Amazing phone. The most unusual cell phones. BenQ Qube Z2 - a functional cube
They know how to surprise with a seemingly simple mobile phone. Manufacturers who do not follow the banal path do not get involved in the race of processors or displays, but create their own gadgets, original and unlike other models on the market. We present some of them along with their creations.
In Russia, few people know that mobile phones are even made in India. But among the producers of this country there are those that deserve special attention. For example, Micromax, which focuses on the design of phones and smartphones. True, the filling does not at all correspond to the futuristic design. Thus, a unique smartphone with a built-in Bluetooth headset and the provocative name X450 Van Gogh has the same functionality as the usual all-in-one smartphones from five years ago.
Not sold in Russia.
The BenQ brand in Russia became known due to the release of square “musical” phones. These colorful gadgets are more like mp3 players, but they are full-fledged phones with the ability to make calls, write messages and even take photos and videos. Well, and on top of everything else, they actually have a built-in player. In addition, there are a huge variety of replacement panels for the Qube Z2 model. Not only do they vary in color, but many have a raised pattern or design. Together with Siemens, the company has released an interesting phone with a separate panel for controlling mp3.
The phone is not available in official Russian retail.
KDDI is a Japanese telecommunications company that recently began producing smartphones. Of course, original, like everything Japanese. Thus, KDDI Infobar A01 has a minimalistic design, at the same time unlike other smartphones. The functional buttons in it are made in the form of “tags”. Another example is the secure smartphone G’zOne IS11CA with “electronic wallet” functionality. And two years ago, this Japanese manufacturer introduced an Android smartphone without a traditional speaker. To transmit sound, vibration is used here, which transmits sound to the eardrum.
The device is not sold in Russia.
Just 5 is a domestic brand of phones and, more recently, smartphones. First, the designers surprised everyone with “granny phones” for hipsters - the CP10S model (price - 2,850 rubles) came out in eight variants of acidic colors.
The hugely sized buttons, the unique space design of the case, and even the charger in an unusual bright orange color turned out to be non-standard. As a result, these phones, originally designed with the older generation in mind, became popular among hipsters, clubbers and other fashionable youth.
After the “space backgrounds”, the company released two models of retro phones at once: brutal Brick “bricks” with a retractable antenna and a design in the style of the 90s from Artemy Lebedev’s studio (price – 2,950 rubles).
The brand's latest designer phone is SURF, with an appearance a la Nokia 3310 and a price of about 900 rubles.
At the end of the year, the manufacturer of seemingly only “hipster dialers” and acidic “granny phones” released the Just5 Spacer smartphone, which turned out to be the first designer Android phone in Russia. In addition, today it is also the most affordable 5-inch smartphone with a 4-core processor - the device will cost less than 5,000 rubles. The device comes with two replaceable back panels – dark gray and white.
5. Swiss Gresso.
Luxury phones are manufactured by Gresso, a company registered in Switzerland, and are included in the Top 10 most expensive phones in the world. All devices are made of high quality titanium alloy, which is widely used in the aerospace industry. All models are hand-made and decorated with engravings made of titanium, white or yellow gold. At the end of the year, the brand released its first smartphone, Gresso Radical. With all its external splendor, the gadget is also distinguished by a very modern set of characteristics: a 4-core processor, a 4.5-inch screen, an 8-megapixel camera and two slots for SIM cards. However, the characteristics for owners of models of this brand are not the main thing, the main thing is the image. In Russia, phones are sold at prices ranging from 55 thousand rubles (for the version with titanium engraving) to 70 thousand with yellow gold engraving. Moreover, the first owners are invited to choose a unique serial number for engraving. For those who already have a fashionable smartphone, but want to dramatically increase its prestige, the company offers bumper cases made of titanium and crocodile leather with engravings in yellow and white gold for the iPhone 5S and Galaxy S4.
According to statistics, by the end of this year the number of pipes will exceed the number of inhabitants of the Earth. Although most of the devices do not stand out from the crowd, real legends are sometimes born in the world of advanced technologies.
The first cell phone, which hit American shelves in 1979, was intended only for wealthy buyers. Its price, $3,895, exceeded even the cost of a Toyota Corolla, and a minute of conversation cost more than a gallon of gasoline. And even now you won’t surprise anyone with its high cost: for example, sales of the new iPhone 6 start at 32 thousand rubles. The counterbalance to luxury new products that break price records are simple dialers equipped with only the most necessary functions. The cheapest of these is the HOP1800, which sells for just $10.
