Donald Trump launches smartphone after threatening Apple, Samsung with tariffs: What T1 Phone 8002 phone's listing tells and does not
Trump's flagship device, the T1 Phone 8002 (Gold version), carries a $499 price tag and can be reserved with a $100 down payment for September delivery. The phone is marketed as "designed and built in the USA," positioning it as the patriotic choice Trump has been demanding from major manufacturers.
The launch comes after Trump's May threat to impose "at least 25 percent" tariffs on iPhones and similar devices manufactured overseas. He specifically targeted Apple CEO Tim Cook, stating that iPhones sold in America must be manufactured domestically, not in India or elsewhere. Trump extended the tariff threat to "Samsung and anybody that makes that product," as he told White House reporters, with implementation potentially beginning at the end of June. The timing appears designed to capitalize on his broader commitment to reshoring technology manufacturing.
Specifications of T1 Phone 8002: What the listing page tells and what it does not
The T1 Phone 8002 boasts some impressive hardware for its price, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB storage, 12GB RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. The device features three rear cameras led by a 50MP main sensor, Android 15, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity among modern smartphones.
However, the Trump Mobile website doesn't tell much about the smartphone, and displays what appears to be heavily manipulated product images. No processor is listed despite a dedicated section on the specifications page, a critical omission for any smartphone launch.
Why Trump's America-made T1 Mobile is a far-fetched reality
Industry observers note that the September delivery timeline seems optimistic given the typical 12-18 month development cycle for new smartphones. The Trump Mobile venture requires customers to place $100 deposits for pre-orders, with the remainder due upon delivery.
Trump's assertion that the phone is manufactured domestically contradicts industry consensus about smartphone production capabilities in the United States. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly stated that domestic iPhone production faces significant infrastructure and supply chain challenges.
Currently, virtually no smartphone manufacturers, including those based in the US, produce their devices on American soil. The complex supply chains and specialized manufacturing capabilities required for modern smartphones remain concentrated in Asia, particularly China, despite ongoing efforts by companies like Apple to diversify production to countries like India.
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Indian Express
11 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: Unpacking Trump's 25% blow
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Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump's deal with Pakistan raises a big question: Does India's arch-rival really have large oil reserves? Here's what we know
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Mint
13 minutes ago
- Mint
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