Latest news with #TrumpT1
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
Trump Mobile Math Doesn't Add Up: We Found Better Phone Plan Deals
When the Trump Organization announced its upcoming gold-hued T1 phone, it threw up a number of red flags for us. There was the poorly Photoshopped image along with technical claims that didn't add up -- including the boast that the phone would be 'designed and built in the United States.' (That claim has since been walked back, without explanation.) The phone was originally expected to launch in September 2025, but there's currently no confirmed release date. To run the T1 phone, the organization also announced the Trump Mobile 47 Plan, a prepaid phone plan with unlimited text, calls and data, which appears to be active now. After looking at the specifics, we've concluded there are better options elsewhere. Let's break it down. Clever pricing, but better deals abound The Trump T1 phone gives us flashbacks to the Freedom Phone, which launched in 2021 and was more of a political statement than a groundbreaking smartphone. But it's the Trump Mobile phone service that seems like an odd fit in 2025. At a time when there are hundreds of mobile virtual network operators -- think Mint Mobile or Google Fi -- Trump Mobile is trying to break into a crowded market with a curious value proposition: pay $47.45 a month (a nod to Trump being the 45th and 47th president) for unlimited text, calls and data. However, that's just the base price. In a video titled I Signed Up for Trump Mobile So You Don't Have To, internet personality Stetson Doggett discovered an additional hefty "plan telecom tax" of $14.52, bringing the monthly price up to $61.97 (and recurring autopay is automatically enabled). You can find what's included in the Trump Mobile 47 Plan for much cheaper with other wireless providers. In fact, Liberty Wireless Mobile -- the MVNO that powers Trump Mobile -- offers the same service for just $40 a month. That includes 10GB of high-speed data, compared to 20GB with the 47 Plan, before speeds are likely throttled. But I haven't used Liberty Wireless, and if the numerous instances of "Lorem ipsum" text on its FAQS page are any indication, it's likely best to look elsewhere. Of course, Trump Mobile's 47 Plan includes other perks that could help justify the higher price -- such as telehealth sessions provided by Doctegrity (normally $29 a month) and roadside assistance through Drive America. That said, it's unclear what services are covered or whether spending limits apply. The 47 Plan even includes "device protection" -- which would be great, if not for the fine print clarifying that "device protection is not insurance." So could Trump Mobile be a good deal? If we ignore all the vagueness surrounding the 47 Plan, then maybe. But there are too many unknowns for us to recommend it. How much is an additional line? Does the 47 Plan include hotspot data? Is there an autopay discount? Do we get streaming service perks like with other carriers? Are there discounts for seniors? We reached out to Trump Mobile for clarification. Luckily, between the three major US carriers and hundreds of US-based MVNOs, you have plenty of options. Here are a few wireless plans that are available now and offer a better price -- or value -- than Trump Mobile, from providers with strong track records for service. Be sure to also check out our list of best phone plans that cover other features and pricing. Trump Mobile vs. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and US Mobile Plan Cost 1 line (autopay) High-speed data Hotspot data limit Price guarantee Max number of lines Streaming resolution Trump Mobile The 47 Plan $47.45 (no autopay discount) 20GB n/a n/a n/a n/a US Mobile Unlimited Flex $17.50 10GB 5GB n/a Unlimited 480p (SD) T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 $45 50GB Unlimited 3G n/a 2 480p (SD) Mint Mobile 15GB $20 15GB 10GB n/a n/a 480p (SD) Alternatives to Trump Mobile US Mobile Unlimited Flex Best value for a single line (prepaid) Like Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed" 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price 10GB of hotspot data Don't like Limited times you can switch networks for free The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up Cheapest rate requires annual purchase With the three major carriers in the US, you're using their infrastructure, and if there aren't any high-speed towers in your area, you're out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They're given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it's a good way to see which one works best in your area. OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp plan, data speeds are at that QCI 8 higher priority regardless of congestion. And the Light Speed level is even higher (QCI 7). The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it's $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you're traveling you'll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $45 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts). Why we like it It's an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area. Who it's best for Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn't expect to use much data. Who shouldn't get it If you're frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It's also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don't want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks. Customer service options • Online: US Mobile • Phone: 878-205-0088 • Store: n/a • App: US Mobile iOS, Android $17.50 at US Mobile Mint Mobile 15GB Best phone plan for 15GB of data or less Like Runs on T-Mobile's network More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK Don't like Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data, and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount. Mint Mobile's 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total). Why we like it With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale. Who it's best for People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data. Who shouldn't get it Someone who obsesses over data usage or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit. Customer service options • Online: Mint Mobile Help Center • Phone: 800-683-7392 • Store: n/a • App: Mint Mobile $20 at Mint Mobile
