The Trump phone was never a serious phone. Not when it was announced last June, in dodgy renders and with an incoherent spec sheet. Nor when Trump Mobile admitted — just two weeks later — that it wouldn’t be made in the US. Not even when the company revealed the final phone, first to me over a video call in February and then to the world in April through a short commercial with the slick sheen of AI.
Technology
The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide for dads
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25746805/247215_Holiday_GG_2024_AKrales_DADS_LEDE_2040x1360.jpg?ssl=1 "The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide for dads")
The Bright Sword
There are a lot of Arthurian legends out there, though few tales are quite as enchanting as Lev Grossman’s most recent work. The lengthy novel centers around an aspiring knight and his motley crew of companions, all of whom set out to rebuild Camelot in the wake of King Arthur’s death. It’s classic sword and sorcery, only with a heaping of historical twists.
Price: $14.99+
Ugreen 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station
Ugreen’s 2-in-1 charger doesn’t offer Qi2 speeds, a luxe design, or anything fancy. That being said, the adjustable stand is great for charging a pair of AirPods or supplying a MagSafe-compatible phone with up to 7.5W of power overnight. It also makes for a terrific StandBy companion for those who are running the latest versions of iOS and want to use their phone as a desk-friendly widget machine.
Price: $24.99
Keychron V1 Max keyboard
Regardless of what your dad does for work, chances are he spends countless hours tap-tap-tapping away at a keyboard. So, why not make the experience more enjoyable with a touch of nerdy fun? The Keychron V1 Max may be the best gateway into mechanical keyboards we’ve seen, with satisfying typing feel and sound, hot-swappable switches, and loads of customizability.
Price: $104+
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Apple’s latest AirPods pack better sound, a USB-C charging case with a built-in speaker, and improved comfort. But their biggest upgrade over the standard AirPods 4 is the addition of active noise cancellation, which lets you tune out the outside world surprisingly well for a pair of open-style earbuds. That’s an extra $50 well spent.
Price: $138.99+
HoverAir X1 drone
Unless you’re filming cinematic shots in Hollywood, you don’t necessarily need a fancy quadcopter. HoverAir’s so-called “selfie drone” is a great budget alternative to more premium models from DJI, with top-mounted controls, excellent object tracking, and a max video resolution of 2.7K / 30fps. And did we mention it can fit in your pocket? Because it can.
Price: $299+
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Your dad may not need a folding phone, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want one. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the nicest book-style foldable there is, with a 6.3-inch outer screen that opens to reveal an eight-inch OLED inside. It also features IPX8 waterproofing, impressive battery life, and seven years of OS updates, which makes its lofty price tag a tad easier to swallow.
Price: $1,799
Jim Beam Black® Bourbon
Jim Beam Black is a premium bourbon aged for seven years, offering a smoother, richer taste with notes of deep caramel and warm oak. Known for its refined flavor and versatility, it’s perfect for sipping straight, over ice, or as a sophisticated addition to cocktails. As part of the iconic Jim Beam lineup, it represents a blend of craftsmanship and quality, delivering a high-end bourbon experience at an accessible price. Its balance of tradition and bold taste makes it a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Price: $30
Garmin Forerunner 265 / 265S
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the Goldilocks of running watches. It can track nearly every running metric under the sun and offers many of the same features as the last-gen Forerunner 255 — including dual-frequency GPS and an NFC chip for contactless payments — except it uses an always-on OLED screen instead of a memory-in-pixel display. The best part? It does it without destroying battery life.
Price: $404.95+
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Smashed Burger Press
We’re not entirely sure when smash burgers became a capital-T Thing in the culinary world, but if your dad is into compressed beef and caramelized crust, Cuisinart’s stainless steel press will surely be a hit. The inexpensive six-inch contraption is more convenient than using a shoddy spatula or the bottom of a pan to crush patties, though it’s not any more difficult to clean.
Price: $19.25+
Bose SoundLink Home
Thanks to its classy anodized aluminum build, the Bose SoundLink Home is the best-looking Bluetooth speaker you’ll see this year. Its lack of waterproofing means it’s not as rugged as the SoundLink Max or Mini, but you still get a built-in microphone, up to nine hours of battery life, and a USB-C port that conveniently doubles as an audio input. Just keep it away from the kitchen sink.
