CNET managing editor Patrick Holland voiced strong criticism of the long-awaited Trump Mobile phone in a candid review on Monday, comparing its design and color to a 'urine sample.'
Design and Color Criticized
'Sometimes it looks like those gold coins that Scrooge McDuck would jump into for DuckTales. Other times, it has a mustard vibe, and yet other times it looks like a urine sample,' Holland told CNN's 'OutFront' guest host Brianna Keilar. 'But my hesitation is I would not recommend it. Not because of that, but largely because we just don't know certain things about it.'
Delays and US-Made Claims
The Trump Mobile T1 was first announced in June last year, with promises of being made in the U.S. The launch was delayed from August, but CEO Pat O'Brien told CNET last month that delays were necessary to deliver an 'amazing product.' Shipping began earlier this month, nearly a year after CNET placed a $100 deposit. However, Holland noted, 'It's certainly not made in the USA.' O'Brien told Reuters that devices are 'assembled in the U.S.' but acknowledged challenges in domestic component production.
Performance and Concerns
Holland found the T1's performance similar to the Taiwanese HTC U24 Pro 5G, stating, 'There's nothing inherently wrong with the phone.' However, he expressed worry about whether the phone will actually ship to customers, citing few confirmed deliveries. Trump Mobile's terms and conditions do not guarantee commercial release or continued production.
Additionally, TechCrunch reported that Trump Mobile exposed customers' order identifiers online, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Spokesperson Chris Walker confirmed the investigation but said financial data was not compromised.
