American-Made Cell Phones: Are They The Key To Mobile Security?

Published: April 11, 2024

In an age of digital espionage and data breaches, it’s no surprise that more and more people are concerned about the privacy of their smartphones.

The controversy surrounding companies like Huawei has put this issue into the spotlight.

If you’re seeking a phone that prioritizes security and minimizes the risk of foreign surveillance, American-made cell phones may be the answer you’re looking for.

This article will explore American-made phones and American cell phone manufacturers, discussing their key models and pros and cons.

We’ll also share our data on the most secure devices on the market, helping you make the best choice for your privacy needs.

State-sponsored spyware is rising rapidly

Run a deep spyware scan with Certo today and keep your data private.

Choosing American-Made Cell Phones: What You Need to Know

Choosing a phone based on its American origins can get a bit complicated. There are two main categories to consider when it comes to finding American cell phone manufacturers:

➡️ American-made manufacturers: These are designed and manufactured entirely within the United States. These manufacturers have maximum control over the supply chain and prioritize security.

➡️ American-owned manufacturers: These phones come from trusted American companies but utilize international manufacturing for efficiency and cost.

To help you decide, let’s compare these two categories:

Feature	American-Owned Manufacturers	American-Made Manufacturers
Company Ownership	Based in the United States	Based in the United States
Design Focus	Emphasis on hardware and software design	Emphasis on design with a focus on privacy and security
Manufacturing Location	Often outsourced to countries like China, Vietnam, or India	Manufactured entirely (or predominantly) within the U.S.
Supply Chain Control	Moderate control due to outsourcing	Maximum control over components and assembly
Security Implications	Potential risk of foreign component compromise or government pressure for user data	Minimized risk of foreign interference or backdoors
Availability	Widely available through major retailers and carriers	Limited availability, often through specialized retailers or directly from the manufacturer
Cost	Range from budget-friendly to premium	Generally more expensive
Examples	Apple, Google (Pixel)	Purism (Liberty Phone)

American Cell Phones: Made in the USA vs. Designed in the USA

In this section, we’ll explore American-made cell phones, as well as cell phones designed by U.S. companies and manufactured in other parts of the world.

The true American-made phones

In a world dominated by global supply chains, Purism is the only American company that can say their phones are completely made in the United States.

They currently offer two models, the Librem 5 USA and the Liberty Phone. By overseeing the entire manufacturing process, Purism aims to have greater control over the devices they produce. This is a major plus for users who prioritize data security and privacy.

However, these phones might not be the most feature-rich choice for those interested in the latest tech. Instead, Purism caters to a distinct niche: the security-conscious user who prioritizes control and transparency.

Here’s a breakdown of each of their phones, their standout features, and their pros and cons:

Purism

Librem 5 USA

Source puri.sm

ℹ️ To view the full specs of the Librem 5, click here.

✅ Desktop mode: Connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop experience.
Pros	Cons
✅ Privacy and security: Hardware kill switches for camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, and cellular data offer physical privacy control.	❌ Price: At $1,599, this device is significantly more expensive than typical smartphones—like the Samsung flagship Galaxy S24 that retails for $799.
✅ Open source: Runs PureOS, a secure open-source OS, for greater privacy and protection.	❌ Limited app ecosystem: As the device runs the PureOS operating system, popular Android and iOS apps aren’t compatible.
✅ User-replaceable battery: Extends device lifespan.	❌ Performance: This device does not have the latest cutting-edge specs and processing power of the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.

The Liberty Phone

The Liberty Phone builds upon the foundation of the Librem 5 USA, offering upgrades like more RAM, storage, and a faster processor for a smoother user experience.

Like its predecessor, it prioritizes privacy and security. Its standout feature is that it’s manufactured entirely within the USA, including all electronic components.

Source puri.sm

ℹ️ To view the full specs of The Liberty Phone, click here.

✅ User-replaceable battery: Extends device lifespan.
Pros	Cons
✅ Made in USA Electronics: Builds on the privacy conscious foundations of the Librem 5 but adds a highly controlled and secure supply chain.	❌ Price: At $1,999, this phone costs more than the already pretty expensive Librem 5 USA.
✅ Privacy and security: Hardware kill switches for camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, and cellular data offer physical privacy control.	❌ Limited app ecosystem: As the device runs the PureOS operating system, popular Android and iOS apps aren’t compatible.
✅ Open source: Runs PureOS, a secure open-source OS, for greater privacy and protection.	❌ Performance still lacking: Although a step up from the Librem 5, this device still does not have the latest cutting-edge specs offered by other manufacturers.