This truly budget model is not equipped with an alarm clock, calendar, backlight or games. It not only lacks a memory card and camera, but even SMS and address book support. The purpose of the HOP1800 is simple - dial a number and make a call, just like the good old days.
The smallest mobile phone
In 2011, a new champion settled on the pages of the Guinness Book of Records. The miniature sWaP Nova mobile phone, first demonstrated to the public at the Berlin IFA 2010 exhibition, is so small that it can be used as a keychain. The device weighs only 43 grams, and its size is inferior to the credit card format and does not affect functionality in any way. sWaP Nova is equipped with a touch screen, a built-in book reader and an operating system that supports 8 languages. Thanks to a special module, with one movement of the hand the mobile phone turns into a regular flash drive powered by a USB port. 
For the convenience of making calls, the kit includes a BLUETOOTH headset with wireless USB charging and headphones. The baby, weighing no more than 40 grams, can withstand up to 2.5 hours of continuous conversations and even play video.
Most popular mobile phone
After analyzing sales markets in 35 countries, the chartists said: in May 2014 alone, more than 7 million fresh iPhone 5s were sold. But despite the craze for Apple gadgets, it was not their prestigious product that became the most popular mobile phone in history. The world sales record was set by the old Nokia 1100, released in 2003. 
Statistics say: the total number of phones of this model sold exceeded 250 million. The device, released on the Chinese markets, sold out like fresh baked goods: up to a million copies of the 1100 line were sold every week. The mobile phone was simple, functional and practically immortal. She easily survived bathing in the toilet, falling from a height of human height and “communicating” with children. The only bells and whistles of the monochrome Nokia 1100 were the flashlight.
The most reliable mobile phone
Nostalgic for the past, we often remember how faithful the Nokia 3310 was to us. It was not afraid of falling into a puddle and did not break down from hitting the floor. She was not afraid of either cold or heat, and the monochrome screen, even cracking, worked like a clock. But despite its enviable durability, the brainchild of the Finnish transnational company failed to win the reputation of the most reliable phone in the world. 
The Guinness Book of Records lists the achievement of the Sonim XP3300 Force phone. The field test, carried out at the request of the fire department of the Dutch settlement of Epe, attracted thousands of onlookers. The mobile phone was checked with all severity. She continued to work even after she fell from a 10-story building, and after she became a victim of being hit by an SUV. Sonim XP3300 Force was immured in ice and remained under water for half an hour, but never lost its integrity.
The most expensive mobile phone
Walking by leaps and bounds, progress has made the most seemingly unfulfilled desires come true. Now even the simplest phones have everything your heart desires: a camera, a player, Internet access and even fingerprint reading. But how can you stand out using your mobile phone, focusing on wealth and status? Luxurious Vertu devices, decorated with sapphires and covered in soft leather, are not the ultimate dream. After all, the most expensive smartphone on the planet is the iPhone 5 BlackDiamond, created through the efforts of Stuart Hughes. 
The British luxury designer is by no means new to the world of the Rockefellers and Abramovichs. In 2009, he released the iPhone 3GS, decorated with 136 diamonds, and a year later, the iPhone 4 in gold. Its bull's-eye was set with 53 diamonds and its return button was set with a 7.4-carat pink diamond. The cost of Hughes's most expensive creation is $15 million. This sparkling miracle, made for a rich man from China, is studded with 600 diamonds, the screen is protected by sapphire glass, and the Home button is set with a 26-carat black diamond.
The ranking of the most expensive phones also includes other models...
But which cell phone amazed buyers with its strangeness?
The most unusual mobile phone in the world today
Responsibility for the most amazing cellular communication device, as usual, lies with the Chinese. These inventors came up with the Haier P7 Pen Phone, a non-writing but ringing spy pen phone, and the ZTEs312, which charges from solar energy. But the pinnacle of originality was the Wang XYW 3838, which flooded all English-language tech blogs. 
This Chinese curiosity, designed to look like a pack of cigarettes, looks like a cross between a Rubik's cube, a non-original Rolex and fashionable inauthentic mp3 players. But it's not a matter of appearance: the average phone with a color screen can not only make calls and take photos, but also be used as a cigarette case. The case, painted in the colors of Chinese Chonghwa cigarettes, holds seven cigarettes. Enterprising residents of the Middle Kingdom also took care of a model for export: their line includes a phone designed to store Marlboro.
