Trump Mobile's T1 Phone Powered Up With An HTC Logo After iFixit Swapped Its Mainboard Into A U24 Pro, Exposing The Phone As A Clone
Wccftech • • technology
Key Points:
- Trump Mobile's T1 Phone is essentially a rebranded HTC U24 Pro from 2024, with only minor cosmetic changes such as camera positioning and speaker grille holes, as revealed by an iFixit teardown.
- The T1 Phone is marketed with "assembled in America" branding, but iFixit questions the authenticity of this claim, noting the mainboard is produced in the same factory as the HTC U24 Pro.
- Despite having the same 6.8-inch screen and similar hardware, Trump Mobile downgraded the battery slightly and included a slower 30W charger compared to the HTC's 60W charger to justify a $499 introductory price.
- The HTC U24 Pro 512GB variant retails for around $557, making the T1 Phone's pricing seem less competitive given its older hardware and limited availability, with Trump Mobile hinting future prices could approach $1,000.
- Consumers seeking a patriotic-themed phone might find better value by customizing the HTC U24 Pro rather than purchasing the gaudy, overpriced T1 Phone.