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SOPA Images / Trump Mobile
We all knew Trump Mobile was the jig when it was first announced, and one tech writer for The Verge learned that likely remains to be the case.
Allison Johnson, a senior reviewer for The Verge, shared her experience after signing up for Trump Mobile, the Donald Trump and his family’s latest grift.
Johnson reports she ordered a Trump Mobile SIM card to test the service, since the website can’t seem to lock down a device for testing.
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That doesn’t come as a surprise because we previously reported that Spigen, a mobile accessory company, threatened to sue Trump Mobile after it was caught using photoshopped images of a gold-plated Samsung S25 Ultra with a T logo slapped on the back of a Spigen phone case.
Anyway, Johnson detailed her attempt to secure a SIM card, and that also was a failure becuase it failed to show up even after the company said it would be shipping via next business day via First Class USPS mail.
Per The Verge:
Let’s say I don’t fully trust the Trump Organization to be great stewards of my credit card information, so I used a virtual number provided by my bank. Once I’d handed over the virtual money, I got this message: “Thank you for your order of a Physical SIM, we’ll ship next business day via First Class USPS mail, no separate tracking number will be sent.” Just what I was looking for with my wireless service: a sense of mystery! Fast-forward two weeks, and that SIM card is still on its way.
The Extremely Nice Customer Service Kept Her From Feeling Salty
Johnson’s experience with Trump Mobile wasn’t all bad, thanks to the extremely pleasant customer service she received.
A shocker coming from a Trump-family-owned company.
Anyway, two weeks passed, and, no surprise, she didn’t receive her SIM card, so she called customer service, and they agreed she should have received it already.
Later that afternoon, Johnson received an email from [email protected] informing her that her SIM card would be shipped via two-day FedEx.
The shipping company emailed her to confirm she would be receiving her SIM card from Liberty Mobile, the MVNO behind Trump Mobile.
The representative from Trump Mobile customer service named “Kh,” reached out to her to inform her that she would be receiving a refund and that her package would be “arriving soon.”
She did get her refund the same day, but the wait for the SIM card is still ongoing, and Johnson claims it could arrive any day.
We shall see.
Apple / iPhone Air
Apple tried something different with the iPhone Air, and according to reports, the company’s latest smartphone flopped.
Spotted on MacRumors, via The Information, the ultra-thin and very light iPhone Air sold poorly. It did so badly that Apple is delaying the next version of the iPhone Air that was supposed to be announced alongside the iPhone 18.
The website notes there have been numerous reports of poor sales and cuts in manufacturing.
Per MacRumors:
Apple’s supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has reportedly dismantled all but one and a half of its production lines for the iPhone Air, and all production is expected to be stopped at the end of the month. Luxshare, another supplier, stopped production at the end of October.
The company Steve Jobs built was counting on the iPhone Air’s unique design to spark excitement among Apple smartphone enthusiasts.
It appears to have accomplished the exact opposite, and that could be due to many design choices.
Due to its very slim design, many compromises had to be made, such as a smaller battery and a single rear camera. Yet the smartphone still had a hefty $999 price tag, which was definitely a turnoff for Apple smartphone users.
It seems like Apple fans felt it didn’t make sense to buy the iPhone Air when they could get the iPhone 17 Pro for $1,099, which offers a better triple-camera system and longer battery life.
The iPhone Air Is Looking Like Another Flop For Apple
It’s looking like the iPhone Air will sit right next to the iPhone Mini, Apple’s other attempt at selling a fourth model alongside the iPhone and iPhone Pro models, as an apparent failure.
According to MacRumors, Apple is still pushing to drop its first foldable smartphone alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone Pro 18 in 2026.
We will be interested to see how well the foldable sells for Apple.
You can see reactions about the iPhone Air reportedly flopping below.
Google / Google Pixel
Pixel fans, Google is allegedly allowing you to get your hands on the next smartphone EARLY!