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Those who had already begun to get tired of the same type of “tubes” realized that it was not so easy to get themselves an unusual phone. Exclusive design, bright colors and non-standard sizes of models are a rarity. Where can I get the exclusive? The answer is below.
In Japan
This exotic country is famous for its extraordinary view of things. In Japan you can buy a phone in almost any color. There is only one obstacle: local “mobile phones” support special communication standards that are not suitable for the rest of the world. It’s a pity, for example, the Sharp Pantone 5 smartphone, made by order of the largest Japanese mobile operator Softbank Mobile, is very attractive.
The highlight of this smartphone is not only its brightly colored housing, but also the fact that it is the world's first mobile device with a built-in dosimeter. Sharp Pantone 5 is capable of constantly measuring background radiation levels - a pressing problem in Japan.
Another mobile operator in Japan makes Honey Bee phones. One of the latest models in this line is HONEY BEE SoftBank 101K. Available in five colors, the waterproof body is decorated with glitter. An exclusively female option, of course.
For fans of everything natural, Sharp has released the Touch Wood SH-08C model. The unusually shaped case is made of cypress, so the pattern on the back cover is not repeated.
In China
Usually, Chinese smartphones are talked about when it comes to fakes. However, masters from the Middle Kingdom can not only copy, but also create their own original things, such as telephones. Where else, if not in China, can you buy a golden Ferrari for only 7,000 rubles?
And for $45 you can buy a Chinese retro background. It looks like something straight out of the 90s and supports two SIM cards.
In Russia
Incredible, but true: in Russia there are also people who come up with unusual phones. The domestic brand Just5 constantly surprises. For example, last year everyone was amazed by bright phones with large buttons.
The design of the Just5 CP10S models was carefully worked out - just like the color palette. Acid gadgets were aimed at grandmothers, but became popular among fashionistas, despite the fact that phones could only make calls and send SMS. Mobile phones made together with Artemy Lebedev's studio can't do much more. Just5 Brick with a brick design was specially created in retro style - for those who miss the 90s. They even didn’t forget to install the antenna.
But Just5 is known not only for push-button mobile phones. Recently, this brand released the most inexpensive 5-inch smartphone in Russia with a quad-core processor. In the official online store Just5 Spacer costs 5,250 rubles. The price was made so low due to the brand’s policy: Just5 Spacer is sold only through an online store, which eliminates the markup of intermediaries (large retailers “throw in” 30-50% of the cost of the device).
The smartphone comes with two interchangeable back covers in dark gray and white. You don’t have to face the eternal choice: “should I take black or white?”
However, the cause of push-button phones has not been forgotten: Just5 recently released another old-school model, this time in the style of early Nokia and Siemens. The Just5 Surf push-button phone is available in two colors - black and lemon yellow. The new product supports two SIM cards and costs less than 900 rubles.
In future
Smartphone concepts are amazing. Will it really be possible to assemble smartphones like a construction set in the near future? In any case, ZTE is actively developing this area. The brand’s modular smartphone (still a concept) was spotted at major IT exhibitions.
Rumors about future Samsung smartphones also make one think of science fiction. A foldable smartphone that fits in your wallet? Why not!
Or maybe in the future we will see not bendable, but transparent smartphones? Who knows…
Only one thing is clear - with such unusual devices, life will definitely become brighter!
Motorola V70 (2002). This phone was released 15 years ago and cost about $400. Despite such fashionable functions as GPRS support, a 360-degree rotating top panel of the phone (i.e., by analogy with a clamshell, access to the keyboard appeared if you moved the top of the phone to the side), and a round display. The device, convenient and even attractive in theory, did not catch on among consumers and became known as one of the strangest in terms of appearance.
Nokia 7600 (2003), Apparently, he hoped to conquer the buyer with his unusual “drop” shape. In general, this is where its advantages ended - the attractive design significantly complicated many functions, in particular, it was impossible to write an SMS message with one hand. In addition, he was inferior in functionality to many “colleagues” of his generation. 
Nokia N-Gage (2003), Unlike the previous model, it was created specifically with gamers in mind: in fact, it is a console phone. The unusual design was intended to be convenient for video games, while the main advantage was the ability to play together at a distance - for this, the Bloototh network or mobile network was used. As often happens, combining different functions leads to a loss of quality for both. The phone was not convenient enough for calls and SMS, and its gaming component could not compare with a traditional home console. 
