Trump Mobile T1 has come under fresh scrutiny after a detailed teardown found that the device is almost identical to the HTC U24 Pro. The findings have intensified questions about the phone’s origins and the extent of its customization.
Trump Mobile T1 was recently analyzed by repair experts from iFixit via CT scanning and a full dissection. According to the findings, the device has an internal structure similar to HTC’s U24 Pro. The findings reveal similarities in the motherboard design, camera placement, and overall components. In one instance, HTC phone’s motherboard was fitted into the Trump T1 case, and the phone turned on perfectly.
According to the teardown, the differences between the two devices are limited. The analysts mentioned three minor differences: the relocated camera flash, the redesigned speaker grille, and the new memory chip manufacturer.
The Trump T1 smartphone has a relatively larger battery compared to its rival phone, but its charging speed is lower than that of HTC U24 Pro. The iFixit team says, “It's possible Trump Mobile is importing the chassis and display as a preassembled unit, then adding the other components in the U.S.”
This revelation has sparked renewed discussion of Trump Mobile’s initial marketing claims about the device. While promoting the phone, emphasis was placed on American-made products. Later, descriptions were changed to "American design and assembly" rather than "completely manufactured in America".
Analysts in the industry think that both phones could have been made through the same original design manufacturer. HTC has never publicly confirmed that it makes its phones for other companies, but that possibility could account for their resemblance to each other.
There is no indication of any foul play. On the contrary, the teardown further confirms the view that the Trump Mobile T1 was not built from scratch. It was an altered version of another phone designed by HTC.
Also read: Is iOS 27 Beta Safe to Install on Your iPhone? Here’s What Apple Says