15 Most Expensive Phones in South Africa | 2025 Update

South Africa’s smartphone market offers everything from affordable mid‑range handsets to ultra‑premium devices that cater to the most discerning buyers. The gap between entry‑level phones and the Most Expensive Phone in South Africa has never been wider: on one end, you can pick up a capable budget model for under R5,000; on the other, bespoke luxury phones are selling for hundreds of thousands of rand.

In this article, we will explore the most Expensive Phones in South Africa —mainstream flagships, cutting‑edge foldables, and exclusive luxury editions—so you can see exactly which models top the price charts and what makes them worth their lofty tags.

Which is the most expensive phone in South Africa?

At the very peak sits a limited‑edition luxury smartphone from TI (a South African-based luxury tech brand). The TI Vertu Black Leather First Android Smartphone once retailed for R297 099—making it unequivocally the Most Expensive Phone in South Africa on the market today.

Its full‑grain leather body, hand‑stitched accents, and exclusive concierge services justify the near‑R300 000 price, placing it well above top‑tier flagships and even foldable innovators.

Also read: How Much is Samsung Galaxy z flip 4 in Nigeria | Price and Specification

Which brand has some of the most expensive phones in South Africa?

Several manufacturers vie for the title of premium‑segment champion in South Africa:

• Vertu/TI leads the ultra‑luxury niche with hand‑crafted, limited‑edition handsets.
• Huawei pushes foldable innovation, such as the Mate XT tri‑fold and Mate X3.
• Samsung dominates the mainstream premium space with its Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5.
• Apple holds sway among status‑driven buyers via Pro‑series iPhones (Pro Max and high‑capacity variants).
• Sony appeals to imaging enthusiasts with the Xperia 1 V and its top‑spec camera hardware.
  These brands collectively set the upper limits of South African smartphone pricing, from R22 699 up to nearly R300 000 across different tiers.

Who uses the most expensive phone in South Africa?

The clientele for these ultra‑premium devices is small but varied. Buyers include:

• High‑net‑worth individuals (CEOs, entrepreneurs, celebrities) seeking exclusivity and craftsmanship.
• Status‑driven consumers who value the prestige of owning the latest flagship or a bespoke luxury handset.
• Tech enthusiasts and early adopters eager for the cutting edge—foldable displays, multi‑lens camera arrays, and top‑tier internals.
• Collectors of rare and limited‑edition gadgets, especially in the Vertu/TI ecosystem.
  For all these users, the price tag is secondary to the statement and capabilities their smartphone provides.

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15 Most Expensive Phones in South Africa

South Africa’s top smartphones push the price envelope. Most expensive models tend to be cutting-edge flagships or unique foldable devices. With high-end phones include the latest iPhones, Samsung foldable, Huawei’s premium models, and other luxury devices, the 15 Most Expensive Phones in South Africa include;

1. TI Vertu Black Leather First Android Smartphone
2. Vertu Constellation Ayxta
3. Huawei Mate XT Tri‑Fold
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 512 GB
5. Huawei Mate X3 512 GB
6. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 1 TB
7. Sony Xperia 1 V 512 GB
8. Apple iPhone 15 Pro 1 TB
9. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 1 TB
10. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 256 GB
11. Apple iPhone 14 Pro 1 TB
12. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512 GB
13. Google Pixel 7 Pro 256 GB
14. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 512 GB
15. Google Pixel 7 Pro 128 GB

1. TI Vertu Black Leather First Android Smartphone (R297 099)

TI’s Vertu Black Leather First sits at the summit. Priced at R297 099, it combines hand‑stitched full‑grain leather, bespoke concierge support, and ultra‑limited availability. Only a handful exist in South Africa, making it the centerpiece of any luxury collection.

2. Vertu Constellation Ayxta (R112 046)

This collector’s edition Vertu model—boasting pearl‑white alligator leather and factory‑numbered plating—commands R112 046. Discontinued yet still traded among enthusiasts, it epitomises tech artistry and rarity.

3. Huawei Mate XT Tri‑Fold (R69 999)

This is the world’s first triple-fold smartphone, essentially a three-panel folding device. It unfolds into a large 10.2-inch tablet-like display. Launched in 2024, the Mate XT’s innovative design and tech (including 5G and a high-end camera) put it at the very top of SA prices. At R69 999, it pioneers new UX territory, pairing flagship‑grade cameras and 5G connectivity in a one‑of‑a‑kind form factor.

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 512 GB (R49 999)

Samsung’s latest foldable (2023) with a 7.6-inch inner screen. At launch, the 512GB model cost about R42,999 (often seen on retail sites).

The Fold5’s multitasking features and flagship specs (Snapdragon 8 Gen2, 12GB RAM) gave it a high price tag. Samsung’s history of pricey foldables is well-documented – older Galaxy Z Fold models were among SA’s priciest devices.

5. Huawei Mate X3 512 GB (R44 999)

The Mate X3 brings a 7.85″ inner display in a book‑style foldable design. At R44 999, it remains one of the priciest non‑Samsung foldables, equipped with the Kirin 9000S chipset and pro‑level camera hardware.

6. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 1 TB (R44 499)

Apple’s flagship 15 Pro Max with 1 TB storage hits R44 499 in South Africa. Its A17 Pro chip, ProMotion OLED display, and premium titanium frame justify its place among the elite handsets.

7. Sony Xperia 1 V 512 GB (R42 000)

Sony’s flagship “1” series phone, tailored for photographers. The Xperia 1 V has a 4K OLED display, Zeiss-tuned triple cameras, and 512GB storage.

