Luxury or Gimmick? The Weirdest Smartphone Colors and Back Designs of 2024

Xiaomi pushed luxury to new heights with its limited edition, the Xiaomi 15 Diamond Edition. The back of this model features crocodile-grain leather and a real 57-facet diamond embedded on the side, targeting those with a taste for the extravagant. Available in Elephant Grey, Orange, and Glacier White, this phone undeniably stands out.

However, some might feel that embedding an actual diamond on a smartphone could come off as over-the-top. And while the opulent look is impressive, it raises questions about practicality. Will it really appeal to everyday users, or is it just a trophy piece for collectors? It certainly created a memorable moment for one Xiaomi fan, who recently used it to propose to his girlfriend.

CMF (an offshoot brand of Nothing) introduced CMF Phone 1, which comes with a vegan leather back available in Light Green, Blue (India only), and Orange. Users can swap these back covers or attach accessories like a fold-out stand or cardholder. Though the customization and sustainable materials sound appealing, the lack of Nothing’s signature Glyph interface might make it feel incomplete for those familiar with the original Nothing lineup. In many ways, it feels like a starter kit for unique designs rather than a complete product.

Tecno’s Pova 6 Pro introduces a back cover embedded with 210 Mini-LEDs capable of producing eye-catching ring and propeller-shaped light effects. With up to 101 user-defined lighting scenarios, the device practically doubles as a mini rave light. However, these flashy lights might appeal to a niche audience, primarily gamers or young users. For regular users, it might simply add unnecessary weight and battery drain. The lighting effects, though novel, make it difficult to see how it enhances the device’s practical appeal beyond the gimmick.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition incorporates green-tinted phosphorescent materials on its back, allowing it to emit a soft glow in the dark. The design is supposedly inspired by fireflies and the idea of finding light in darkness, symbolizing community connections.

However, while this aesthetic may resonate with fans of Nothing’s minimalistic design language, it seems more fitting as a novelty rather than a daily-use feature. This glow-in-the-dark element could become unnecessary for those not enthusiastic about luminescent phones, leaving some to wonder if this was more about creative experimentation than functional innovation.

Another striking addition to the Xiaomi lineup is the Liquid Silver edition of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro. It features a unique ripple effect that shimmers when caught in the right light.

While this silver variant feels modern and sleek, the reflective surface may not appeal to everyone due to fingerprint smudges and increased slipperiness. Additionally, it’s likely to be a dust magnet, which could detract from its overall aesthetic appeal. For a color that is supposed to add sophistication, this choice might end up being high-maintenance.

With designs like these, it’s clear that brands are willing to try new, sometimes unconventional, aesthetics to capture consumer attention. While these experimental back designs and colors show innovation, they also hint at potential downsides. As brands strive to balance form and function, it remains to be seen if these designs will inspire a new generation of stylish smartphones or end up as a mere flash in the pan.

Ultimately, the eccentricities of 2024’s smartphone backs remind us that while a touch of luxury, customization, and creativity can be exciting, these additions can sometimes compromise the practicality and user experience that most users ultimately prioritize. Whether these designs represent progress or gimmickry is up for debate, but one thing’s certain: 2024 has been a visually captivating year in smartphone design.

If you’ve made it this far, check out our take on why rugged cases for smartphones might not be the best choice.