(Credit: Trump Mobile/PCMag)
The $499 T1 phone from Trump Mobile was announced earlier this week. Trump Mobile promises the phone will be made in America, a claim that is already facing skepticism. While it's not available yet, Trump Mobile has provided some basic information about the forthcoming device. And I've got to say, for $499, you can definitely do better.
Based on the specs provided by Trump Mobile, the T1 Phone is an average, run-of-the-mill smartphone. It has a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, though we don't know the resolution, pixel density, or brightness. Trump Mobile says the phone has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It also supports microSD memory cards and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. A 5,000mAh battery provides power, and it supports 20W rapid wired charging.
The three cameras on the rear are arranged in a very iPhone-like configuration. They include a 50MP main shooter, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. There's no mention of the phone's video capabilities.
The T1 runs Android 15. Trump Mobile hasn't said whether the phone will receive OS or security updates over time. There's no word about 5G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, though the company says it will offer a service footprint that's the same as the major carriers.
If you'd like a phone with a gold back, a T1 logo, or an American flag, the Trump Mobile T1 Phone has you covered. When it is released, which the company says will be in September, I will put it through our rigorous testing just like any other phone. But even without testing it, I can tell you that the five phones below offer far more value for your money.
1. Google Pixel 9a
(Credit: Eric Zeman)At $499, the Pixel 9a is one of the best smartphone values available today and a winner of our Editors' Choice award. It features a smaller 6.3-inch OLED display than the T1, but its fast refresh rate (up to 120Hz) and brightness (2,700 nits, peak) produce smooth animations that you can see even in harsh sunlight. This comes in handy when shooting beautiful pictures or video outdoors, since you can easily see the screen. Google's AI features also push the envelope on what is possible on a phone. Further, Google promises seven years of OS updates, feature drops, and security fixes for the Pixel 9a.
Beyond these perks, the phone has a Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128/256GB of storage, a 5,100mAh battery, and a 48MP/13MP/13MP camera configuration. Its battery lasts all day, it comes in four colors, and it is waterproof.
2. Samsung Galaxy A36
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)The Galaxy A series brings high-end features to lower-cost devices. The Galaxy A36 is just $399.99, which gets you a large 6.7-inch screen, broad 5G support, and excellent battery life. Its 5,000mAh cell can charge at up to 45W, so powering up is speedy. The A36's cameras produce pleasant images, and the phone features a dedicated 8MP ultra-wide camera. The T1 does not have a dedicated ultra-wide camera at all.
I'm also a fan of its IP68 rating for dust and water protection, tough Gorilla Glass Victus+, 2,700-nit display, peppy Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, loud speakers, and six-year update commitment from Samsung.
3. Apple iPhone 16e
(Credit: Eric Zeman)Starting at $599, the iPhone 16e is the most expensive phone on this list, but it is also the lowest-cost iPhone you can buy new. For that price, you get Apple's ridiculously powerful A18 chip and long-term software support (Apple products typically receive updates for five years or more). It features just one 48MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera, but those images go through Apple's image processing pipeline and produce stunning photographs and videos.
Other standout features include its high-quality build and materials, IP68 rating, sharp 6.1-inch OLED screen, outstanding battery life, wireless charging, custom Apple C1 modem, and support for Apple Intelligence.
4. Motorola Moto G Stylus
(Credit: Sarah Lord)The Moto G Stylus ($399.99) may not have the best cameras, but it does feature good performance thanks to its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor with 8GB of RAM. As the name implies, the phone comes with a stylus so you can draw or write notes. Like the T1, the Moto G Stylus also features expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its 5,000mAh battery charges at 30W via wire and 15W wirelessly. Plus, it lasted over 22 hours in our battery rundown test.
I also dig its faux leather design, solid 5G and Wi-Fi performance, and impressive audio.
5. Samsung Galaxy A16
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)This is the least expensive phone on this list at $199.99, but the Samsung Galaxy A16 is no slouch. Its performance is enough for most basic tasks like browsing, shopping, and watching videos, and it represents one of the best values in the market. The A16's cameras capture good detail with vivid color. Samsung backs the A16 for six years with system updates and security fixes, which is outstanding for such an affordable device.
It's hard not to be impressed by the A16's 6.7-inch screen, quick Exynos processor, simple but pleasing design, basic IP54 rating for protection against splashes, long battery life, and solid wireless performance.