Everyone wants the latest and greatest smartphone, whether it's a built-in projector, a foldable screen, or a diamond-encrusted case. Phone makers are constantly trying to one-up each other with new, flashy features to attract buyers. Of course, all that bling and tech doesn't come cheap.
Some ultra-premium phones carry price tags as high as a luxury sports car. Think a smartphone can't possibly cost more than a Ferrari? Think again. We're counting down the 10 most ridiculously expensive mobile phones ever made. Get ready for some serious sticker shock because these lavish handsets are strictly for those with money to burn.
What Makes a Phone So Expensive?
What makes a phone so pricey? A few key factors:
Premium materials: Phones like the iPhone and Goldvish use high-end materials like surgical-grade stainless steel and Gorilla Glass. These luxe materials significantly boost the cost.
Advanced components: State-of-the-art parts like OLED displays, lots of memory and storage, and powerful processors also increase the price. For example, the Vertu Constellation uses a sapphire crystal display and a titanium body.
Rare or high-quality materials: Some pricey phones incorporate rare materials, like the Goldvish Revolution uses gold and alligator skin. The cost of sourcing and crafting these materials gets passed onto the consumer.
Brand prestige: High-end brands can charge a premium simply due to their prestige and popularity. The brand's reputation and marketing efforts factor into the total cost. Phones from brands like Vertu and Goldvish are prime examples.
In short, you're paying for the finest quality materials, cutting-edge tech specs, rare components, and the brand's status. For those seeking an ultimate luxury phone as a status symbol, the sky's the limit on price. But for most, a solid mid-range or flagship phone will do just fine!
Top 10 Most Expensive Phones in the World
The mobile phone industry is highly competitive, with new models being released almost daily. Some stand out for their luxurious designs and lavish details. Here are the current top 10 most expensive mobile phones in the world:
10: Vertu Signature Cobra - $310,000
This luxury phone from Vertu is the 10th most expensive phone in the world. Vertu is known for creating lavish, high-end phones featuring premium materials and specs. The luxury brand Vertu released the phone in 2006, the Signature Cobra stands out with its design encrusted with two diamonds, two emeralds, and 439 rubies.
The Boucheron-designed Vertu Signature Cobra has over 388 UK-coupled components, the phone itself offers a gold plated case, alligator leather, and a sapphire crystal screen for durability. Buyers will receive a little medallion as a reward for purchasing one of the most expensive phones in the world.
It has a 2-inch QVGA screen (240 x 320 px), 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, Linux-based operating system (logically Symbian), Bluetooth 4.1, WiFi N, 3G, it doesn't have a camera and 4G. As one of the most expensive phones in the world, the Vertu Signature Cobra package, is only available in China on the JD.com website, and is delivered by helicopter.
Though the tech specs aren't the main selling point here given the $310,000 price tag. Instead, the Signature Cobra is aimed at the wealthiest of buyers wanting to make a serious statement. Only 8 of these Vertu units are known to have ever been created. The exotic, jewel-encrusted design is a symbol of status and affluence that's hard to match. For the select few that can afford it, this Vertu phone is the pinnacle of opulence that provides both a functional smartphone and a work of art.
9: Goldvish Revolution - $488,150
The Goldvish Revolution is the 9th most expensive phone in the world, with a price tag of $488,150. What makes this phone so valuable?
Goldvish Revolution is Made with 29-carat VVS-1 (carbon steel)-graded diamonds and 18 pink and white gold carats. The phone also has a detachable analog watch by Frederic Jouvenot. The luxurious materials and high-quality craftsmanship result in a phone that oozes opulence.
Not only is this phone expensive due to the gold and precious materials, but it is also a highly customizable, bespoke product. You can choose the type of leather, the color of gold, and request specific details or personalization.
Goldvish Revolution is plated with diamonds and white and pink gold, it was launched as one of the most expensive phones in the world at Baselworld 2009, which took place from March 26 to April 2 at the Basel Exhibition Centre in Switzerland. The phone designed by Emmanuel Gueit, and the clock, designed by Frederic Jouvenot, are limited editions of nine copies each. This exclusivity and custom-made factor contribute to the lavishness and cost.
The Goldvish Revolution is more like a coveted piece of jewelry than just a phone. With its precious metals and one-of-a-kind design, this phone is meant to signify status and wealth for those who can afford it.