Price: $199
Distil Wando Sunglasses
It’s not the generous replacement policy or timeless, round look of Distil’s flexible Wando Sunglasses that makes them attractive — though they do look quite good. The real appeal lies in their hidden neodymium magnets, which let you effortlessly clip the polarized shades to your shirt or bag without having to worry about them falling off. That alone is worth the $69 price tag.
Price: $69
Apple TV Plus subscription
What do Severance, Silo, and Sunny all have in common? They can all be found on Apple TV Plus. Five years into its existence, Apple’s once-fledgling streaming service has become the premier destination for all things sci-fi, making an Apple gift card a stellar gift for the dad who can’t stop pondering what life would be like in a postapocalyptic bunker or outer space.
Price: $9.99
Wyrmspan
Wyrmspan is like Wingspan but with cold-blooded beasties instead of birds. The one-to-five-player tabletop game features many of the same systems and mechanics as the lauded engine-building game that inspired it; however, the fantastical setting and a handful of thoughtful gameplay tweaks make it a great alternative, particularly if you own neither.
Price: $59+
Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
With the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, you no longer need a smartphone or tablet to enjoy digital book covers and illustrations in full color. Amazon’s latest ebook reader adds new depth to the reading experience with nitride LEDs and a color E Ink display, making it an eye-popping upgrade for someone long entrenched in the monochromatic world of traditional e-readers.
Price: $279.99
Blundstone 500 Chelsea boot
Blundstone’s original 500 Chelsea boot has changed very little since it was introduced in the late 1960s, and for good reason. It’s got a classic silhouette with elastic sides and pull tabs for easy entry, not to mention a durable TPU outsole and weather-ready leather that makes it well suited for hitting the streets or the old dusty trail — whichever your giftee prefers.
Price: $189.95+
Adidas x MLS Archive Collection jersey
Sadly, the MLS isn’t exactly known for producing good-looking kits, at least compared to soccer leagues in the UK. The Adidas x MLS Archive Collection is a bold step in the right direction, however. Each throwback jersey pairs nostalgia-inducing retro styling with a more modern aesthetic, resulting in an attractive third kit that pays homage to the city it represents.
Price: $79.99+
Pebblebee Clip Universal
Being locked into an ecosystem sucks. Fortunately, Pebblebee’s rechargeable Bluetooth tracker supports multiple Find My networks, making it a solid pick for households using a mix of iOS and Android devices. Plus, unlike Apple’s like-minded AirTags, the Clip Universal is outfitted with a rechargeable battery and an integrated key ring for added convenience.
Price: $34.99
Slice Auto-Retractable Box Cutter
Scissors are overrated. The Slice Auto-Retractable Box Cutter has been a mainstay in our gift guides for several years, primarily because the finger-friendly ceramic blade is great for tearing through paper packaging tape and cutting plastic wrapping. The comfortable tool also comes with a sturdy reinforced nylon handle and a hooked design that makes it easy to stow when not in use.
Price: $15.19+
Road to Nikko print
No one has captured the exquisite beauty of the Japanese countryside quite like renowned 20th-century printmaker Hasui Kawase. The Road to Nikko remains a great example of his keen eye for detail and ability to capture natural lighting, which, in this instance, dapples ancient cedars on the famed road into the mountains north of Tokyo.
Price: $14.40+
Anker 2-in-1 USB C to USB C Cable 140W
No one should have to deal with a rat’s nest behind their desk when devices like Anker’s 2-in-1 USB-C cable exist. The handy USB-C cable splits at the end, giving you the ability to charge up to two devices from a single port. That means you can split power between a phone and tablet or juice a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent in just 20 minutes using a single port.
Price: $19.99
Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce
Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce should be a staple in every household. The savory-sweet condiment is pretty atypical compared to American BBQ sauces, which often rely heavily on brown sugar or molasses for taste. Instead, Bachan’s recipe offers a nice balance of ginger, soy, mirin, green onion, and other Japanese flavors that work great if you’re trying to add a kick of umami to your next meal.
Price: $7.98+
Custom Lego minifigure
I’m as big a fan of Lego’s homage to the Great Deku Tree as anyone, but $299.99 is a steep price to pay for a brick-ified rendition of a tree. Thankfully, for a mere $11.99, you can build your pops a minifig version of himself, complete with accessories and a T-shirt showing off his favorite catchphrase. Whether you want to give him a full head of hair is entirely up to you.
