A New Challenger Emerges to the Trump Phone
Where’s the Trump phone? The mystery continues, and we’ll keep the conversation going weekly. As usual, we’ve reached out to inquire about its status, but this week, Trump Mobile has been overshadowed.
It’s been another long stretch without the Trump phone, but now I have another phantom device to ponder. Robot vacuum maker Dreame has unveiled its own line of phones that seem unlikely to ever hit the market, and one of them takes the Trump phone concept and cranks it up to 11.
I first caught wind of Dreame’s two new phones shortly after submitting last week’s update on the T1 Phone’s PTCRB certification, even though they “launched” at a flashy event in San Francisco last Thursday. They had actually been announced in China back in March, but it flew under the radar, likely due to the absence of any release dates, pricing, or concrete specs. This gives them a vaporware vibe, though it’s still a step up from a phone brand run by the president’s sons, who have faced accusations of “false advertising and deceptive practices” from lawmakers.
On the plus side for Dreame, they showcased actual physical phones at their launch event, which is more than what Trump Mobile has managed so far. Their devices are ambitious, which is part of why I doubt they’ll ever see the light of day. One is a modular phone with detachable action cam and AI accessories, while the other, the Aurora Lux, is set to come in an outrageous 29 different designs, many adorned with gems, gold, or both.
The names of these phones are as extravagant as their designs. Axiom Shield resembles a Pixel 10 wrapped in snakeskin. Luxe Loop Sanctuary features a ring of sparkling gems around a massive circular camera island. Imperial Totem seems to include a dazzling peacock. And yes, many of them are gold: Trump Mobile must be regretting not coming up with Golden Age, a design that covers the phone in diamond-patterned gold and transforms the gem-studded camera island into a golden analog clock. It’s the quintessential Trump aesthetic.
It’s not just the phones that have outshone Trump Mobile. Dreame’s extravagant San Francisco launch, complete with models, rocket cars, and Steve Wozniak, starkly contrasts with Trump Mobile’s event. Almost a year ago, three middle-aged executives were crammed onto a small stage alongside Don Jr. and Eric Trump in a poorly lit room at Trump Tower. How is it that a robot vacuum company can project more glitz and glam than the Trumps?
Dreame’s phones and their launch event exude the kind of ambition that the rather mundane T1 Phone lacks. If you’re going to market a phone, at least make it exciting.
I doubt I’ll be writing weekly updates on the ongoing nonexistence of Dreame’s devices, as they lack the political intrigue that makes Trump Mobile so fascinating to follow. So far, Dreame isn’t asking for $100 deposits for phones that may never materialize, which is a point in their favor. Besides, if Dreame can defy the odds and deliver one of its modular, gem-encrusted fantasy phones to me before Trump Mobile does, it would truly make my year.
