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Cell phones that make a statement (photos)

From the flashy to the preposterous, these cell phones are sure to get you noticed.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

LG dLite

It's a sure bet that the electric pink or blue hue of the LG dLite will turns some heads, but the hidden LED light displays are the flip phone's more arresting details.

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2 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Motorola Charm

With its wide face and full QWERTY keyboard below, the Motorola Charm has a design unlike any other Android phone on the market. An unfortunate byproduct is one of the smallest, squashiest touch-screen displays, which makes the MotoBlur UI extra cluttered and the navigation cramped.

3 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Gravity 3

At its heart a typical messaging slider phone with QWERTY keyboard, the Samsung Gravity 3's electric blue accents get it noticed.

4 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Sonim XP3 Quest

Is it a phone or a Transformer? The hyper-rugged Sonim XP3 Quest is bright yellow and festooned with rubber. Built in line with military specs, it can withstand most heavy-duty stress testing.

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5 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Motorola VE440

Designed by LA graffiti artist Mister Cartoon, the Motorola VE440 sure makes a statement with its stylized chassis and street art decals. Unfortunately, since the call quality is so poor and ringtones so gag-worthy, we can't actually recommend it as anything more than a showpiece.

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6 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini

"Small" may be the first thing that pops into mind when you see the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini. At 3.3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 0.6 inch deep, it's probably the most diminutive Android phone there is.

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7 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Verizon Wireless Razzle

A texting phone with a QWERTY keyboard, the Verizon Wireless Razzle conceals a twist. Literally swivel the lower half to use either the keyboard or the music player controls. As a bonus, the keyboard tilts up for improved ergonomics.

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8 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Just5 J509

The Just5 J509 has roomy buttons and a whittled-down feature set. The biggest surprise? It's a senior-friendly phone, not a calculator.

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9 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Motorola Backflip

Though it isn't the stellar phone we thought it could be at first glance, the Motorola Backflip's rear-facing QWERTY keyboard and navigational trackpad behind the screen will raise a few eyebrows.

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10 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Kin One

The small, pod-shaped Kin One isn't only striking for its sci-fi design and distinctive black-on-white look. If you have it, it's also sure to gain attention as one of the shortest-lived phones on the market; Microsoft discontinued its two Kin phones June 30, just weeks after the May 6 debut.

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