Everything to know about the Trump T1 Phone as device is ripped open by YouTuber
President Donald Trump’s controversial T1 Phone is on everyone's mind again after a popular YouTuber took the smartphone apart and uncovered just how much of its hardware appears to have been borrowed from an existing device.
On October 28, YouTuber Zack Nelson, better known for his JerryRigEverything channel, put the T1 Phone through a durability test before dismantling it to examine what's actually inside.
The device was launched by the US leader under the Trump Mobile brand, with the gold-colored handset originally promoted as being an American-made smartphone.
However, the device has since faced questions about its manufacturing origins, design and repeated delays since it was first announced in June 2025.
What is the Trump T1 Phone?
The T1 Phone is a smartphone sold by Trump Mobile, a wireless service brand launched by the president’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, last year.
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Its distinctive gold finish and American flag branding are among its biggest selling points, setting it apart from the more conventional designs offered by smartphone giants Apple and Samsung.
The version of the device that eventually reached the hands of customers included a gold-colored finish and an American flag design on the back, and while its marketing heavily emphasizes its American identity, questions have been raised about just how American the device actually is.
Part of Nelson’s criticism points out an awkward detail with the flag on the back of the phone, with the YouTuber saying: “Patriots will immediately recognize that it is missing two stripes. This Trump Mobile flag only has 11, while the real American flag has 13 stripes for the original 13 colonies.”
Trump Phone cost and availability
The handset was originally advertised for $499, with customers able to put down a $100 deposit to reserve one, however, the price tag has since gone up to $749.
Although the T1 Phone is heavily marketed as an American product, it is not necessarily restricted to only customers in the US. According to Trump Mobile’s terms and conditions, international shipping is allowed, meaning that customers outside the States may also be able to get their hands on the device.
However, anyone ordering from overseas could face additional costs, as buyers are responsible for paying any applicable import duties, customs charges and local taxes when their phone arrives.
Where is the Trump T1 Phone made?
One of the biggest controversies that Trump has had over his phone is the questioning about where the device would be manufactured, after it was initially marketed as being made in the US, as per The Verge.
This later changed to ‘proudly assembled’ in the US as people uncovered the truth, with an iFixit investigation finding that the T1 shares its hardware with the HTC U24 Pro, which is a phone manufactured in China. One expert even told the BBC that it would be ‘virtually impossible’ for the device to be built in the US.
There are some differences between the two devices, with the T1 battery being slightly larger and listed at 19.35 watt-hours compared with the HTC’s 17.23 watt-hours.
Despite this, the T1 has slower charging capabilities, with the device supporting 30W charging while the HTC has 60W.
When did the Trump T1 Phone start shipping?
While the T1 phone was first announced back in June 2025, it did not arrive on the originally anticipated schedule.
Its design and specifications also changed several times and, after months of delays, it finally began shipping to selected media outlets in May 2026, before becoming available to customers in June.
Since then, people have been reviewing the device, with YouTuber Nelson featuring the T1 in a recent video.
Joking about the similarities between the Trump phone and the Chinese manufactured HTC U24 Pro, Nelson said: “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably just a spray-painted gold HTC U24 Pro.”
Trump Mobile plans
Trump Mobile offers a range of monthly mobile phone plans under the name ‘The 47 Plan’, which is a reference to Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States. The plans are marketed as an alternative to traditional mobile networks, with customers promised nationwide 5G coverage, no contracts and no credit checks.
Its flagship package costs $47.45 per month and includes unlimited calls, texts and data, mobile hotspot access, international calling to more than 230 countries and territories, telehealth services, roadside assistance and device protection.
However, despite advertising unlimited data, the small print states that customers receive 20GB of high-speed data every 30 days. Once that allowance is used, their connection continues at reduced speeds, meaning videos and other online content may take longer to load.
There are also cheaper options available, including the Freedom Plan at $34.99 per month, which comes with 13GB of high-speed data, and the 1776 Plan, which costs $17.76 per month for the first three months before increasing to $24.99, with 6GB of high-speed data.
Trump phone features and specs
- Model: T1 Phone (gold version)
- 6.78-inch AMOLED screen
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- 50 MP Main + 8MP Wide + 50MP (2X Tele) Camera + 50MP Front Camera
- 5000 mAh battery/30W quick charge
- Fingerprint sensor and AI Face Unlock
- Snapdragon Mobile Platform
- Android Operating System
