
– Processor: Unknown
It’s important to point out that the absence of the processor for the Trump Mobile T1 is quite peculiar.
In comparison, here are the essential specifications for the iPhone 16:
– 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
– 48MP main camera, two 12MP supplementary cameras
– 12MP front camera
– 6.1-inch OLED screen
– Peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits
– 60Hz refresh rate (2,556 x 1,179 resolution)
– 3,500 mAh battery (up to 22 hours of video playback)
– Face ID
– A18 Bionic processor
How does the T1 measure up against other smartphones?
The Google Pixel 9a, acclaimed as the best value among Android smartphones this year, is priced equally to the T1 and operates on Google’s proprietary Tensor chip. The T1’s price tag also aligns with that of the notorious Freedom Phone — a 2021 MAGA-branded device that was ultimately revealed to be a rebranded budget model from China.
The iPhone 16, Apple’s newest flagship, begins at $799. For that cost, you receive Apple’s A18 chip — among the most powerful mobile chipsets available.
Now, let’s get specific. When comparing the Trump T1 to Apple’s more affordable iPhone 16e, priced at $599, it’s only $100 more. The 16e provides 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, the same A18 chip (featuring a 4-core GPU), and a 6.1-inch display.
Supporters of Trump might argue that the Trump Mobile carrier plan is the true attraction, as it functions with any unlocked phone. Nevertheless, at $47.45 per month (a reference to Trump being both the 45th and 47th president), the plan is approximately double that of similar offerings from MVNOs such as Boost or Mint Mobile. Liberty Mobile, the MVNO behind Trump Mobile, presents nearly identical plans for $20 per month elsewhere.
At that price point, you may simply be paying for the branding.
Finally, we have not received any further information about the T1 phone beyond what has been shared by Trump Mobile. The absence of a processor is a potential concern, as is the fact that the only other American-made phone we are aware of, the Librem 5 USA, retails at $1,599.