Price: $11.99
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Although the latest phones from Apple and Google may come with two years of free satellite connectivity, none of them are as rugged or long-lasting as the new inReach Messenger Plus. Garmin’s robust satellite communicator lets you send photos and audio clips in addition to texts, ensuring you can maintain contact with emergency services or loved ones no matter how far you wander off the grid.
Price: $499.99+ (subscription required)
Wavelength
Think you and your old man are on the same wavelength? CMYK’s outstanding board game is one way to find out. The simple premise has you guessing where your partner thinks a specific word or topic fits between two diametric ends of a spectrum, which, believe it or not, can be incredibly difficult depending on how well you know your teammate.
Price: $29.99+
Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook
Much like Mad Max: Fury Road, the new D&D Player’s Handbook is a triumph mired in controversy. Despite its long and rocky production, the redesigned 384-page tome is an exceptional resource for fifth-edition D&D players, owing to a more streamlined structure, gorgeous artwork, and other quality-of-life updates that render it as robust as it is user-friendly.
Price: $49.99+
2024 Mac Mini
Apple’s latest Mac Mini is as charming as it is capable — a remarkable feat for a desktop that starts under $600. It’s the best value in the current Mac lineup as a result of Apple’s zippy M4 silicon and the fact it now ships with 16GB of RAM by default, which should allow the adorable machine to perform a wide range of tasks for years to come.
Price: $579+
Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Nemo’s Stargaze is certifiable proof that not all camping chairs are created equal. The collapsible rocker is extremely comfortable thanks to its generous padding and elbow room as well as an auto-recline mechanism that lets you set your preferred sitting angle by simply leaning back. It’s basically a backcountry La-Z-Boy, except you’re not likely to kill yourself moving it.
Price: $199.95+
Satechi Vegan-Leather Magnetic Wallet Stand
Apple’s MagSafe technology ushered in a whole ecosystem of accessories, including god knows how many magnetic wallets. Satechi’s sleek four-card holder, while not particularly fancy or inventive, is an easy recommendation that doubles as a stand for propping up your phone in landscape or portrait orientation. Just make sure your dad owns an iPhone 12 or newer.
Price: $25.99+
Stoke Voltaics Joulle Kettle Pot
Propane and butane aren’t hard to come by, but wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about either while camping? Stoke Voltaics’ portable Joulle is essentially a gas-free JetBoil with an auto-off function and three settings, each of which pulls in a different amount of AC power. It’s great for heating a can of soup or even whipping up some popcorn, even while off the grid.
Price: $99.99
Black Diamond Spot 400
You can “look ma, no hands” your lighting needs with Black Diamond’s handy 400-lumen headlamp. The low-profile light is a convenient way to illuminate your immediate vicinity, as it offers more than enough power to navigate your home or local hiking trail in the dark. Best of all, it’s dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can power it with either a rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery or three AAAs.
Price: $44.88+
TinyPod
If your dad is the nostalgic type who longs for the days of MP3s and tactile scroll wheels, TinyPod has you covered. The company’s titular gadget is a case that lets you use various Apple Watch models like an iPod, making it a fun alternative to your phone if you own a cellular watch. Hell, the built-in scroll wheel even turns the digital crown, letting you make full use of your strapless wearable.
Price: $79
Aeropress Coffee Maker
With the Aeropress Coffee Maker, your dad will be able to enjoy their morning cup of joe no matter where he is. Not only does the portable coffee press pack into its own plastic cup and showcase a shatterproof see-through build, but it can make up to three cups of coffee at once, meaning he can enjoy a refill when that mid-day slump inevitably hits.
Price: $36.95+
Mechanism Gaming Pillow
If you’re going to succumb to marathon gaming sessions on the couch, you might as well make yourself as comfortable as possible. Mechanism’s malleable 12-inch bean bag is designed to cradle a variety of handhelds — including the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and PlayStation Portal — so you never have to worry about whether your arms will hold up in the next dungeon.
Price: $59+
DeWalt USB-C Charging Kit
If your dad has a small cache of DeWalt power tools, he can put those beefy yellow-and-black batteries to work for other devices using the company’s official charging kit. The nifty adapter lets you add a 100W USB-C PD port to any DeWalt 20V power tool battery, giving your dad an extra way to charge his phone, tablet, or even a laptop.