Retail was roughly R42,000 for the top 512GB model. Its premium features (especially camera) place it in the expensive tier alongside foldable. It commands a premium for its best‑in‑class imaging prowess and pro‑grade software tools.

Check out the 10 Most Expensive iPhones in the World | Prices and Specification

8. Apple iPhone 15 Pro 1 TB (R41 499)

Slightly smaller than the Pro Max, the 15 Pro 1 TB retails at R41 499. It shares the A17 Pro chip and titanium build, offering a compact yet equally powerful iPhone experience.

9. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 1 TB (R39 999)

The previous‑gen 14 Pro Max with 1 TB remains a luxury pick at R39 999. Featuring the A16 Bionic, Dynamic Island, and a 48 MP Pro camera, it continues to hold value among late adopters.

10. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 256 GB (R38 999)

For R38 999, you can opt for the 256 GB variant of the Z Fold5. Performance and foldable UX remain unchanged, with only storage capacity reduced.

11. Apple iPhone 14 Pro 1 TB (R37 999)

The 14 Pro (6.1″) with 1 TB storage sells for R37 999, balancing pocket‑friendly size with Apple’s Pro camera and display technologies.

12. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512 GB (R34 999)

Samsung’s S24 Ultra flagship, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a 200 MP main camera, carries a R34 999 tag for 512 GB—an all‑rounder for camera buffs and productivity fans.

13. Google Pixel 7 Pro 256 GB (R26 899)

Google’s 7 Pro pushes computational photography, holding 256 GB for R26 899. Its Tensor G2 chip and clean Android 13 make it a premium, if niche, choice.

See also: 8 Great Android Alternatives to iPhone 15 Pro Max You Will Love

14. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 512 GB (R22 999)

The Z Flip5 brings a 3.4″ Flex Window and 6.7″ foldable screen in a compact clamshell design. At R22 999 for 512 GB, it trades some productivity for pocketability and style.

15. Google Pixel 7 Pro 128 GB (R22 699)

Finally, the 128 GB base variant of the Pixel 7 Pro sells for R22 699, offering the same Tensor G2 power but lower storage—still one of the priciest Pixels in SA.

Rank	Model & Configuration	Launch Price (ZAR)	Price (Dollar)	Price (Naira)	Notes
1	TI Vertu Black Leather First Android Smartphone	R297 099	16,695	25,589,585	Hand‑stitched leather, exclusive concierge service, ultra‑limited run.
2	Vertu Constellation Ayxta	R112 046	6,297.10	9,654,148	Collector’s edition; pearl‑white alligator leather, limited to 77 units globally.
3	Huawei Mate XT (tri‑fold)	R69 999	3,933.63	6,028,769	World’s first tri‑fold display; 10.2″ unfolded, 5G, flagship cameras.
4	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 512 GB	R49 999	2,809	4,306,238	7.6″ inner foldable AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 12 GB RAM.
5	Huawei Mate X3 512 GB	R44 999	2,528.94	3,877,100	7.85″ book‑style foldable, 5G, Kirin 9000S chipset.
6	Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 1 TB	R44 499	2,500	3,834,020	A17 Pro chip, 6.7″ OLED, Pro camera system, titanium frame.
7	Sony Xperia 1 V 512 GB	R42 000	2,360	3,618,949	4K 120 Hz OLED, Zeiss‑tuned triple cameras, 12 GB RAM; launch premium.
8	Apple iPhone 15 Pro 1 TB	R41 499	2,331	3,575,487.36	A17 Pro chip, 6.1″ OLED, Pro camera, lightweight titanium chassis.
9	Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 1 TB	R39 999	2,247	3,446,035	A16 Bionic, 6.7″ Super Retina XDR, Dynamic Island, Pro lens array.
10	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 256 GB	R38 999	2,191	3,359,882	Same foldable form as the 512 GB model, lower storage tier.
11	Apple iPhone 14 Pro 1 TB	R37 999	2,135	3,272,343	6.1″ Pro display, A16 chip, 48 MP main camera, 1 TB storage option.
12	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512 GB	R34 999	1,966	3,012,994	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 200 MP main camera, S Pen support.
13	Google Pixel 7 Pro 256 GB	R26 899	1,512	2,318,531	Tensor G2, 6.7″ OLED, advanced computational photography features.
14	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 512 GB	R22 999	1,293	1,982,276	Compact 3.4″ Flex Window, 6.7″ main screen, flagship internals.
15	Google Pixel 7 Pro 128 GB	R22 699	1,276	1,956,522	Base‑capacity Pro model, 5G, stock Android with Google AI enhancements.

Check out: How Much is Samsung Galaxy Fold in Nigeria | Price and Specifications

FAQs

Conclusion

From bespoke leather‑bound Vertu masterpieces to bleeding‑edge foldables and flagship‑level photography phones, South Africa’s Most Expensive Phone landscape is varied and dynamic.

Whether you’re seeking ultimate luxury, unrivalled camera prowess, or the latest in display innovation, any of the above will fit into your needs. Ultimately, these devices offer more than just communication—they’re statements of wealth, taste, and a commitment to owning cutting‑edge technology.

References

• techcentral.co.za/most expensive smartphone in South Africa
• whoownsafrica.com/most expensive smartphone in South Africa
• tiktok.com/most expensive smartphone in South Africa
• facebook.com/most expensive smartphone in South Africa

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