Google is among the giants—besides Apple and Samsung — that release a new smartphone annually, thanks to its solid Pixel lineup.
To help spread the word about the devices, Google has long enlisted the help of “Superfans” and now, reportedly, the tech giant is allowing a select few of them to get their hands on new Pixel devices before the general public can experience them.
Bloomberg reports that Google is running a contest among its “Superfans” that will see only 15 non-employees selected to test in-development hardware.
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According to a document reviewed by the new website, the company describes the contest/program as an opportunity to “provide feedback and help shape a Pixel phone currently in development.”
That totally makes sense, because what better way to know if your new smartphone is a hit than letting actual smartphone users take it for a spin, especially those who primarily use Pixel phones. But that begs the question, will they only get high praise, or constructive criticism?
How Do You Become A Pixel Superfan?
So how do you sign up? ArsTechnia reports that “interested Superfans have to prove they are more super than the rest. They must demonstrate deep knowledge of the Pixel product family and suggest ways the phones can be improved.”
Giving Superfans access to unreleased smartphones is the latest perk. Those already in the program enjoy benefits like freebies and other special perks.
If you’re interested in becoming a Superfan, you can head here to sign up, and hopefully, you will be selected to test the upcoming Pixel phone. Of course, if you are selected, you will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, because for whatever reason, details about Google’s Pixel smartphone always seem to leak on the internet.
Source: NurPhoto / Getty / Trump Mobile
For their next grift, President Trump and his grifting family are launching wireless communication business and already have three cellphone service carries down to help scam people out of their money.
Monday, the family of snake oil salesmen, the Trump Organization, announced Trump Mobile, which will offer 5G phone service bundled with an unlimited plan and hilariously called the “47 Plan.” This plan will cost any sucker who signs up for it $47.45 per month.
Yes, that number is a play on Trump being the 47th and 45th President of the United States.
This latest grift joins the long list of grifts and ventures the president and his family are involved in, including “luxury” hotels, golf clubs, casinos, crypto, and real estate. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Trump’s other business failures, such as Trump Steak, Trump Vodka, Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Shuttles, and Trump Mortgage, LLC.
Trump Mobile could very well make it onto that list.
Trump’s two numbskull sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump Jr. made the announcement on what is the 10-year anniversary of their father coming down that gaudy-ass Trump Tower gold escalator in NYC to announce he was going to run for president, subsequently making our lives a living hell and giving racists the confidence they needed to express their bigotry loud and proudly.
Per Variety:
“Trump Mobile is going to change the game,” Donald Trump Jr. said in a statement. “We’re building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service. Our company is based right here in the United States because we know it’s what our customers want and deserve.”
Trump Mobile Is Offering Customers A New Smartphone, The T1
Variety also reports potential suckers, oops we customers can make the switch to Trump Mobile’s T1 Mobile service using their current devices.
If you’re in the market for a new phone you can purchase Trump Mobile’s “T1 Phone” which honestly looks like a Android knockoff of the iPhone and is described as “a sleek, gold smartphone engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best from their mobile carrier.”
Like many of Agent 47’s ventures, Rolling Stone points out that Trump Mobile is just another licensing deal with the fine print stating, “Trump Mobile, its products and services are not designed, developed, manufactured, distributed or sold by The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals. T1 Mobile LLC uses the ‘Trump’ name and trademark pursuant to the terms of a limited license agreement which may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”
Lol.
Of course, Trump Mobile is getting roasted on X, formerly Twitter. You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
2. Exactly
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Source: Samsung / Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung isn’t done dropping entries into its flagship smartphone line.
Yesterday, Samsung unveiled its thinnest smartphone yet, the Galaxy S25 Edge, giving Korean tech a giant leg up on the competition, including Apple, which is reportedly set to drop a thin flagship smartphone, the iPhone 17 Air.