Price: $79+
Gardener’s Tool Seat
Let’s not pretend gardening is good for your back or posture. Luckily, Uncommon Goods sells a lightweight garden stool made of steel and water-resistant nylon, letting rest your joints when necessary. The foldable stool also features a 21-pocket detachable tool bag for stowing shovels, shears, and whatever else dad needs to keep his azaleas alive through the winter.
Price: $48
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a redemption story, if only for BioWare. The action-packed RPG is the best thing the studio has done in more than a decade, anchored in gorgeous environments, deep lore, and a nuanced cast of characters that would give those from previous Dragon Age titles a run for their money. Now, let’s hope dear old dad has a cool 80 hours to kill.
Price: $49.97+
Continue Reading
We’re aware of at least two forged letters circulating on the internet, including this one, that purport to be cease-and-desist letters from our legal department. To be clear: these letters did not come from me or from anyone at Flock.
Flock welcomes and encourages public debate about our technology. We have not and would not seek to discourage, prevent, or prohibit such discussion and debate. In fact, we would be happy to participate in any such discussions the group in question might host in the future.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A flyer offering “free athletic shoes from VA” may look official at first glance. It uses VA-style branding, talks about health and wellness and even lists the MyVA phone number. That is what makes it so dangerous.
VA says the message falsely claims Veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. The agency says the promotion did not come from VA and has no connection to any official VA program.
The scam appears to be spreading through a flyer and online posts. It tells Veterans they may be eligible for free athletic shoes “at no cost to you.” It also shows popular shoe brands, steps to “redeem” shoes and a process that appears to involve a VA provider.
That may be enough to get someone to click, call, share or forward before they stop to think.
MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT FOLLOWS YOU INTO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Veterans are being warned not to click links, scan QR codes or share personal information tied to a fake VA shoe offer. (Kira Hofmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Fake VA shoe offer: what VA says
VA says the free athletic shoe promotion is fake. It did not come from an official VA program, including VPRs, Central Office or Whole Health.
That is important because the flyer borrows the look and feel of a trusted government agency. It also uses health language to make the offer sound like a wellness benefit.
But let’s be real here. A free pair of shoes can sound harmless until the next step asks for your personal details.
Why the fake VA shoe flyer looks so believable
This scam works because it mixes familiar names with an official-looking design. The flyer uses VA branding, a health-focused message and well-known athletic shoe brands.
It also presents the offer as a benefit. That can make people feel like they may miss out if they do not act.
Scammers know that veterans and families often deal with a lot of paperwork, benefit updates and health care messages. A fake flyer can slide into that confusion and feel more believable than it should.
How scammers use real VA details to build trust
One sneaky detail stands out. The flyer lists the MyVA number, but that alone does not make the flyer real.
Scammers often mix real information with fake offers. A real phone number, real logo or familiar agency name can make people lower their guard.
That is why you should verify the offer through VA.gov, your official VA account or your local VA facility before responding.
What the fake VA shoe offer could steal
The flyer may look like it is only about shoes. The bigger risk comes next.
A fake offer like this could lead to a phishing page, a bogus form, a QR code trap or someone asking for sensitive details. That could include your Social Security number, VA login information, health information, address, bank details or credit card number.
Scammers may also use the information to target you again. Once they know you responded to a fake VA offer, they may try a follow-up call, text or email.
DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT
A fake flyer claiming Veterans can get free athletic shoes from VA is spreading online, but the agency says it is not tied to any official program. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
What to do if you see the fake VA shoe offer
Do not share it. Do not forward it. Do not fill out a form. Do not scan any code connected to it.
Also, do not provide personal, financial or health information because of this flyer.
Instead, warn veterans, family members and colleagues without spreading the image. A quick heads-up can help someone avoid a costly mistake.
Ways to stay safe from VA scams
A few smart habits can help you spot fake VA messages before they turn into a bigger problem.
1) Verify the offer through VA.gov
Go directly to VA.gov or use your official VA account. Do not rely on a flyer, social media post, text message or forwarded image.
2) Do not scan QR codes or click links
A scam flyer may send you to a fake website that looks official. Type the web address yourself or search for the VA page directly.
3) Never share VA login details
Do not give anyone your VA.gov username, password or sign-in code. VA says it will not ask you to share login credentials in an email.