American companies, global manufacturing

While the ideal of a fully American-made smartphone is compelling, the reality is that aside from Purism, most U.S. cell phone manufacturers rely on manufacturing and supply chains in other countries.

Here’s a look at these American cell phone companies and where their phones are made:

➡️ Apple: Apple is one of the most iconic American brands. While some iPhone models are now assembled in the U.S., a significant portion of the manufacturing process still takes place in countries like China.

➡️ Google: While designed in the U.S., Google’s Pixel phones are largely manufactured in countries like Vietnam and China.

➡️ Motorola: Motorola, a long-standing American brand, now owned by the Chinese company Lenovo, manufactures primarily in Asia.

➡️ BLU: BLU Products is a Miami-based company, but the phones are manufactured in China.

Why do they manufacture elsewhere?

💵 Cost reduction: Labor costs are often significantly lower in countries like China and Vietnam, allowing companies to produce their phones more cost-effectively.

🚛 Established supply chains: Manufacturing ecosystems for electronics are well-developed in Asia, with readily available access to components, specialized factories, and skilled labor.

📈 Scalability: Overseas production allows companies to scale manufacturing to quickly meet the global market demand.

Here’s a look at some of the top phones from Apple, Google, and BLU:

Apple

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Source Apple

ℹ️ To view the full specs of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, click here.

✅ High quality: Stainless steel and a durable design.
Pros	Cons
✅ Top-notch performance: The A17 chip delivers power comparable to gaming consoles, offering a seamless experience.	❌ Very expensive: This iPhone model has a high price tag of $1,199.
✅ Incredible cameras: The camera boasts larger sensors, advanced lenses, and powerful image processing for exceptional quality.	❌ Large and heavy: This model can be cumbersome for some users compared to other phones.
✅ Large display: Ideal for media consumption and multitasking.	❌ Limited customization: iOS is less customizable than Android.
✅ Long battery life: Can easily last a full day or more.	❌ Manufacturing location: Although their products are designed in the U.S., most iPhone manufacturing takes place in China.

iPhone 15

Source Apple

ℹ️ To view the full specs of the iPhone 15 Click here.

Pros	Cons
✅ Excellent performance: The A16 offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and handles demanding apps and games with ease.	❌ No telephoto lens: Lacks the optical zoom of the Pro Max.
✅ Great cameras: Takes incredible photos and videos. The larger main camera sensor lets in more light, resulting in brighter, more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions.	❌ Smaller battery: The battery will last a day with moderate use including calls, web browsing, social media, etc. It doesn’t last as long as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
✅ Comfortable size: More manageable in hand compared to the Pro Max.	❌ Standard 60Hz refresh rate: The display lacks the smoother ProMotion feature.
✅ More affordable: Less expensive than the Pro models at $799.	❌ Manufacturing location: Although their products are designed in the U.S., most iPhone manufacturing takes place in China.

Google

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Source Google

ℹ️ Want more info? Here are the full specs of the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Pros	Cons
✅ Advanced camera system: Advanced computational photography, excellent photos in all lighting conditions, and unique features like Magic Eraser.	❌ Average battery life: While improved, it may not last a full day with heavy use.
✅ Smooth display: High-resolution, adaptive refresh rate for excellent viewing experience.	❌ Slower charging: Compared to some competitors, charging speeds are less impressive.
✅ Pure Android experience: Clean software, guaranteed updates, and special Google-only features.	❌ Tensor G3 is behind the competition: The processor's performance lags slightly behind that of Apple and Samsung's flagships.
✅ Tensor G3 processor: Handles demanding tasks and AI features with ease.	❌ Manufacturing location: Although Google’s phones are designed in the U.S., most manufacturing takes place in China or Vietnam.

Google Pixel 8

Source Google

ℹ️ Want more info? Here are the full specs of the Google Pixel 8.

✅ Pure Android experience: Same as Pixel 8 Pro.
Pros	Cons
✅ Fantastic cameras: Excellent image quality, similar processing to the Pro model.	❌ Below-average battery life: May struggle with a full day's heavy usage.
✅ Compact size: Easier to handle than many modern flagships.	❌ No telephoto lens: Limits zoom capabilities.
✅ Great value for money: Delivers flagship-level performance at a lower price ($699).	❌ Manufacturing location: Although Google’s phones are designed in the U.S., most manufacturing takes place in China or Vietnam.

