The smartphone, one of modern society's most important communication tools, controls the lives of seven billion people for most of the day. When it comes to luxury gadgets, however, the phones prove to be far more than just useful.

Various kinds of rare materials and precious metals can be used to embellish the phones, including diamond, gold and aeronautical and surgery materials. For those who can afford it, the use of these materials turns a mere phone into an elegant work of art rather than just another communication tool.

For most Chinese, buying a phone of nearly 5,000 yuan (US$813) is definitely a luxury. The ten following smartphones are far removed from the wallets of ordinary people. Nevertheless, they still make for a nice view.

   Lamborghini: TL700

Lamborghini: TL700 [mobile.pconline.com.cn]

Price: US$2,758 (16,953 yuan)

Lamborghini, one of the most famous luxury car manufacturers, is also well-known for its luxury smartphones. Its latest smartphone, the TL700, features a sapphire crystal 3.7-inch WVGA display and a Qualcomm processor. Its body is made of metal and crocodile skin, with sapphire glass protecting the display. The design took on the style of Lamborghini car, featuring a dynamic and angular style, which befits the more fashionable buyer.