4) Protect personal and health information
Treat your Social Security number, address, date of birth, medical information and benefits details as sensitive. A free offer should never require that kind of information from a random form.
QR CODE EMAIL SCAM TARGETS EMPLOYEE REVIEWS
VA says veterans should verify suspicious benefit offers through VA.gov, an official VA account or a local VA facility. (Antonio Diaz / Getty Images)
5) Call VA using a trusted number
If you have questions, contact VA through an official phone number, the VA website or your local VA facility. Do not trust contact details from a suspicious flyer alone.
6) Report the fake VA shoe offer
Veterans who suspect fraud can report it through VSAFE.gov or call 1-833-38V-SAFE. Reports help VA and other agencies track scams that target veterans.
7) Use strong antivirus protection
Strong antivirus software can help protect you if you click a bad link, scan a risky QR code or land on a fake website tied to a scam. Good protection can block malicious pages, warn you about suspicious downloads and help stop malware before it does damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
8) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often use personal details found online to make fake offers feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your information is sitting on people-search sites, including your address, phone number and other details that can be used to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
9) Take action fast if you responded
If you already clicked, scanned, called or shared information, change your VA.gov password right away. Use a trusted password manager to create and store a strong, unique password you do not use anywhere else. Turn on multifactor authentication if you have not already done that. Then watch your accounts for suspicious activity.
10) Warn others without forwarding the flyer
Tell family members, friends and veteran groups that the offer is fake, but do not send the flyer along with your warning. Even if your goal is to help, someone else may miss your warning, save the image or share it again. Instead, send a short message that says the free VA shoe offer is a scam and tell them to verify any VA benefit through VA.gov or their local VA facility.
Kurt’s key takeaways
A free pair of shoes can make you drop your guard, especially when the flyer uses VA branding and familiar shoe names. That is the whole trick. Scammers are using trust to push veterans and families toward a bad link, a fake form or a request for personal info. Slow down and verify it through VA.gov or your local VA facility. And if you want to warn someone, send them a message saying the offer is fake instead of forwarding the flyer itself. That keeps the scam from spreading.
Would this fake VA shoe offer have made you pause, or would the official-looking design have fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
It’s now on sale for $499, past the days of its tenuous, ever-shifting release dates. A few buyers even have the phone, The Verge among them, though more still seem not to.
It’s clear now that the T1 is a real phone, but that doesn’t mean it’s a serious one. Still, for the next thousand words or so, I will try to take it seriously.
$499
The Good
- It actually exists
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- MicroSD card slot
- It basically runs stock Android
A serious phone wouldn’t look like this
The T1 Phone is a curved slab of cheap gold plastic, the smartphone equivalent of a pair of knockoff wraparound Oakleys. The gold finish — more yellow in certain light, though it certainly does shine and shimmer — is tacky in every sense, with a sticky friction that makes it feel distinctly unpleasant to the touch. My phone arrived with a tiny scratch in the top-right corner.
The phone is fairly thin, and light, but its excessively curved waterfall display feels immediately dated. It also loses one of the chief advantages of that design — better in-hand feel — thanks to the oddly angular frame, which juts into my palm as I hold it.
Almost every detail speaks to bad design. There’s the American flag logo, missing a stripe. The fact that “Trump Mobile” appears on the back twice, in two different orientations and two different fonts. Or the camera module, where the three lenses are spaced at irregular intervals.
There are things to like. The 3.5mm headphone jack will have its fans, as will the microSD card slot inside the phone, or the fact that the phone ships with a case, charger, and braided USB cable. These are things that a certain type of Android fan has lamented the absence of for years.
I, for one, am more excited to be reviewing a phone with a notification light again, a true treat that I thought we’d lost forever. It’s a glimpse of a better world, one I didn’t expect from Trump Mobile of all companies. But like the curved screen, even these welcome touches betray that this is a dated, old-fashioned phone, one based on an old HTC design that already felt like a throwback two years ago.
A serious phone would work outside the US
I live in the UK, meaning I may well have the only Trump phone outside of North America. It cannot maintain any signal stronger than 2G, meaning I can use it for texts and calls but not for data. As best as I can tell from digging through the T1’s FCC certification documents, the phone simply doesn’t support the network bands commonly used in Europe.
The T1 Phone isn’t sold in Europe, and that misshapen flag makes its target market clear. But even Americans get to go on vacation every once in a while. From my experience, it seems unlikely that the T1 would work anywhere in Europe and perhaps not anywhere in the world outside North America.
