BenQ handsets are not that popular as BenQ wishes but they still do win awards. The company has just unveiled a new smartphone that won the iF Product Design Award 2009. A little early for a phone to win an award for the whole 2009, but we’re going to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The Royal is a candybar which is said to be “a smart phone with powerful functions including a personalized interface and internet live messenger to make both mobility and communication easier”. The phone comes with a touch-sensitive area behind the main screen which will let you turn ebook pages and browse photo and music files. We don’t have all the details yet and there’s no info on pricing and availability dates. Would you be interested in the Royal?

via BenQ

We have one more expensive Nokia phone for you. It’s the Nokia Royal which comes with 8.2 carat, color F diamonds. 1160 individually gems all together. Not that’s a feature you were looking for in a Nokia phone, right?

Platinum, carbon fiber and even platinum screws complete the case. Actually there’s plenty of platinum too: 65 grams of it to be more precise. The box of the Royal is made from granite and leather. At this point it doesn’t even matter if the phone can make and receive calls. Just wearing it around should be enough.

Only 50 Royals are going to be made. Go to the Colette store in Paris to get one on Saturday, January 31. We don’t even want to ask how much one Royal costs!

via press