The Galaxy S25 Edge lives up to its thin reputation coming in at 5.8 millimeters thin and only weighing 163 grams making it one of the thinnest smartphones on the market.
The S25 Edge, which will cost $1,099 and officially go on sale beginning May 30, comes just four months after the launch of the S25 smartphone series. This marks a different path for Samsung, which usually doesn’t introduce new smartphones this early, usually opting for the middle of the year to introduce the latest models of foldable smartphones.
The S25 Edge is basically a lite model of the S25 Ultra, and it’s for the Samsung fan who loves a premium phone but doesn’t care for features like the S-Pen.
The thin smartphone features a durable titanium build paired with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. It also has two premium cameras: a 200MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor with autofocus, allowing for detailed macro photography and Nightography.
Under the hood is the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which delivers snappy performance, on-device AI processing, and features like the Now Brief and Now Bar.
Here is the full breakdown via Samsung:
6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
Slim and lightweight body at 5.8mm thick and weighing at 163 grams
Enhanced camera featuring a 200MP wide lens and 12MP ultra-wide sensor
ProVisual Engine optimized for Galaxy S25
Built with the latest Corning Gorilla Armor 2
AI image processing with ProScaler and Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe).
Galaxy AI features including Now Brief and Now Bar as well as editing features including Audio Eraser and Drawing Assist
Thinner, reconfigured vapor chamber to keep phone cool
Snapdragon 8 ® Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy
ProVisual Engine
Available starting at $1,099.99 in Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack and Titanium Icyblue.
Again, we’re not sure who the market is for the S25 Edge, but it’s definitely appealing thanks to its features.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Source:Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge samsung,galaxy s25 edge
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Source:Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge samsung,galaxy s25 edge
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Source:Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge samsung,galaxy s25 edge
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. LE SSERAFIM is making it easier than ever to show off your love for the K-pop group through their first-ever collaboration […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. As your most-used device — and something people tend to check 96 times a day (or once every 10 minutes), according […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Tired of feeling panicked when you drop your phone? It might be time to invest in a new case — while […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Start 2024 with a bang, thanks to Samsung‘s newest flagship smartphones for the year. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S24, the tech company’s best and brightest mobile device.
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Starting at $799.99, the Samsung Galaxy S24 models are available for pre-order at Samsung, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart with release on Jan. 31. There are unlocked models ready for pre-order, as well as models paired with mobile carriers, like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T or US Cellular.
For 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Series smartphone comes with three varieties: S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra with storage sizes between 128GB and 1TB — depending on which model you pick.
In addition, there are a few interesting deals, if you pre-order now through samsung.com. You can get a free storage upgrade to the next tier of storage up to 1TB, or you can get up to $100 in Samsung Credit with pre-order. The South Korean tech company is even offering 20% off Samsung Care+ that comes with repairs, replacement and expert support, as well as protects against theft and loss. Learn more about Samsung Galaxy S24 deals and offers here.
In the meantime, scroll down to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S24 and how to reserve and pre-order yours, below:
Samsung
Available on Jan. 31
Samsung Galaxy S24
With a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the entry-level model. But don’t let that fool you. It’s super fast with the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 (Gen 3) chip inside, while it comes with 8GB of RAM paired with up to 256GB of on-board storage. As for its camera, it comes with a triple-camera system with a 50-megapixel wide shooter, a 10-megapixel telephoto with a 12-megapixel ultrawide for sharper and crisper photos. It can even record video in glorious 4K at up to 60FPS (frames per second).The Samsung Galaxy S24 starts at $799.99 and comes in seven colors, such as Sapphire Blue (pictured above), Onyx Black, Marble Gray and more.
Samsung
Available on Jan. 31
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Want something bigger? The Samsung Galaxy S24+ features nearly the same phone and camera specs as the S24, but it has a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display. It also has a longer battery life since it’s a larger mobile device.The S24+ comes in seven colors: Jade Green (pictured above), Sandstone Orange, Cobalt Violet and more. It starts at $999.99.