Samsung Serene (2005) is a product of joint creativity between Samsung and a company that produces expensive luxury equipment. The lid opens and closes automatically, the image rotates 180 degrees (depending on the mode), unique sound signals, a control wheel and an unusual keyboard. Well, what is there - everything is unusual. The functions of this model are completely subordinated to the design and aesthetic concept. However, the phrase “too weird to be a phone” stuck with the Samsung Serene. Considering the $1,275 price tag, one might add: too expensive to be just a weird phone. 
Nokia 7280 (2004). The model caused a lot of noise among fans of fashionable phones. A tri-band mobile phone that does not have a keyboard (this is the first model in the world with such innovation) - text is entered using a wheel and a selection button. Various materials are used to decorate the case: not only metal, but also suede, fabric, and rubber. When the screen is turned off, it turns into a mirror - very convenient for applying makeup on your lips. The design itself makes the phone look more like a woman's cosmetic bag than a serious device. Probably, all this external frivolity made the model uncompetitive. 
BlackBerry Passport (2014) is an attempt to sell new wine in an old bottle. BlackBerry phones have a whole army of fans: BlackBerry models are valued for their functionality, reliability and the fact that the manufacturer does not follow the lead of those for whom the phone is a “toy”. BlackBerry Passport tried to combine its classic design with the latest technology and even succeeded in doing so. The phone has been awarded various design awards (Red Dot: Best of the Best 2015 and Design Award 2015). However, the big, boxy BlackBerry Passport is still one of the strangest mobile phones out there. 
Samsung Juke (2007)- a phone for music lovers, supporting a wide range of music formats with 2GB memory specifically for storing music. But it was remembered, nevertheless, for its design: small, quite comparable in size to a player, with a keyboard that hides behind the display. It seems that the engineers were a little too clever with this model. 
Monohm Runcible (2015) nicknamed the “anti-smartphone.” Some compare it to a compass, others to an old pocket watch, but the fact remains: the phone looks like anything but a phone. There is a round wooden case (and everyone today loves hints of “eco”) on one side, and on the other there is a round display, like a lady’s mirror. Despite its antique appearance, the gadget is equipped with the latest technology and runs on the Firefox OS operating system. It’s hard to judge how convenient it is, but it’s even harder to find a weirder smartphone. 
Haier P7 Pen Phone (2004). The idea of combining different objects into one led the creators of the Haier P7 Pen Phone to their masterpiece: the “pen phone”. If you want, talk, if you want, write SMS, or you can sign autographs for them. An oblong 15-centimeter narrow device, reminiscent of a thermometer rather than a writing pen, the phone turned out to be not very convenient in both of its main functions. Still, writing on paper with a phone is not particularly comfortable, just like talking on a mobile “pen” or sending messages from it. 
The Golden Buddha Phone (2009) is one of the most expensive phones developed in China. The body of the device consists of jade, covered with pearl varnish and gilded. The shape of the box makes the phone look like a jewel. Thanks to this set, the Golden Buddha can deservedly top the list of the strangest mobile phones in the world. 
It is unlikely that now you can surprise anyone with a cell phone. Any self-respecting citizen has them, and they are sold on every corner. Even phones from Vertu no longer surprise anyone. Below we will show you ten phone models that have already been manufactured, will be manufactured, or will forever remain concepts. One thing we know for sure: the sight of them will make anyone's jaw drop.
Torbjorn Eriksson phone concept
Ericsson seems to have decided to go back to basics and make a phone reminiscent of old disk drives. Apparently, the technology of disks has long been lost, so I had to do it the old fashioned way - with buttons. Well, it turned out to be very unusual, although it resembles an iPod control system. By the way, Sony, which at one time absorbed the Eriksson company, has nothing to do with this concept. Concepts from ModeLabs France
To be honest, it’s difficult for me to say anything intelligible about these phones. That is, if you hadn’t told me that this would allow you to communicate at a distance, it would never have occurred to me to speak into these devices. 
The main feature of these phones is that they work without batteries. Solar energy, vibration, shaking, movement - that's what feeds them. And the U-turn produces energy every time you open and close its lid. 
Unfortunately, I was unable to find out what stage of completion these projects are. Asymmetrical concept from BenQ
BenQ, especially after its merger with the German company Siemens, is one of the largest suppliers of unusual new products to the market. However, not all projects reach the market, and it seems to me that this project will suffer the same fate. 
