What comes to your mind when you think about high-end smartphones? You think of sleek designs, cutting-edge technology, fast performance, and, of course, price tags that are hard to ignore. These premium devices aren’t just for showing off their high price. These devices are designed for people who demand the best mobile technology, whether for gaming, photography, or productivity.
You’re on the right page if you want to know which smartphones in South Africa are the most expensive and the most prestigious. We’ll dive into the ten most expensive phones in South Africa and see what makes them so special.
1. Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design – R69,999
Start with the Huawei Mate XT. This phone is so far ahead of its time that you may feel as if you are holding the future. This is the device you’ve always wanted to own, that can be used as both a smartphone and a tablet. trifold design offers a new way of interacting with your screen.
It can be unfolded into a 10.2-inch display that is perfect for multitasking, watching movies, or editing photos on the move. And the camera system. It’s absolutely mind-blowing. You’ll be able to capture images that are so vibrant and crisp, they may even surpass what your DSLR can do.
Key Features
- Display: 10.2-inch foldable OLED
- Camera: 200MP with XMAGE variable aperture
- Processor: Kirin 9000
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Fast Charging
This is available from select retailers, including Huawei Experience Stores. If you have the money and the taste for the unusual, it’s an easy choice.
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max – R39 299 (1TB Model)
Ah, the iPhone. Apple’s flagship is a must-have for any list of high-end smartphones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a new level of smartphone. You know how much an iPhone is more than a phone. It’s a whole experience. With the new A18 Pro chip, everything is buttery-smooth, whether you’re multitasking or editing videos.
The Camera System is among the best available. The Wide Lens 48MP captures stunning details while the Display Super Retina XDR makes your content come to life.
Let’s face it: You’re paying for the Apple reputation as well. This is a great phone if you want a device that combines elegance and powerhouse performance.
Key Features
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- camera: 48MP wide-angle, 12MP ultrawide and 12MP Telephoto
- Processor: A18 Pro chip
- Battery: 4,400mAh with Fast Charging
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great device for both work and play. It has Apple’s trademark build quality, as well as insane performance.
3. Vivo X200 Pro – R32 080
Vivo is not a brand that you hear much about, but the Vivo Pro has made waves. It offers features found in phones costing far more. The Zeiss 200MP co-engineered camera is a showstopper, allowing you to capture ultra-high-definition photos like never before. This is a great option for those who love to push their phone’s camera as far as it can go.
This device also offers a truly immersive experience with its 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED screen. The display is vibrant, whether you are scrolling through Facebook or watching Netflix.
Key Features
- Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED
- Camera: 200MP Zeiss co-engineered camera
- processor: Dimensity MediaTek 9400
- Battery: 4,600mAh with Fast Charging
Vivo is a strong competitor on the market for premium smartphones, with a unique combination between performance and value.
4. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – R28,999
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has been a hot topic in 2025. And for good reason. The 6.8″ QHD+ AMOLED screen makes it perfect for gaming and watching movies. Its Snapdragon Gen 3 chip ensures that the phone runs like a charm.
Who is the star of this show? The camera. The wide-angle 200MP lens ensures you don’t miss a shot. It’s also packed with features that set it apart from other cameras.
Key Features
- Display: 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED
- Camera: 200MP wide lens
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Fast Charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a great balance between top-notch photography, performance and an impressive display.
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5. Oppo Reno 13 5G – R17,999
The Oppo Reno 12 5G is proof that premium phones don’t have to be expensive. It’s a real treat for those who love to take selfies and engage in video calls. Oppo’s device is not only a stunning camera, but also has AI enhanced photography to ensure that you get the best shots possible at any time of day or night.
This phone is also ready for 5G. You’ll enjoy fast internet speeds wherever you are. This phone is an excellent choice if you want a great-value device that still has impressive features.
Key Features
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED
- camera: Front-facing 50MP camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Battery: 4,500mAh with Fast Charging
Oppo’s Reno 13 5G, a smartphone with a lot of features at an affordable price, has been a hit in South Africa.
6. Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra – R17,999
Xiaomi is well-known for offering the best value for money, and the MI 14 Ultra provides a great example. This phone has a main camera with 108MP and a telephoto lens. It is designed for mobile photographers who want to capture every detail.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Processor is a powerful processor that will handle everything, from gaming marathons to professional photo editing.
Key Features
- Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED
- Camera : 108MP main lens, 50MP Telephoto lens
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Fast Charging
The Mi 14 Ultra offers top-notch performance at a reasonable price.
7. Google Pixel 10 Pro – R19,999
Google has been at the forefront of camera technology for many years, and this Pixel 10 Pro is no exception. This phone’s wide 50MP camera is perfect for mobile photographers. It will bring your Instagram photos to life like never before.
The Google Tensor chip keeps the phone running smoothly. Meanwhile, the 6.9″ LTPO OLED displays crisp images for your media and apps. This is one of the top phones for those who are looking for raw performance and outstanding photography.
Key Features
- Display: 6.9-inch LTPO OLED
- Camera: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto
- Processor: Google Tensor 3 chip
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Fast Charging
The Pixel 10 Pro is the perfect choice for those who want the best Android experience, with an emphasis on photography.
8. Sony Xperia V – R24,000
The Sony Xperia V is a device that offers a 6.5″ OLED 4K display, which brings movies, videos, and games to life. Leica co-engineered the camera system to ensure that photos are crisp and vibrant. This phone was designed for those who enjoy high-quality media.
Key Features
- Display: 6.5-inch 4K OLED
- Camera: Triple-camera System with 48MP Main Sensor
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Fast Charging
This phone is perfect for those who enjoy media and appreciate a high-resolution, stunning display.
9. Motorola Edge 40 Pro – R25,000
Motorola might not always top the charts, but the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is a solid option for anyone looking for a premium device that won’t break the bank. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colours and smooth visuals, perfect for gaming or binge-watching your favourite shows. The 50MP main camera captures stunning shots, while the 16MP ultra-wide lens lets you fit more into your frame without compromising quality.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, this phone delivers top-notch performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps. Plus, the 4,500mAh battery means you won’t be scrambling for a charger in the middle of the day.
For anyone who wants a high-end phone without the sky-high price, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers excellent value, with flagship features at a more affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED
- Camera: 50MP main camera, 16MP ultra-wide lens
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Battery: 4,500mAh with fast charging
The Motorola Edge 40 Pro delivers a smooth user experience without the premium price tag.
10. OnePlus 12 Pro – R33,000
OnePlus has long been a go-to brand for those who want top-tier performance without paying for the biggest names. The OnePlus 12 Pro carries that tradition forward, offering an impressive 6.8-inch AMOLED display that brings content to life with vivid colours and deep blacks. The 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) ensures every shot is crisp, even in low light.
What really sets the OnePlus 12 Pro apart is its speed. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip combined with 12GB of RAM makes sure you never experience lag. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or switching between apps, everything runs smoothly.
And with the 5,000mAh battery and fast charging, you’ll spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying your phone. OnePlus has created a phone that balances performance and value, making it one of the best choices for those who want flagship-level quality without paying top dollar.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED
- Camera: 50MP main camera with OIS
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Battery: 5,000mAh with fast charging
The OnePlus 12 Pro is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance phone that doesn’t compromise on features or style.
Most expensive phones in South Africa
The 2025 brand has introduced some of the world’s most advanced smartphones at prices that match their amazing features. These phones are the best in the business. From the Huawei Mate XT, with its futuristic folding design, to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and its flawless performance.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or just someone who enjoys the latest technology. Finding the right device for your budget and needs is key.