8: Gresso Las Vegas Jackpot - $1 million
The Gresso Las Vegas Jackpot is the 8th most expensive phone in the world at a whopping $1 million. What makes this phone so pricey? For starters, it's made of 180 grams of gold, and over 200 years old African Blackwood. Only three Jackpot phones were produced, with a unique number engraved on them, making them an ultra-exclusive luxury item for the super wealthy.
This opulent phone screams extravagance. The keypad is made of sapphire crystal, and the phone case is adorned with 45.5 carats of black diamonds. Even the power button is encrusted with an 18 karat diamond.
Owning the Gresso Las Vegas Jackpot is the ultimate status symbol due to its lavish materials and limited production. For the select few who can afford this phone, its exorbitant $1 million price tag is a small price to pay for such an extravagant work of art that also happens to make phone calls. The fortunate owners of this phone will certainly turn heads whenever they answer a call on their million dollar masterpiece.
7: Goldvish Le Million - $1.3 Million
The Goldvish Le Million is one of the world's most expensive phone, coming in at a whopping $1.3 million. What makes this luxury phone so pricey? Crafted from 18 karat white gold and encrusted with 120 carats of VVS-1 grade diamonds, this opulent phone is a work of art.
It was handcrafted in a single, unique copy in 2006 by the Swedish firm Goldvish and designer Emmanuel Gueit. The Goldvish Le Million was once recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive phone in the world. Each phone takes over 2,000 hours to construct and is literally one-of-a-kind. The casing is engraved with an individual serial number and the owner's name or initials. Only three of these diamond-studded phones were produced, making them extremely rare and coveted.
The phone's features are fairly standard for a high-end smartphone, however, with a phone this lavish, practicality is beside the point. The Le Million is a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy, a way to flaunt one's fortune with a little flash and glitz. For the right buyer, the $1.3 million price tag is a drop in the bucket for such an extravagant work of art and a chance to own one of the rarest, most opulent phones on the planet.
The first two editions of this expensive device were purchased for 1.2 million USD by two anonymous Russian businessmen, while the third remains unsold to this day.
6: Diamond Crypto Smartphone - $1.3 million
The Diamond Crypto Smartphone is one of the world's most expensive phone, ringing in at a whopping $1.3 million. Peter Aloisson, an Austrian designer and accessories maker, designed it. It was created by Russian firm JSC Ancort, when it was first released, the phone was the most expensive in the world, and it retained that position until other pricey brands emerged. What makes this luxury phone so pricey? For starters, it's encased in solid platinum and has over 300 diamonds, including eight rare pink diamonds.
The phone itself has impressive features like a high-resolution, fast processor, and lots of storage. But let's be real you're paying for the bling, not the tech specs. The device is composed of solid platinum, and the logo is made of rose gold. Its navigation key is similarly composed of rose gold and set with 28 round cut diamonds. The stunning phone contains 50 diamonds, including 10 rare blue gems. The wood on either side of the phone is hand polished Macassar ebony. This smartphone is said to use "powerful encryption technology" to safeguard information from kidnapping, technical blackmail, financial extortion, and corruption.
For the billionaire who has it all, the Diamond Crypto Smartphone is the ultimate in conspicuous consumption. After all, what good is having an obscene amount of wealth if you can't find outrageously indulgent ways to spend it? The Diamond Crypto Smartphone lets you carry your immense fortune in your pocket and look glamorous while doing it.
5: iPhone 3G King's Button - $2.5 million
This ultra-luxurious iPhone is one of the most expensive phones in the world. Encrusted with 18-karat gold and adorned with 6.6 carats of diamonds, including a rare diamond, it's essentially a jewel that can make calls.
This phone is composed of solid 18 carat yellow, white, and rose gold, with the white gold line studded with 138 brilliant cut diamonds. The iPhone 3G King's Button is a rare 6.6 carat diamond that replaces the iPhone's conventional plastic home button.
At $2.5 million, it far surpasses the cost of any gadget most people will ever own. While an iPhone with normal specs would satisfy the needs of the average consumer, this diamond and gold-laden version is truly meant for those with money to spare who want the finest that money can buy. For the few who value extravagance and rarity over functionality, the iPhone 3G Kings Button is one of the most luxurious phones in the world.
4: Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme - $3.2 million
The Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme is the 4th most expensive phone in the world at $3.2 million. Why is it so pricey? This phone is literally 18 karat gold to be exact. It's coated in 271 grams of solid gold and adorned with 136 diamonds totaling 6.6 carats. Even the Apple logo on the back is made of 53 diamonds.