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Made in the USA' reference disappears from Trump phone listing
Days after the Trump Organisation announced plans to launch a US-made smartphone, a reference to its American production has vanished from its website. A "Made in the USA" tagline featured in promotional material for the Trump T1 phone when it launched on 16 June, was no longer displayed on its site as of Wednesday, reporters found. But the Trump Mobile organisation says the phone will still be made in America. "Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate," a spokesperson told the BBC. "We're excited to launch the phones later this year, but in the meantime, anyone can switch to Trump Mobile now with their current phones," they added - directing people to the provider's website to find out more. Wording on the company's website, advertising the launch of its upcoming mobile plan for Americans, now counts an "American-Proud Design" among the Trump T1 phone's key features. They also say the phone is "brought to life right here in the USA", with "American hands behind every device". A banner that previously encouraged site visitors to pre-order "our MADE IN THE USA T1 Phone" on the website now only refers to it as "the new T1 phone". The changes were first spotted by tech news publisher, The Verge. When the gold Trump smartphone was announced by family members of president Donald Trump, experts cast doubt on the idea it could currently be built from scratch in the US. "They don't even have a working prototype. It's extremely unlikely," said Prof Tinglong Dai of Johns Hopkins' Carey Business School. "You would have to have a miracle," he added. CCS Insight analyst Leo Gebbie said the US "simply does not have the high-tech supply chain" required for smartphone assembly - especially not in time for its slated release in September. He said that assembling the phone in the US from parts imported from elsewhere may be the "most likely" path for claiming its American sovereignty. Similar doubts have been shared about President Trump urging Apple to move production of its iPhone to the US. Trump previously threatened to levy 25% tariffs on the company if it did not shift iPhone production to America. "I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone's that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else," he wrote on his platform Truth Social in May. Dan Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the idea the Cupertino tech giant would make iPhones in the US was a "fairy tale that is not feasible". Meanwhile, Eric Trump, who joined Donald Trump Jr to launch the organisation's mobile phone plan for Americans earlier in June, told a podcast last Monday that "eventually, all the phones can be built in the United States of America".
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Made in the USA' reference disappears from Trump phone listing
Days after the Trump Organisation announced plans to launch a US-made smartphone, a reference to its American production has vanished from its website.A "Made in the USA" tagline featured in promotional material for the Trump T1 phone when it launched on 16 June, was no longer displayed on its site as of Wednesday, reporters the Trump Mobile organisation says the phone will still be made in America."Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate," a spokesperson told the BBC. "We're excited to launch the phones later this year, but in the meantime, anyone can switch to Trump Mobile now with their current phones," they added - directing people to the provider's website to find out on the company's website, advertising the launch of its upcoming mobile plan for Americans, now counts an "American-Proud Design" among the Trump T1 phone's key also say the phone is "brought to life right here in the USA", with "American hands behind every device".A banner that previously encouraged site visitors to pre-order "our MADE IN THE USA T1 Phone" on the website now only refers to it as "the new T1 phone".The changes were first spotted by tech news publisher, The the gold Trump smartphone was announced by family members of president Donald Trump, experts cast doubt on the idea it could currently be built from scratch in the US."They don't even have a working prototype. It's extremely unlikely," said Prof Tinglong Dai of Johns Hopkins' Carey Business School."You would have to have a miracle," he Insight analyst Leo Gebbie said the US "simply does not have the high-tech supply chain" required for smartphone assembly - especially not in time for its slated release in said that assembling the phone in the US from parts imported from elsewhere may be the "most likely" path for claiming its American doubts have been shared about President Trump urging Apple to move production of its iPhone to the previously threatened to levy 25% tariffs on the company if it did not shift iPhone production to America."I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone's that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else," he wrote on his platform Truth Social in Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the idea the Cupertino tech giant would make iPhones in the US was a "fairy tale that is not feasible".Meanwhile, Eric Trump, who joined Donald Trump Jr to launch the organisation's mobile phone plan for Americans earlier in June, told a podcast last Monday that "eventually, all the phones can be built in the United States of America".
