I held the Trump phone
A Verge reporter got to hold the rare Trump-branded T1 phone, which turned out to be a mid-range Android device with a gold finish. Only a handful of influencers and journalists have received it, while most preorders remain unfulfilled.
A journalist from The Verge recently had an in-person encounter with the rare Trump T1 phone, announced almost a year ago but still not shipped to most customers. Someone who managed to obtain the device let the reporter hold it for a few minutes, despite being told not to show it around.
The phone is fairly light and feels like a mid-range Android device. It has curved sides reminiscent of previous Motorola Edge models and a plastic back panel. The American flag and "Trump Mobile" inscription are prominently displayed. The gold color looks, unfortunately, pee-ish in certain lighting. The box includes a small printed user manual, which is oddly charming.
iFixit had previously confirmed that the T1 is essentially a mid-range HTC phone with a gold paint job. Apart from pre-installed Truth Social (which can be uninstalled), it looks and performs like any typical mid-range device.
The same week, the reporter also met tech YouTuber Technical Guruji, who possessed a solid gold iPhone with custom engravings of the Hindu god Ram and his devotee Hanuman. While that gold iPhone is one of a kind, the Trump phone is one of a few—apparently only a handful of reporters and influencers have received it. The Trump phone was supposed to start shipping to customers last month, but most preorder customers, including The Verge's own order from a year ago, have not received their units.