The asymmetrical model has a fully rotatable screen, and you can install it directly on the keyboard, and then the mobile phone will turn into a convenient gaming console. But will people agree to carry this awkward device with them just to play on the subway? I doubt it, because the project will no longer compete not just with phones, but with PSP, and this is almost unrealistic. Phone bracelet with built-in mp3 player
The concept of a bracelet phone was presented by Chinese designer Tao Ma. When there is a call, it starts to vibrate, and you simply cannot miss the call. I'm afraid it will be difficult to write and read SMS on it due to the lack of a screen, but the bracelet has a built-in mp3 player. 
All control buttons are located on the inside of the bracelet, and to operate the phone you will have to remove it every time. It’s not very convenient, but nothing in this bracelet betrays a high-tech device. CUin5 cell phone concept
If the last phone was clearly not liked by lovers of short messages, then this one seems to be created for them. Its entire design is keys, keys, keys. There is, of course, a speaker and a microphone, but try to find them among this insane number of buttons. But one “but” cancels out everything else. This phone, like the previous device, does not have a display. The “everything for the sake of design” principle makes practicality limp on both legs. Snake phone from BenQSiemens
The convenience of this phone, which its name clearly hints at resembling a snake, is even more questionable than the previous two. You can put a phone on your wrist and you’ll get an unusual bracelet, but how can you talk on it? It looks very cute and unusual. But if anyone can tell me how to talk to this concept from the German telephone giant, I will be very grateful. 
"Dark Mark", phone from Retroxis
Hooray! It's a phone that looks like a phone. A very stylish and beautiful phone with a display and keyboard. Everything is like people. It’s even somehow unusual. The aesthetic design of the phone was invented by Lim Sze Tat, not forgetting to add convenience and functionality to the beautiful appearance. 
The phone body is made of special high-quality polycarbonate compounds, and therefore has high strength with very low weight. And the OLED display can disguise itself as the body when the phone is inactive, making it even more stylish. Inside the device there is a 2-megapixel camera, an mp3 and mp4 player, an external OLED display and an internal LCD screen with 262 thousand colors, Bluetooth and a viewer for the most popular document formats. Everything a modern phone user needs. Onyx phone concept
Of course, now that the iPhone has appeared, you won’t surprise anyone with a phone without a single physical button. However, the fully functional Onyx concept appeared almost a year earlier than its brother from Apple, which undoubtedly deserves attention. Everything is as it should be - a touch screen, flexible control and extensive functionality. However, what I will tell you, watch the video for yourself. The developers have something to surprise you, even those who touched this mythical iPhone. Black Box phone concept
And another phone from the same series as the previous one. Thanks to the touch screen, which occupies the entire front side, the design of the model can be absolutely anything. Maybe the iPhone is better both in terms of functionality and design (although it’s debatable), but you have to admit, it’s always nice to get something unique. But soon every second person will have an iPhone. 
Nec Tag
The two previous phones could easily change the contents of their front panel, but their strict rectangular shape cannot be changed by any virtual means. But Nec's development, called "Tag", is made of flexible materials, which will allow you to forget about the conventions of shape. With proper skill, you can even tie it into a knot. So do whatever you want with it, just don’t break it! 
Nokia Aeon
I couldn’t ignore the touch phone industry and Nokia. Moreover, its development is distinguished by elegance and style, unlike the previous two, which are more reminiscent of business communicators. 
For a long time it was believed that the Nokia Aeon was just a myth, but Nokia is actually developing a phone with full touch control, and it is only a matter of time before its products can seriously compete with Apple phones. SonyEricsson phone concept
Sony Ericsson has long been committed to creating not just mobile phones, but entire harvesters. First there were Cybershots, which resembled cameras, then Walkmans, similar to iPods. A logical continuation followed - all in one. When folded, the phone is indistinguishable from a camera (3.2 megapixels, autofocus), and the player control buttons are located very conveniently. And when you open the cover, the camera turns into a stylish mobile phone. 
Well, where would we be without a touch screen now? SonyEricsson cell phone concept Nokia Archive
Multimedia center in the body of a mobile phone (well, a little more than a mobile phone). Share your ideas with a variety of wireless solutions. Two touch screens, unprecedented multimedia capabilities. When technology reaches such a level as to realize everything that Nokia has in mind, we will have a wonderful future. The only thing the journalists didn’t think to ask was: will this phone be able to make calls? And then doubts arise...