BLU Products

BLU G91 Max

Source BLU Products

ℹ️ You can find the full specs here.

Pros	Cons
✅ Massive battery: Excellent for users requiring extra-long battery life. It can last for up to three days without charging.	❌ Slower processor: Might struggle with more demanding games and apps.
✅ Large display: Great for watching videos and gaming.	❌ Camera quality: Decent in good lighting, but performance drops in low light.
✅ Affordable price: Offers great value at its price point ($249.99).	❌ Bloatware: This device may come with some preinstalled apps you don't want.

BLU F91 5G

Source BLU Products

ℹ️ You can find the full specs here.

✅ Large battery: Can easily last a full day.
Pros	Cons
✅ 5G Connectivity: Provides access to faster 5G networks.	❌ Camera quality: Similar to the G91 Max. Performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
✅ Decent performance: Handles daily tasks smoothly.	❌ Software updates: BLU's track record with updates isn't always consistent.
✅ Very affordable: For $219, it offers great value for a 5G phone.

Security Threats by Phone Manufacturer

We’ve explored the concept of American-made smartphones and their associated brands, but security goes beyond the label on the back of your phone.

It’s easy to assume that choosing a phone from a security-conscious brand like Apple or Google guarantees your safety.

However, recent data collected by Certo paints a different picture. In February 2024 alone, we scanned 53,884 devices and found security threats across a wide range of brands:

This data reveals that even phones from security-conscious brands aren’t immune to vulnerabilities. The complex world of mobile technology is constantly evolving, and new threats emerge every day.

The key takeaway is that no matter how reputable the brand is, proactive security measures are essential for protecting your data.

Protect Your Device Regardless of Origin

Your phone is a treasure trove of sensitive data: banking information, private messages, photos, your exact location… the list goes on.

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and mobile attacks are on the rise. Here’s how they can wreak havoc on your life:

⚠️ Malware

Software disguised as harmless apps can steal your passwords, drain your bank account, or track your every move.

⚠️ Phishing

Fake emails or text messages trick you into giving up personal information or clicking on malicious links that download malware.

⚠️ Data leaks

Poor security practices by companies you trust can expose your information to hackers who sell it on the dark web.

Don’t let cybercriminals get the upper hand. Certo provides proactive protection for both Android and Apple devices. Here’s how it works:

Android

Certo Mobile Security protects your device and privacy with:

✅ Powerful spyware detection: Finds and removes spyware, malware, and other threats designed to steal your data.

✅ Privacy audits: Reveals which apps access sensitive information (location, calls, etc.) and lets you control their permissions.

✅ System advisor: Identifies weak security settings and helps you optimize them for improved protection.

✅ Automatic scans: Runs background scans for 24/7 security without interrupting your phone usage.

✅ Intruder detection: Snaps photos of snoopers who try to access your cell phone and can even sound an alarm.

✅ Breach check: Alerts you if your accounts or passwords appear in data leaks.

✅ Ad-free experience: No distracting ads, just focused security.

How it works:

Install Certo’s app from the Google Play store. It’s completely free.
Tap Scan to check your device for spyware and other cyber threats.
Tap Remove next to any threats to secure your device.

Fig: Certo Mobile Security for Android.

Apple

Certo AntiSpy protects your iPhone or iPad from hidden threats with:

✅ Spyware detection: Finds and helps you remove malicious software designed to steal your data.

✅ Keylogger detection: Identifies sneaky keyboards that could record your passwords and other sensitive information.

✅ Tracking app detection: Alerts you to apps that might secretly monitor your location, camera, or microphone.

✅ iOS integrity check: Prevents security gaps by ensuring your iOS hasn’t been tampered with—like through jailbreaking.

✅ Vulnerability scanning: Looks for weaknesses in your system that hackers could exploit.

How it works:

Install Certo AntiSpy on your computer (Windows or Mac).
Connect your iPhone or iPad via USB.
Run a scan to get a deep analysis of your entire device.

Key Takeaways

While the ideal of a fully American-made smartphone holds appeal, the reality is that most phones from well-established American brands involve global manufacturing.

Choosing a device solely manufactured in the U.S. can offer greater control over the supply chain, enhancing security. But often comes at the expense of compatibility or the latest features.

However, remember that no phone is completely invulnerable. In today’s world of ever-evolving cyber threats, choosing a brand based on security features and reputation is wise, but it shouldn’t be your only defense.