The front navigation button houses a 7.1-carat single cut very rare diamond. The chest that stores this one-of-a-kind handset is fashioned from a single block of Kashmir gold granite with an inner lining of Nubuck top grain leather and weighs a whopping 7kg. The handset is 32GB, factory (legally) unlocked for worldwide use, and can be updated with fresh software without freezing.
For the price of one Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme, you could buy a nice house or several high-end sports cars. But for those who have money to burn and want the most premium, jewel-studded tech accessory money can buy, this glitzy iPhone is the ultimate must-have device. Its extravagant decadence knows no bounds, which is precisely why it commands such an astronomical price tag.
3: Stuart Hughes Iphone 4 Diamond Rose - $8 million
The Stuart Hughes iPhone 4 Diamond Rose is the 3rd most expensive phone in the world at $8 million. This lavish phone is plated in rose gold and encrusted with rare pink diamonds, totaling over 500 carats. What makes this phone so pricey?
The bezel is fashioned of rose and contains around 500 individual perfect diamonds totaling more than 100ct.The rear section is made up of rose gold with a rose gold Apple logo and 53 diamonds. The main navigation is constructed of platinum and features a single cut 7.4ct pink diamond. A rare 8ct single cut Flawless diamond is also included and can be used in place of the pink diamond. The chest that stores this one-of-a-kind handset is crafted from a single block of Granite in Imperial Pink, with the inside upholstered with Nubuck top grain leather and weighing a whopping 7kg.
This one-of-a-kind iPhone is the epitome of opulence and a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy. For $8 million, it's more a work of art than a phone. The level of craftsmanship and the use of some of the rarest materials make it a coveted collector's item. If you have a few million to spare, this diamond-studded iPhone could be yours but you may never want to actually use it to make a call!
2: Stuart Hughes Iphone 4S Elite Gold - $9.4 million
The Stuart Hughes iPhone 4S Elite Gold is the world's most expensive phone, coming in at a whopping $9.4 million. What makes this phone so pricey?
This highly unique iPhone 4S consists of almost 100 carats of tiny diamonds. The back is made up of 24-carat gold, with the Apple logo set in 53 diamonds. Stuart Hughes iPhone 4S Elite Gold includes a 7.4-carat single cut pink diamond and a platinum box encrusted with opal, charoite, star sunstone, rutile quartz, and other rare stones. The phone cost a stunning £6 million to make, and only two models were ever made, making it one of the most difficult cellphones to buy in terms of both rarity and price.
For the wealthy buyers who can afford this pricey phone, it's really the ultimate status symbol. The rest of us will just have to admire from afar and keep dreaming! But one thing's for sure this diamond and gold-encrusted iPhone redefines high tech and haute couture.
1: Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond - $48.5 Million
The Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond is the world's most expensive phone, ringing in at a whopping $48.5 million.
The Falcon SuperNova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond is a luxury item introduced in 2014. It is a customized iPhone with a layer of 24-carat gold plating. In addition, it includes an emerald-cut pink diamond inset in the center of the back. Although the technology used originated from Apple, the phone itself was created by Falcon, a now-defunct American design studio that created customized premium items. Despite the phone's antiquated technology, the Falcon SuperNova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond has been the most expensive smartphone in the world for several years. The price is determined by the materials used to manufacture and beautify the phone, not by the technology.
The phone itself has the standard iPhone features, such as 1 gigabyte of RAM and ROM expandable to 128 gigabytes. A 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch diagonal screen is available. Buyers can select between 24-carat gold, rose gold, and platinum plating.
Variations of the phone were offered at a slightly lower price, including one with an orange diamond (priced at $42.5 million) and another with a blue diamond (priced at $32.5 million).
The Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond is the ultimate status symbol that signals wealth, extravagance and a flair for conspicuous consumption. For those with money to burn, $48.5 million is a small price to pay for such a lustrous and lavish work of art. The rest of us can only gaze in awe at its glittering splendor.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the absolute pinnacle of mobile technology and luxury all wrapped up in some very expensive packages. While any one of these ultra-premium phones would set you back the equivalent of a small island, they represent the cutting edge of style, performance, and prestige. Unless you have the bank account to match though, you're probably better off appreciating them from afar.
For the rest of us mere mortals, there are plenty of more affordable options that work great without needing a second mortgage. But if money is truly no object, you now know exactly where to look for the most luxurious phone on the planet to showcase your impeccable and very expensive taste. The only question left is: how much is your status symbol worth to you?
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