Samsung
Available on Jan. 31
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Step up to ultra model with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which starts at $1299.99. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, a Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 (Gen 3) chipset and a titanium frame design (a first ever for Samsung). The smartphone also has a quad-camera system on its rear — a 200-megapixel wide, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto, a 10-megapixel telephoto and 12-megapixel ultrawide — for ultra pro-level photos and video.The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra even comes with the Samsung S-Pen stylus and comes in seven colors, including Titanium Yellow (pictured above), Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Orange and more.
Meanwhile, each model runs the latest Android 14 and comes with Samsung Galaxy AI features, such as Circle to Search with Google advanced image search, Live Translate real-time call and text translations, AI Photo Editing to tweak and edit photos to look their best and much more.
Samsung Galaxy S24 models are available for pre-order now at Samsung, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart with release on Jan. 31. Prices start at $799.99 with activation from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T or US Cellular.
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gaming chairs, best over-ear headphones, wifi extenders, laptop deals and more.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Touchscreen, flat smartphones are the it cell phone to own, but newer models have continued to grow in size unlike our pocket space. Since the ’90s have made a sweeping comeback among fashion there’s a new accessory everyone (especially Gen Z) is scrambling to own: a flip phone. Celebrities like previous Billboard Hot 100 chart topper Ed Sheeran and “Alone” singer Kim Petras have hopped on the trend with Sheeran even preferring the old school model as it helps him limit social media usage, which he said in The Collector’s Edition podcast.
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Petras even remembers growing up with the phone during the early 2000s. “In the early 2000s, people I looked up to had the iconic pink Razr and it was the coolest accessory,” she said in a statement for Motorola.
Owning a flip phone doesn’t mean completely giving up all the features a smartphone carries — newer models are bringing you the best of both worlds with touchscreen capabilities, HD cameras, app usage and more. All paired with the famous screen flip feature, of course.
Whether you’re looking to cut down your screen time or want a more compact, portable phone to carry in your tote bag, flip phones make it easy to stay connected — without having to lug around a tablet-sized smartphone in your hand.
In anticipation of the Motorola Razr Plus being released on June 23, we rounded up a list of flip phones to shop in a range of versions from styles with just the basics to new flip phones featuring the latest tech. Check below to shop our picks for the best flip phones to own in 2023!
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of portable phone chargers, best TV deals to shop right now and best graduation gifts.
Best Buy
Samsung – Galaxy Z Flip4
$999.99
Get all the characteristics of a smartphone shrunk down into a portable flip phone design with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. It comes in four colors to customize to your liking and comes with flex mode allowing you to use the top portion to video call friends while browsing the Internet on the bottom half.
Best Buy
Nokia 2780 Flip | Unlocked | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile | Blue
$89.99
Go back to basics with the Nokia 2780 Flip Phone, which is not only an affordable option but comes with all the necessities including talk, text and a camera. Just note that a SIM card is not included.
Motorola
Motorola razr+
$999.99
The Motorola Razr+ is not only Petras-approved, but aims to be the phone for content creators and it’s already getting rave reviews. It turns your smartphone into a fashionable accessory you can carry with you and shoot video, snap pictures, text, call, use social media and more. It won’t be available for pre-order until June 16, but until then, you can register to be notified of presale and once it’s available you’ll be able to purchase it through phone carriers or grab it universally unlocked at Amazon, Best Buy and Motorola.
Walmart
Alcatel – My Flip 2 Prepaid Tracfone
$43
Flip on over to Alcatel’s prepaid flip phone featuring only the essentials. Whether you’re traveling or just want to declutter your accessories, this phone will enable you to call, text, surf YouTube and even use a maps feature.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular Verve Snap
$69
Keep things simple and under $100 with this flip phone from Consumer Cellular. It’s compact enough to throw in your purse, pocket or backpack and will allow you to call and send text messages without the distraction of social media.