A serious phone would use more than the minimum hardware
At first glance, the T1’s spec sheet might seem impressive enough: a 120Hz OLED screen, a 5,000mAh battery, a triple rear camera with 50-megapixel sensors.
But the truth is you could find similar specs on almost any $200 Android phone and superior ones on phones sold at this price. Hardware like this is cheap and commodified, something that’s only beginning to change thanks to the ongoing memory crisis. Here, amusingly, the T1 is generously specced: 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM come as standard. Those, along with the inclusion of wireless charging, are the only things that really stand out on this spec sheet.
Despite all that RAM, and Qualcomm’s modestly capable Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the T1 is often sluggish. It sometimes stutters when switching apps or triggering animations, making even basic apps like Duolingo frustrating to use. This hardware isn’t flagship, but it should certainly be more capable than this. I can only assume Trump Mobile didn’t develop the sort of software and firmware performance optimizations that other manufacturers do, handicapping the phone from the start.
1/16
I suspect the camera’s limitations are for similar reasons. The three rear lenses and single selfie camera take basic, functional photos, at least in good light — with the exception of the 8-megapixel ultrawide, which is uniformly poor.
Other phone manufacturers spend millions optimizing their image pipelines, and none of that work is evident here. Daylight photos are vivid and oversaturated, nighttime shots are noisy, and the telephoto shows no signs of electronic stabilization at all, making it feel shaky and unstable. Incredibly, by default every shot is overlaid with a strangely small T1 watermark — as if anyone should want to take credit for these photos.
1/12
A serious phone would have made more effort in its software
As the Trump phone lurched haltingly toward its launch, the going assumption from many was that it would be a bloated mess, loaded with spyware, crypto apps, and MAGA-themed experiences, putting the president’s leering face front and center.
The truth is rather more mundane. It runs Android — the nearly two-year-old Android 15, to be precise — with almost no modifications at all. This is, in fact, about as close to what the nerds call “stock” Android as you’re ever likely to get these days.
The only preinstalled apps that are out of the ordinary are Truth Social, Trump’s own social media network, and Doctegrity, a telehealth platform that’s included with Trump Mobile’s $47.45 cell service. Beyond that you get a single Trump Mobile wallpaper and those photo watermarks, and that really is that.
In a sense, that’s a good thing — I’m hardly lamenting the lack of bloatware. But there’s also no sign that Trump Mobile has the ability or the intent to optimize its phone’s software or deliver any features beyond the minimum.
More worryingly, Trump Mobile hasn’t announced how long it will support the phone with software updates. When I spoke to executives from the company in February, they seemed confused by my question about how many Android version updates the phone would receive, though they did insist that customers won’t “be locked into what’s there today.” For now, that means a 2024 version of Android with a February 2026 security patch; I wouldn’t hold my breath for either to be updated any time soon.
A serious company would put more effort in
In a strange way, the T1 Phone isn’t all that terrible, but only because it proves how hard it actually is to make a truly terrible phone these days. It’s easy enough to throw together the baseline hardware, stick Android on top, and call it a day. For better or worse, that’s more or less exactly what Trump Mobile has done. Between the simple software and the dated hardware features, the T1 is an oddly compelling phone for some old-school Android fans, but Trump Mobile got there entirely by mistake.
This isn’t a serious phone. It’s a marketing stunt that got out of hand, a way to grab attention and juice the subscriber count for an overpriced cell service with the president’s name on it.
Trump Mobile doesn’t care about this phone. And after the year of reporting on it that’s led to this review, I’m thrilled to finally say: Neither should you.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
-
News13 minutes agoWith the white nationalist group Patriot Front, what you see is not what you get
-
New York1 hour agoHow ‘The Wire’ Star Jamie Hector Spends a Hot Day in Brooklyn
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoBurglars ransack Sherman Oaks condo building during fumigation
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoMetro Detroit weather forecast, July 10, 2026 — 11 p.m. Update
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoClassical music series helps reconnect downtown San Francisco community
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoDallas police officers, paramedics recall saving woman stuck in a ravine for days;
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoRed Sox win 7th straight game just hours after landing in New York
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoOne tree at a time: Denver nonprofit works to close shade gap as heat dome threatens neighborhoods
