Have you ever wondered what the most expensive phones in the world are? As technology has evolved, high-end smartphones with incredible capabilities have become the norm. However, for the ultra wealthy, ordinary phones simply do not satisfy their taste for the absolute finest things. Luxury brands have created outrageously expensive phones that are true works of art, with exquisite craftsmanship and designs that push the limits of extravagance. These phones use precious metals and rare gems to create exclusive handsets fit for millionaires and billionaires.
Let‘s explore the 10 most expensive phones ever made to discover what makes them so valuable. The steep price tags reflect their use of gold, platinum and diamonds, combined with their limited availability. For the uber-rich, owning one of these rare bejeweled phones is the ultimate status symbol and display of wealth.
1. Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond – $48.5 Million
The world‘s most expensive phone is the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond, coming in at a mind-blowing $48.5 million. This luxury piece was crafted by the iconic UK-based Falcon group in 2015. What makes it so valuable? It is encrusted with an extremely rare, huge pink diamond. The 24-carat gold casing is decorated with a tasteful design of blue and pink diamonds in a floral motif. Even the box is made of a single cut of 2.28 carat blue diamond sourced from De Beers. With only 1 unit ever made, its exclusivity cements its place at the top.
2. iPhone 4s Elite Gold – $9.4 Million
British designer Stuart Hughes makes his first appearance on our list with his Elite Gold iPhone 4s, released in 2012 with only 2 units ever made. It boasts 500 flawless diamonds set in 100 grams of pure 24-karat gold casing. The Apple logo glistens with 53 more diamonds. The real showstopper is the huge 8.6-carat diamond incorporated into the home button. Presented in a platinum case with opals and a T-Rex bone, it exudes lavish extravagance.
3. iPhone 4 Diamond Rose Edition – $8 Million
Stuart Hughes strikes again with this 24-karat gold iPhone 4. Handcrafted in 2011, Hughes embellished it with over 500 natural white diamonds, while the Apple logo contains 53 diamonds. A rare 7.4 carat rose-cut diamond was used for the home button. With only 2 units ever produced, its $8 million price reflects sheer exclusivity. For iPhone aficionados, this bejeweled version represents the ultimate achievement.
4. Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme – $3.2 Million
Moving down the price ladder but still firmly in the multi-millions is the Goldstriker iPhone 3GS. British designer Stuart Hughes embellished this phone in extravagant style, coating it in 22-karat gold and using 53 flawless diamonds to adorn the Apple logo. The real highlight is the gorgeous 7.1-carat diamond home button. Packaged in a casing of granite and Kashmiri gold, its $3.2 million price in 2010 placed it among the priciest phones ever sold.
5. iPhone 3G King‘s Button – $2.5 Million
In 2009, the iPhone 3G received an ultra-luxurious makeover by designer Peter Aloission, becoming the King‘s Button edition. As the name suggests, the standard plastic home button was replaced with an opulent 6.6-carat diamond amid a white gold band encrusted with 138 diamonds. With an estimated value of $2.5 million, this customized iPhone pushed the limits of bling and commanded a king‘s ransom.
6. Diamond Crypto Smartphone – $1.3 Million
Peter Aloisson makes another appearance on our list with his Diamond Crypto Smartphone for holding company JSC Ancort in 2006. As the name conveys, 50 diamonds are set into the platinum casing, including 10 rare blue diamonds. It also boasts high-level encryption technology for secure communications. With an estimated net worth of $1.3 million, its marriage of luxurious style with cybersecurity spawned a premium niche market.
7. Goldvish Le Million – $1.3 Million
Swiss luxury phone maker Goldvish debuted Le Million in 2011, featuring 18-carat white gold construction with 120 grams of solid gold components. But the real jawdropper is the over 6,000 VS-1 quality diamonds covering the surface, elevating its value to $1.3 million. Deemed the world‘s most expensive phone at the time, only 3 units were ever produced. For diamond connoisseurs, this dazzling Goldvish creation represents mobile extravagance perfected.
8. Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot – $1 Million
Russia‘s Gresso developed the aptly named Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot phone in 2012 made of 180 grams of solid gold. The rear panel flaunts a rare African Blackwood 200 years old sourced from Gabon, Africa. Intricate engraving on the sapphire crystal keys required 300 hours of work. With only 3 units made, its opulence commanded a cool $1 million. For a fortunate few, owning the Jackpot was a clear win.
9. Goldvish Revolution – $488,150
Swiss luxury brand Goldvish crafted the Revolution phone with polished 18-karat white gold complementing the sapphire glass screen and diamond-encrusted keys. The rear panel sports an exquisite leather finish. Drawing design inspiration from an extravagant pen, its unique shape showcases artisanal craftsmanship. Highly exclusive with only 30 units produced, it retailed at just under $500,000. For wealthy buyers craving exclusivity, the Revolution represents peak phone extravagance.
10. Vertu Signature Cobra – $310,000
The Vertu Signature Cobra rounds out our list, released in 2006 by luxury phone specialist Vertu. It gets its name from the coiled cobra adorned with emeralds and diamonds that wraps around the casing. Made in collaboration with French jeweler Boucheron, its 18-karat gold body oozes extravagance. As one of only 8 units ever made, its $310,000 price tag reflected sheer exclusivity. For elite buyers, the Cobra symbolized the height of sophistication.
Clearly, the sky is the limit when it comes to luxury phones. Brands target an ultra-wealthy clientele who crave the prestige and status from owning bejeweled mobiles valued in the millions. These handsets set new heights of extravagance by incorporating precious metals, rare diamonds and gems, and exquisite craftsmanship. With their astronomical price tags, limited availability down to as little as one unit, and bedazzled designs, they have redefined elite accessories. For the ultra-rich, owning one conveys unmatched exclusivity.
Now you know the 10 most expensive mobile phones ever sold. From the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond at $48.5 million to the Vertu Signature Cobra at $310,000, these bedazzled handsets represent wealth and luxury pulled to its absolute limits. They exemplify expert artistry with every surface embellished in rare, flawless diamonds and precious metals.
Beyond their blinding bling, what makes them so valuable is their exclusivity, with most models strictly limited edition. Once their brief production runs end, no more will ever be created. That means owning one places you in an elite club of just a handful of people on the planet. For millionaires and billionaires, these phones are the ultimate symbols of status and prestige. While their sky-high price tags may seem outrageous, for their target customers who have everything money can buy, they represent must-have acquisitions.
So while they offer little in terms of practical everyday use, their worth reflects their incredible rarity. For the ultra-wealthy, owning a bejeweled luxury phone satisfies a craving for ever-more conspicuous displays of extravagance. In that realm, practicality takes a back seat to notoriety. Now that you know which phones occupy the top 10 spots, which one tickles your fancy? For most of us, owning one will remain only a dream. But for an elite few, grasping one in a hand decorated with jewelry representing millions in net worth, they cement unmatched prestige and status.