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Trump Mobile removes key T1 Phone feature from the website
Still, most analysts didn't believe that the Trump T1 could be made in the U.S. since it would require a price well above the $499 being charged for the T1. The only phone known to be made in America is Purism's Liberty Phone which is priced at $2,000 for a device with half the iPhone's memory, twice the thickness, and only a few downloadable apps. Even though making the Trump T1 Phone in America doesn't seem possible, even critics of this president knew not to doubt him when he has a certain goal in mind. The Trump Mobile website no longer pushes the idea that the T1 is Made in America. | Image credit-Trump Mobile However, this time it appears that despite a strong desire to build the Trump T1 in domestic factories, the Trump Mobile team realizes that such a thing cannot come to fruition so quickly. For example, it took the Liberty Phone six years to go from idea to finished product. Now, the Trump Mobile website no longer says that the device is "Made in America" and resorts to other comments such as one that says the T1 is "brought to life right here in the USA," and that it is "proudly American." Despite the changes made to the copy used in the website, Trump Mobile spokesperson Chris Walker said in a statement that "T1 phones are proudly being made in America." Walker followed up by adding that "Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate." Back on June 16th when the Trump T1 was introduced, the Trump Organization said that the handset is a "sleek, gold smartphone engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best from their mobile carrier." -Trump Mobile If you haven't read through the specs yet, the Trump T1 features: A 6.25-inch AMOLED display with a center punch-hole selfie camera and a 120Hz refresh rate. 50MP rear-facing main camera with 2MP Depth Sensor, 2MP Macro Lens. In-display fingerprint sensor and AI-based facial recognition feature. 12GB RAM, 256 GB expandable storage, 3.5mm headphone jack. 5000 mAh battery with 20W PD charging. Android 15 pre-installed. You can pre-order the Trump T1 by visiting the Trump Mobile site, completing the application, and paying $100. You'll be billed the remaining amount ($399) once the phone ships. You'll have to pay for your first month of Trump Mobile wireless service to pre-order the phone. You can use the service right away with your current phone, or pay the first month of service today and wait to receive your Trump T1 before using Trump Mobile. The Trump Mobile website now says, "The T1SM Phone isn't just powerful—it's brought to life right here in the USA. With American hands behind every device, we bring care, precision, and trusted quality to every detail." Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Donald Trump's iPhone lookalike T1 Phone may not come with ‘Made in America' label: Report
Last week, United States President Donald Trump launched a new smartphone called the T1 Phone. The Trump Organization describes the new phone as 'a sleek, gold smartphone, engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States.' Now, a recent report by the Financial Times suggests that it will be hard for the Trump T1 phone to bear the 'Made in America' tag. In a statement to the publication, a Trump Mobile spokesperson said that the $499 T1 Phone is manufactured in 'Alabama, California and Florida'. However, they did not offer any details about the production partners or how they plan to source components made in the US. Moreover, there are no details about the manufacturing facilities where the T1 phone will be made. According to Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, it is hard to make a smartphone with the specifications Trump Mobile has promised. 'Unless the Trump family secretly built out a secure, onshore or nearshore fabrication operation over years of work without anyone noticing, it's simply not possible to deliver what they're promising', he added. Purism's Librem 5 is the only phone in the world that carries the Made in America label. But since the company focuses on US manufacturing, its products are unable to compete with big smartphone manufacturers like Samsung or Apple when it comes to software or hardware specifications. If we take a look at the specifications of the T1 Phone, it resembles smartphones from existing Chinese manufacturers like Vivo and Umidigi, which means the T1 Phone may be a rebranded version of a budget Chinese phone from a fairly less popular brand. Also, according to the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines, to get a 'Made in the USA' label, the T1 Phone will require almost all or virtually all of its components to be made in the country.
