Trump family to take on iPhone as they launch mobile phone with unbelievable price point
Apple and Samsung have now received an official challenge from the Trump family, as 'Trump Mobile' and the 'T1 Phone' have both been announced, branding themselves as the mobile solution for 'real Americans'. People have however been shocked at the cost of the service.
It's arguably harder than ever to break into the smartphone industry as the three main players - Apple, Samsung, and Google - remain firmly entrenched in their positions at the top.
Many alternatives need to have a clear unique selling point or overwhelmingly attractive price in order to properly compete, yet even with the growing price of iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices people tend to still opt for what they're familiar with.
However, a major new player has now entered the industry with a product that is bound to appeal to a large number of Americans - 49.8% of them, to be precise.
What is Trump Mobile and the T1 Phone?
As reported by the Independent, the Trump Organization - which is now run by the president's eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric - has now announced an all-American-made Trump-branded 'T1 Phone', alongside its own bespoke network named 'Trump Mobile'.
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The gold-finished device has a similar visual design to that of the iPhone, yet stands abreast by housing operations in the United States - although it's unclear whether that means that all parts will be sourced and manufactured in America too.
"Trump Mobile is going to change the game, we're building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service," outlined Donald Trump Jr., adding that "our company is based right here in the United States because we know it's what out customers want and deserve."
This comes after President Trump's controversial 'Liberation Day' tariffs earlier this year, which placed an emphasis on companies moving their production inside the United States.
Companies like Apple have seemingly resisted this push, moving their production away from China but into other less-tariffed territories like India, as analysts predict that US-made iPhones could cost thousands of dollars.
How much does the T1 Phone cost?
The T1 Phone itself comes in at 'just' $499, which is significantly lower than the flagship options for both Apple and Samsung, which are over double the cost.
However, looking at the specification for the Trump-branded gadget it doesn't look too far separated from some of the more popular budget to mid-range Android options on the market right now, with 12GB RAM, a 120Hz screen, and a 50MP main camera sensor - although it does also come with a headphone jack.
It's with the accompanying Trump Mobile network and it's '47 Plan' that you'll really start to feel your wallet though, as its monthly cost comes in at $47.45 - in reference to Trump's stints as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
You do get unlimited texts, minutes, and data and it's a contractless plan that you can cancel at any point, but many have been left stunned by the high price of this plan.
"Cell service costs $47.45 per month. And Republicans used to freak out about how much of a narcissist Obama supposedly was," writes one comment on a Reddit thread discussing the announcement.
Many others are concerned about the security of the device if it is tangentially linked to the government, even if President Trump has removed himself from control over the Trump Organization while he is in office.
"Yeah, I'd totally trust a cell phone from an administration that's checking people's cell phones already to see if you've said mean thing about their sensitive orange daddy," another writes sarcastically.
There is no doubt that many on the right of the political spectrum in America will look to pick up this device though, yet whether it'll be enough to challenge the big wigs of Apple and Samsung seems unlikely still.