The World's Rarest Limited Edition Smartphones: Collaborations & Exclusive Releases

 

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, but some models go beyond being just a tool—they become collector's items. 

Limited edition smartphones are specially designed devices released in small quantities, often featuring unique materials, luxury branding, or pop culture collaborations. These phones are sought after by tech enthusiasts and collectors due to their exclusivity, high-end craftsmanship, and premium features. 

Some even increase in value over time, making them a prized possession for those lucky enough to own one.

(NOTE: all the original value and list prices as per the current year are based on the last sales carried out on ebay.com ) 

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Maison Margiela Edition (2022)

Samsung partnered with Maison Margiela, a high-end French fashion brand, to create a phone that reflects its minimalist yet avant-garde aesthetic. This phone aimed to merge fashion with cutting-edge foldable technology. While not widely available, it was a hit among collectors and luxury enthusiasts.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, custom leather-textured back panel
• Original Price: $1,799
• Current Value: $5,000+
• Units Made: 1000
• Base Model Rating: 8.5/10

2. Oppo Find X Lamborghini Edition (2018)

Oppo collaborated with Lamborghini, a brand synonymous with speed and luxury, to bring the aesthetics of a supercar into a smartphone. With a carbon-fiber design and ultra-fast charging, this phone delivered a premium experience. It was well-received, especially in markets where both Oppo and Lamborghini have strong fanbases.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 845, SuperVOOC 50W fast charging, carbon fiber body
• Original Price: $1,960
• Current Value: $5,000+
• Units Made: 2000
• Base Model Rating: 8/10

3. Samsung Galaxy Fold 

Thom Browne Edition (2020)

Samsung’s collaboration with Thom Browne, a designer known for his distinctive red, white, and blue branding, resulted in an elegant, fashion-forward device. It included exclusive accessories and a custom UI, making it a must-have for high-fashion tech lovers. Due to limited supply, it became a collector’s item almost instantly.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 865+, 7.3-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED display, custom UI and accessories
• Original Price: $3,299
• Current Value: $7,000+
• Units Made: 5000
• Base Model Rating: 8.2/10

4. Huawei Mate RS 

Porsche Design (2018)

Huawei and Porsche Design teamed up to create a smartphone that exudes speed, luxury, and performance. Featuring a sleek ceramic body and dual fingerprint scanners, this device was targeted at high-end consumers who appreciate both technology and automotive design. It remains one of Huawei’s most prestigious releases.

• Unique Specs: Kirin 970, 512GB storage, in-display and rear fingerprint scanner
• Original Price: $2,500
• Current Value: $4,500+
• Units Made: 1500
• Base Model Rating: 8.7/10

5. OnePlus 7T Pro 

McLaren Edition (2019)

OnePlus collaborated with McLaren, known for its high-performance sports cars, to create a phone that reflected McLaren’s innovation. Featuring signature Papaya Orange accents and Alcantara material, this phone brought an elite feel to the OnePlus lineup. It was popular among tech-savvy car enthusiasts.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 855+, 12GB RAM, 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display
• Original Price: $899
• Current Value: $3,000+
• Units Made: 3000
• Base Model Rating: 8.8/10

6. Realme GT Neo 3 

Naruto Edition (2022)

Realme’s partnership with Naruto, a globally recognized anime, resulted in a phone designed specifically for anime fans. It featured a Naruto-inspired aesthetic, exclusive wallpapers, and custom sound effects, making it a favorite among collectors and pop culture enthusiasts

• Unique Specs: Dimensity 8100, 150W fast charging, Naruto-themed UI
• Original Price: $450
• Current Value: $2,000+
• Units Made: 5000
• Base Model Rating: 8.5/10

---

7. Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha (2019)

Xiaomi took a bold step in innovation by introducing the Mi Mix Alpha, a concept phone with a futuristic wraparound display. Although it never saw full-scale production, it showcased Xiaomi’s technological prowess and remains a rare collectible for tech enthusiasts.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 855+, 7.92-inch wraparound OLED display, 108MP camera
• Original Price: $2,800
• Current Value: $10,000+
• Units Made: 500
• Base Model Rating: N/A (Concept Phone)

8. Vertu Signature Cobra 

Limited Edition (2017)

Vertu, known for making luxury phones, released the Signature Cobra as an ultra-exclusive device featuring real gemstones. Designed for the elite, its intricate craftsmanship and precious materials make it one of the most expensive and rarest phones ever.

• Unique Specs: 18K gold body, 439 rubies, handcrafted design
• Original Price: $310,000
• Current Value: $400,000+
• Units Made: 8
• Base Model Rating: N/A (Luxury Phone)

9. Red Hydrogen One (2018)

Red, a brand known for high-end cameras, ventured into the smartphone industry with the Hydrogen One. The phone promised a 3D holographic display and modular design but struggled commercially. However, due to its limited production, it remains a rare collector’s item.

• Unique Specs: Snapdragon 835, 5.7-inch holographic 4-View display, modular capabilities
• Original Price: $1,295
• Current Value: $3,500+
• Units Made: 6000
• Base Model Rating: 6.5/10

10. Motorola Aura 

Diamond Edition (2009)

Motorola designed the Aura Diamond Edition to appeal to luxury consumers, featuring a circular display inspired by Swiss watches and a sapphire crystal screen. It was one of the most extravagant feature phones ever made.

• Unique Specs: 62-carat sapphire crystal display, 18K gold plating, circular LCD screen
• Original Price: $5,700
• Current Value: $15,000+
• Units Made: 1000
• Base Model Rating: 7.5/10

---

Limited edition smartphones bring exclusivity, luxury, and collectibility. Many have appreciated in value, proving that tech can also be an investment.

💬 Which limited-edition smartphone would you love to own? Let us know in the comments!