June 18, 2026, 12:20 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The Trump smartphone T1 Phone is marketed by Trump Mobile as a symbol of American technology. The smartphone stands out with its golden appearance and patriotic messages. Initially, it was advertised as being made in the USA. However, new investigations paint a different picture. According to these, the T1 is neither a completely independent development nor a smartphone fully produced in the United States.
Investigation reveals striking parallels
The crucial clue was provided by iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari. During a Zoom call with NBC News, he noticed that Trump’s T1 Phone strongly resembles the HTC U24 Pro from 2024. This suspicion led to a comprehensive analysis. Together with NBC News, Mokhtari compared both devices, created CT scans, and completely disassembled the smartphones.
The results, according to the investigation, indicate much more than a coincidental similarity. Numerous components of both devices show significant similarities. This is surprising because HTC is no longer solely responsible for the complete development and production of its smartphones. After selling large parts of its smartphone division to Google in 2017, the company increasingly relies on external development and manufacturing partners. The HTC U24 Pro was also created this way.
Many components are nearly identical
According to iFixit, numerous components of Trump’s T1 Phone match those of the HTC U24 Pro. These include the display, cameras, speakers, mainboard, and other parts. The Snapdragon-7-Gen-3 processor used is also likely the same, according to the investigation.
However, the devices are not completely identical. The flash is positioned differently, the speaker cover has been altered, and some memory chips come from different suppliers. Additionally, the T1 has a larger battery but charges more slowly than the HTC model. Overall, the results suggest an adapted variant rather than a completely new development.
Not So “Made in USA” – Trump Mobile Botches U.S. Flag
Trump Phone Gets Another New Design
Statements about origin have been adjusted
Initially, Trump Mobile’s website advertised with statements like “made in USA.” These phrases were later removed. The company now describes the device as “American-Proud Design” or mentions assembly in the USA.
The difference is crucial. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines, strict requirements apply for the “made in USA” label. All or nearly all significant components of a product must originate from and be processed in the United States.
Also interesting: So much for “Made in USA” – Trump Mobile botches U.S. flag
Simple final assembly is generally not sufficient for this designation. Experts therefore assume that the development, manufacturing, and supply chain of the T1 remain predominantly based in Asia. The HTC U24 Pro was also produced in China.
Whether individual steps actually take place in the USA cannot currently be independently verified. According to experts, however, the T1 is not a smartphone fully produced in America.
Possible ODM model with known weaknesses
Mokhtari also considers it possible that Trump Mobile uses the same technical platform or contract manufacturer as HTC. Such ODM manufacturers develop devices that they then sell under various brand names. This approach is widespread in the electronics industry and could explain the striking similarity of the two smartphones.
Additionally, the HTC U24 Pro was not among the top smartphones when it was launched in 2024. According to the online magazine “Chip,” the short update support was considered a weakness. HTC promised only two years of updates. In the European Union, manufacturers are now required to provide at least five years of security updates. How long Trump Mobile will support the T1 Phone is not yet known.