Deutsche Telekom launches AI phone with Perplexity Assistant
Deutsche Telekom, a key player in European telecommunications, has launched a breakthrough in AI-enabled devices with its T Phone 3 and T Tablet 2. Collaborating with AI pioneer Perplexity, it brands these offerings as the “AI-phone” and “AI-tablet,” positioning them as essential gateways to AI for a broad audience.
The initiative extends beyond mere hardware upgrades, delivering integrated AI functionality designed to transform how users interact with their devices and services.
AI integration built for everyday use
At the heart of Deutsche Telekom’s strategy is the Perplexity Assistant, accessible effortlessly via a dedicated magenta button or a double click of the power key on the T Phone 3 and T Tablet 2.
The digital assistant seamlessly handles a range of daily tasks through voice or text input, integrating with pre-installed applications. Tasks include scheduling calendar entries, summarising emails, translating languages in real time and even booking restaurants or taxis.
The aim is to provide a natural and fluid user experience that reduces the need to switch between different apps.
Dominique Leroy, Board Member for Europe at Deutsche Telekom, emphasises the effort to democratise AI access:
“Together with trusted partners, we’re bringing the AI-phone to people across Europe.
"It takes care of everyday tasks and quickly finds reliable information, saving you time and energy. So you can focus on what truly matters—where your ideas, creativity and personal touch make the real difference.”
Competitive pricing to drive adoption
Deutsche Telekom’s pricing strategy underpins its ambition to make AI widely accessible. In Germany, the AI-phone starts at US$174, while the AI-tablet is available for US$232.
The launch covers not only the German market but extends to Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland and Slovakia, with pricing adjusted per region.
Hardware designed for productivity and sustainability
Beyond intelligent software, the T Phone 3 and T Tablet 2 feature significant hardware improvements. The AI-phone boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset supporting faster performance and reduced charging times.
The device’s 6.58-inch 120 Hz display and robust battery life suit both everyday use and multimedia consumption. AI functionalities extend into its camera system, thanks to the Picsart partnership, enabling users to create AI avatars and easily edit image backgrounds.
The T Tablet 2 targets productivity and creativity, featuring TCL’s NXTPAPER eye-friendly display with modes optimised for reading, studying, or drawing. A compatible T-Pen stylus is available separately, catering to professional and creative workflows.
Sustainability is core to the devices. The T Phone 3 received Deutsche Telekom’s #GreenMagenta label and a high smartphone Eco Rating score of 90/100. Meanwhile, the T Tablet 2’s back panel comprises 75% post-consumer recycled plastic, aligning with the circular economy model.
Broader AI Access with Magenta AI
In addition to the devices, Deutsche Telekom expands AI capabilities through its MeinMagenta app, introducing “Magenta AI.” The feature gives all customers free access to Perplexity’s AI answer engine and an upcoming AI-powered image background editor, among other tools.
Claudia Nemat, Board Member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, explains:
“Artificial intelligence is the big technology of our time. It changes a lot. But there is still some reluctance. We believe AI offers significant opportunities.
"To use those, people need to try out AI tools. ‘Our’ AI-phone and Magenta AI features in the app give our customers compact access to various AI services and allow them to explore this technology first-hand.”
Market trends validate Deutsche Telekom’s bold move
Industry forecasts support Deutsche Telekom’s strategy. IDC projects shipments of generative AI-capable smartphones will reach 912 million units by 2028, representing 70% of the total market. Canalys attributes the growth to rising consumer interest in AI features combined with chipset advancements.
Furthermore, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech reports that European consumers are particularly interested in AI functionalities such as real-time language translation, camera enhancements and advanced search tools, all of which Deutsche Telekom’s new AI-phone delivers.
Deutsche Telekom’s launch of the T Phone 3 and T Tablet 2 represents a compelling shift in the telecommunications landscape. By embedding Perplexity AI deeply into its devices and ecosystem, it offers customers seamless, intelligent experiences that go far beyond traditional smartphone capabilities.
Coupled with accessible pricing and sustainability efforts, Deutsche Telekom not only meets rising consumer expectations but sets a new standard for AI adoption in telecommunications across Europe.
The initiative may well influence carriers globally to rethink how they integrate AI into their services, driving innovation and customer engagement into the future.
