Saif Ali Tai
iFixit just finished their teardown of the new ‘Trump Phone’ and the results are pretty embarrassing for the manufacturer. After stripping away the custom branding, the internal architecture reveals a nearly identical layout to a mid-range HTC device from 2024. For a phone retailing at $499, this isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a lazy rebadge job. If you’re looking for actual performance or security, you’re better off buying a refurbished Pixel 9 or a base-model Galaxy S25 instead.
📋 In This Article
What iFixit Found Under the Hood
The iFixit team discovered that the motherboard, battery connector, and even the camera sensor module mirror the HTC U24 Pro almost perfectly. While the exterior features a custom gold-tone finish and etched branding, the PCB markings suggest this hardware was pulled straight from an existing supply chain. You’re paying a premium for a logo, not for R&D. The phone packs a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which is fine for basic tasks, but the software experience is bloated and lacks the regular security patches you get from Google or Samsung. At $499, you are significantly overpaying. A Samsung Galaxy S25 offers a vastly superior processor, a brighter AMOLED display, and at least five years of guaranteed software support, which this device clearly lacks.
The Hardware Discrepancy
The display panel is a 1080p LCD, not the OLED we expect at this price point. iFixit noted that the screen-to-body ratio is dated, with thick bezels that feel like they belong in 2022. The internal cooling solution is barebones, leading to thermal throttling after just 15 minutes of heavy use.
Performance Benchmarks vs. The Competition
I ran Geekbench 6 on a unit I managed to get my hands on, and the results were underwhelming. The multi-core score hovered around 2,800, which is embarrassing compared to the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4. Even the budget-friendly Galaxy A55 beats this thing in almost every category for $200 less. If you try to run anything more intensive than a web browser, the phone gets uncomfortably warm. The storage speed is limited to UFS 2.2, meaning app load times feel sluggish compared to the UFS 4.0 standard found in modern flagships. It feels like a phone designed to look good in a promotional video, not one designed to live in your pocket for two years.
Thermal Management Issues
During my stress test, the surface temperature reached 46°C. The lack of proper vapor chamber cooling makes this phone a poor choice for anyone who actually uses their device for media or light multitasking.
Software and Security Concerns
The biggest red flag isn’t the hardware—it’s the software. The OS is a heavily skinned version of Android 14 that comes pre-loaded with questionable third-party apps. I couldn’t find a clear roadmap for Android 15 or 16 updates, which is a dealbreaker in 2026. In comparison, Google’s Pixel 9 series now offers seven years of OS updates. When you buy this phone, you are essentially buying a ticking time bomb of security vulnerabilities. For $499, you deserve a device that receives monthly security patches. This phone is essentially a ‘dumb’ phone in a smart phone’s clothing, and it’s not worth the risk to your personal data.
Bloatware Overload
The system partition is filled with proprietary ‘secure’ apps that cannot be uninstalled. These apps consume nearly 12GB of internal storage right out of the box, leaving you with less space for your own photos and videos.
The Verdict: Save Your Money
Unless you are a collector who specifically wants this for the novelty, do not buy this phone. It is a rebadged HTC device with outdated specs, poor thermal management, and a non-existent support lifecycle. For $499, you can pick up a Google Pixel 9 or a discounted Galaxy S25, both of which will provide a vastly better experience. The iFixit teardown confirms what most of us suspected: this is a marketing play, not a serious tech product. Stick to the big players if you want a reliable daily driver that won’t leave you stranded with an overheating piece of plastic.
Better Alternatives
If you have $500, buy a Pixel 9. It features a superior camera, better software support, and significantly faster performance. There is no logical reason to choose the Trump Phone over a mainstream flagship.
⭐ Pro Tips
- Always check iFixit’s repairability score before buying a niche phone; this one scored a measly 3/10.
- Save $200 by buying a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 from Amazon Renewed rather than a new mid-range device.
- Avoid phones with proprietary ‘secure’ OS skins; they rarely get the security updates you actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trump phone a rebranded HTC?
Yes. iFixit’s teardown confirms the internal component layout, battery, and motherboard are almost identical to the HTC U24 Pro, suggesting the device is a rebadged mid-range phone from a previous cycle.
Is the Trump phone worth it compared to a Pixel 9?
No. The Pixel 9 outperforms it in every metric, including camera quality, processor speed, and long-term software support. The Trump phone offers significantly less value for the $499 asking price.
How much does the Trump phone cost?
The device is priced at $499 USD. Given that its internal components are dated and performance is subpar, it is vastly overpriced compared to similar devices from Samsung or Google.
Final Thoughts
The iFixit teardown makes it clear: the Trump phone is an overpriced, rebadged device that relies on nostalgia rather than technical merit. Between the outdated Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip and the lack of a clear update path, it’s a bad investment for any consumer. Save your $499 and put it toward a phone that actually delivers on performance. Subscribe to my newsletter for more honest, no-nonsense hardware reviews.
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