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(Credit: Mobiado)

There are two things that have distinguished Mobiado among the many luxury phone makers of the world: First, it's from Canada; second, its handsets have avoided the type of excessive bling that others have so readily succumbed to in the desperate quest to draw attention to themselves.

But no one is immune to the pressures of competition, and Mobiado is taking some steps along this gilded path as well. The rather clinically named Professional 105 GCB features 24k-gold plating--right down to the screws and buttons, according to Unwired View--while its "Executive Model" is adding phones encased in ebony and cocobolo.

The internal specs are nothing to write home about, with a 2-inch display, 2-megapixel camera, 1GB of memory, Bluetooth, and an MP3 player. And of course, the body is made of its trademark aircraft-grade aluminum, though that seems more appropriate for its "Camo" model than anything else.

(Credit: Newlaunches)

Bits and pieces of information about the first Christian Dior phone have been circulating for months, but apparently it has finally made an official showing in Europe. Created by ModeLabs, the Parisian phone designer to the stars, the "My Dior" clamshell comes in two versions, both come with a 2.6-inch touch screen and a 2-megapixel camera. The difference between the two? The higher-end model is draped in crocodile skin and festooned with 640 Swarovski crystals--totaling 3,251 carats--and goes for $26,000, Newlaunches reports. The lesser sibling is a mere $5,000, for more frugal shoppers.

(Credit: Christian Dior)

The rumored Christian Dior phone we mentioned the other day is apparently a reality, and there's no surprise that it's being created by ModeLabs. Not only is the boutique handset manufacturer based in Paris, but it also has become something of the phone maker to the stars, having contracted with the likes of Hummer, Tag Heuer, and Levi's to develop their own branded blowers.

Information on specs for the "My Dior" remain elusive, as does the timing of its release, except that it has "all the regular features of a cellphone--a touch screen, a camera, ring tones," according to the Wall Street Journal. That's not terribly encouraging given the expected price of $5,000. But to be fair, the cost includes two phones: The main handset and a "minature phone barely bigger than a USB key." The latter supposedly clips to the outside of a bag and connects with its larger sibling inside, avoiding the need to rummage around frantically when it's ringing. Yeah, that's what we were thinking too.

(Credit: BornRich)

It's kind of disappointing that Mobiado has resorted to the old "world's thinnest" ploy, because this handset maker has a lot more things to trumpet than its waistline. From the time we first saw its "Luminoso" model to the "Professional Camo" edition earlier this month, we've always been intrigued by its unique designs--not an easy feat in an industry when everyone is trying just about anything to get noticed.

Regardless of whether it's really "the world's thinnest luxury phone" at 10.6 millimeters thick, the 105 ZAF 3G handset is clearly less bulky than its predecessors, though it's also worth mentioning for other reasons. Made from aircraft aluminum--a Mobiado trademark--the phone features large panels of sapphire crystal, an anodized finish, and a specially toughened ceramic surface. The specs include a 2-megapixel camera, 1GB of built-in memory, and an MP3 player. And, of course, you get that excellent medieval-looking logo.

(Credit: MobileWhack)

So many cell phones look alike these days, but here's one that will definitely get noticed if you're an attention-starved millionaire. It didn't seem possible that luxury handset maker Mobiado could get more exclusive than its "Stealth" and "Luminoso" phones, but it's done just that with the "Professional Camo."

Like its predecessors this handset is made from aircraft aluminum and stainless-steel keys for less weight and more durability, but the Camo is noticeably different because of its hand-painted camouflage design. It looks even more unusual because the metal casing is anodized, giving it "a ceramic look," according to MobileWhack. Only 200 will be produced.

The internal specs of the GSM phone are less impressive, including Bluetooth, video streaming, a 1.3-megapixel camera, an MP3 player, and 32MB of built-in memory that can be expanded to 512MB. But those are probably the least of the concerns for those who purchase one of these collector's items. And there's more than a little irony in its camouflage theme, given that the last thing its owner would want to do is hide it.

(Credit: Chip Chick)

It's unclear why anyone would want to make a knockoff of Vertu's phones. For one thing, it would seem virtually impossible to do justice (or something) to its unique designs and highest-end materials. Perhaps even more difficult would be keeping up with its production schedule because Vertu keeps paying homage to itself with new lines.

None of these reasons are enough to dampen the spirit of Chinese entrepreneurism, which has manifested itself in the form of the "Veptu." This phone is purportedly also a luxury handset, finished in 18k or 24k gold plate and even diamonds if so requested, according to Chip Chick.

Regardless of the similarities and telephonic features, however, the Veptu will never bear any resemblance in one particular department: price. At $215 to $650, it won't even come close to approaching Vertu's range, which can reach $310,000 and probably even higher for models we're not aware of.

(Credit: Sybarites)

Having created such specimens as the $310,000 "Signature Cobra," it's not surprising that Vertu is a brand that isn't afraid to celebrate itself. So even though it's already released one special line marking its 10th anniversary this year, there's nothing to stop them from doing one more.

To that end, the luxury handset maker has unveiled its "Rococo Constellation," also in honor of its first decade, following the "Monogram Constellation" that did the same thing. As indicated by its name, the new collection was inspired by the French design movement of the 18th century, according to Sybarites.

Oddly enough, these models seem surprisingly subdued considering their maker and mission. On closer inspection, however, the "Sapphire Edition" of the collection features cabochon sapphire screws, as well as a center stone button. Say what you will about Vertu, but at least they're consistent.

(Credit: TechFresh)

Just one look at this phone explains why people came up with phrases like "do it right or don't do it at all." As obnoxious as many ultra-blinged handsets may be, most leave little doubt upon closer inspection that qualtiy materials were used in their construction. This "Louis V2" phone, however, looks like something that might be given away for free with a bottle of men's cologne at a department store. The unimpressive specs listed on TechFresh match its design, but that's what you get for a "luxury" phone that goes for $182. You'd probably be better off with one of those free shaving kits made from faux leather.

(Credit: Bellperre)

Last year luxury handset maker Bellperre made some news with the audacious claim that it would produce mobile phones without using a single plastic part (heresy). And now it's come out with a new line that focuses on its exterior as well.

So what is it like to make a product without synthetic polymers? Try crocodile, shark, and buffalo skin, combined with aircraft aluminum, premium hardwoods, and 18k rose gold. Those are a few of the options offered in the European company's latest models, which come in more than 200 colors, according to Newlaunches. Handmade in the Netherlands, they're supposedly no heavier than their plastic competitors.

It will be interesting to see how Bellperre fares in the luxury phone market, where competition is extreme by any measure. But there's one advantage to making handsets with no plastic: There are fewer crafts materials that can be glued on.