The Trump Phone: A Real, Maybe, Soon-ish Reality
Where's the Trump phone? We've been eagerly awaiting its arrival, and it seems we're not alone. The team at Trump Mobile has been working tirelessly to bring us the T1 Phone, and they've finally shared some exciting news. Yes, the Trump phone is real, or at least, it's very close to being real. I had the opportunity to speak with Don Hendrickson and Eric Thomas, two of the three executives running Trump Mobile, and they revealed some intriguing details about the T1 Phone's development and launch.
The T1 Phone: A Work in Progress
The T1 Phone I saw during the Google Meet call isn't the final production model, but it's remarkably close. The iconic T1 logo, which has been a part of the phone's design since the initial renders, will be dropped before launch. However, the American flag at the bottom and the signature gold finish will remain. It's clear that this phone has evolved significantly from the one teased eight months ago. The camera design, in particular, has undergone a transformation, moving away from the iPhone-esque triangle to a more modern, vertically arranged setup with an oval island featuring the 'Trump Mobile' logo.
Improved Specs, Higher Prices
The T1 Phone's specifications have also seen improvements. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series chipset, typically found in upper-midrange devices, and will include a 5,000mAh battery, 512GB of storage, and support for up to 1TB microSD cards. The camera setup is impressive, with both the selfie camera and the main rear camera using 50-megapixel sensors. The camera UI hints at the inclusion of an ultrawide lens and a telephoto lens, which were not previously mentioned. Thomas confidently states that the T1 Phone's specifications rival those of top-of-the-line phones on the market this year, even comparing it to phones over $1,000.
However, there's a catch. The improved specifications come with a price hike. Those who placed a $100 deposit will still pay $499, but this is being referred to as an 'introductory price.' Later buyers will pay more, with the exact amount still undecided, but it will be less than $1,000. The price increase reflects the alleged improvement in quality, as the phone's features have been enhanced.
Delays and Re-specifying
The T1 Phone's journey to launch has been a rollercoaster. The executives admit that some of the delays can be attributed to the decision to re-spec the phone, pushing back its launch by six months. However, they assure us that it's now on track and has cleared FCC certification. The phone is awaiting certification with T-Mobile, which is expected to be completed in mid-March. After that, Trump Mobile will be ready to ship phones to early buyers, though an exact date remains uncertain.
Made in the USA or Not?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Trump phone is its manufacturing process. While the final assembly takes place in Miami, the executives are tight-lipped about the details. They emphasize that it's more than just 'slapping a cover on the phone,' involving the final assembly of around 10 pieces. The bulk of the phone's assembly, however, occurs in a 'favored nation,' which is a diplomatic term meaning it's not assembled in China. The team is working towards the goal of full assembly in the US for future phones, like the T1 Ultra.
The Future of Trump Mobile
Despite the delays and the evolving nature of the T1 Phone, Trump Mobile is promising a 'relaunch' within the next couple of weeks, with updated images and specifications. The wait is nearly over, and we can expect to see the final product soon. The executives are confident that the Trump phone is real, and it's finally on its way to becoming a reality, even if the exact launch date remains a mystery.
Stay tuned for more updates, and if you have any inside information about Trump Mobile or the Trump phone, reach out securely to tips@theverge.com. The wait is almost over, and we can't wait to see what Trump Mobile has in store for us.
