BenQ P31 Unreleased Prototype: Nokia 6708’s Hidden Twin

2024


/home/frenchca/public_html/gsmcollection/wp-content/plugins/woocommerce-products-filter/views/woof.php on line 582
">
  • BenQ P31 Unreleased Prototype: Nokia 6708's Hidden Twin

    BenQ P31 Unreleased Prototype: Nokia 6708’s Hidden Twin

    💎 Rarity Index: X (Mystical Prototype)

    ⭐ WOW Factor: The BenQ P31 is the original device behind the Nokia 6708

    It is one of the only non-Nokia smartphones ever sold with Nokia branding.

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: Great – 9.5/10

    ⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2004 | 💰 Release Price: N/A

    📊 Units Sold: 0

    📰 Why this phone matters: This unit is an ultra-rare BenQ P31 engineering prototype, representing one of the most historically significant missing links in Symbian UIQ development. Originally conceived around 2003-2004 as BenQ’s entry into the high-end touchscreen smartphone market, the P31 was built on Symbian OS 7 with UIQ 2.1 and designed as a compact, stylus-driven business device. It never reached commercial release, and only a very small number of early engineering samples were ever produced.

    This unit stands out immediately. It carries no BenQ branding, no label, no IMEI sticker, and no certification markings whatsoever, confirming it as a direct engineering lab device belonging to the EVT or very early DVT phase. Even more extraordinary, it boots with Nokia startup logos, revealing its role in one of the most unusual collaborations in Symbian history: the transformation of the BenQ P31 hardware platform into the commercial Nokia 6708.

    During development, Nokia needed a UIQ device for Asian markets but did not want to engineer new UIQ hardware from scratch. Instead, Nokia evaluated the P31 as a potential base. This unit belongs to the narrow transitional window where Nokia UIQ firmware branches were loaded onto BenQ hardware to test compatibility, performance, and UIQ adaptation. Evidence of this includes Nokia boot screens, Nokia font structures, early Nokia overlays for PIM apps, and firmware variant directories corresponding to internal Nokia identifiers such as E582 or UIQ test builds. This type of cross-firmware contamination is almost never seen outside internal Symbian development environments.

    Hardware examination indicates the original P31 layout: touchscreen with stylus input, UIQ key structure, OMAP-based platform, VGA camera module, and early UIQ 2.1 software stack. The matte prototype plastics, generic shielding, unbranded flex cables, and absence of final molding marks clearly separate it from the later Nokia 6708 retail hardware. Meanwhile, the Nokia firmware elements confirm the device was active during the validation period before Nokia redesigned the shell, finalized the PCB revisions, and prepared the 6708 for market release.

    Historically, the BenQ P31 is known from documents, press mentions, and UIQ SDK references but extremely few physical units survive. Most were destroyed when BenQ cancelled its Symbian efforts and shifted to Windows Mobile and Siemens acquisition projects. Estimates based on engineering validation patterns suggest fewer than 40 to 80 EVT devices were made, with only a fraction entering Nokia testing flows. Units that display Nokia boot elements but retain full P31 prototype hardware are believed to number in the low single digits, making this unit one of the rarest Symbian UIQ artifacts in private hands.

    Beyond rarity, this unit captures an entire unspoken chapter of smartphone evolution. It demonstrates how early OEM partnerships shaped device portfolios, how Symbian UIQ was adapted beyond Sony Ericsson hardware, and how Nokia explored touchscreen ecosystems prior to its Series 90 and later platforms. The P31 shows that Nokia was more deeply involved in UIQ experimentation than publicly acknowledged, using BenQ hardware as a bridge to enter UIQ markets quickly. It also highlights the technical flexibility of Symbian OS 7 and UIQ 2.1, which could be made to run on foreign hardware architectures with relatively limited porting.

    For collectors, this unit sits at the highest echelon of prototype rarity. It is a never-released engineering platform, positioned between two manufacturers, with firmware that exposes internal development layers normally hidden inside corporate labs. It is a device that not only predates the Nokia 6708, but directly influenced its existence. As a result, this BenQ P31 prototype is not just a smartphone; it is a critical historical artifact documenting the intersection of BenQ’s abandoned Symbian ambitions and Nokia’s strategic adaptation of UIQ technology.

    This unit, with its untouched prototype housing, label-free chassis, stylus support, UIQ interface, and Nokia boot sequences, stands as one of the finest surviving examples of transitional Symbian engineering hardware. It is a cornerstone piece for any top-tier collection focused on prototypes, UIQ development, or cross-manufacturer Symbian evolution.

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Placeholder

    BlackBerry P’9982 Porsche Desgin

    💎 Rarity Index: A (Rare)

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: BNIB – 10/10

    ⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: YES

    📅 Release Year: 2013 | 💰 Release Price: ~2350 $

    📊 Units Sold: ~20k

    📰 Why this phone matters: The BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9982 is a high-end smartphone by BlackBerry and Porsche Design. Released in December 2013, it is based upon the BlackBerry Z10, having exactly the same internal hardware specifications except for an increase of internal memory from 16 GB to 64 GB and a microSD slot that is now verified for 64 GB cards.

    Porsche Design has modified the phone design by adding stainless steel and satin materials to the body to create a more “premium” device, which is slightly larger and has more heft than the BlackBerry Z10. The P’9982 runs Blackberry 10.2.1 and features a slightly modified user interface by Porsche Design that features a new alarm clock, lock screen display, square-shaped icons and custom BBM PINs.

    📝 Reviews when released: TechRadar 🔗

    Quick View
  • Bosch 607

    Bosch 607

    💎 Rarity Index: B (Uncommon)

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: BNIB – 10/10

    ⏱ Life timer: 0m | 📦 Boxed: YES

    📅 Release Year: 1997 | 💰 Release Price: N/A

    📊 Units Sold: ~300k

    📰 Why this phone matters: Entry Level from Bosch in 1997

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Placeholder

    Motorola E18 Ivory Unreleased Prototype: The Lost Luxury

    💎 Rarity Index: X (Mystical Prototype)

    Ultra expensive luxury phone after Aura

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: 9/10 – 10/10

    ⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2008 | 💰 Release Price: ~2000

    📊 Units Sold: 0 unreleased

    📰 Why this phone matters: The Motorola E18 Ivory is one of the rarest and most intriguing unreleased devices ever created by Motorola. Designed as a luxury slider phone with high-end materials and a unique dual-stop sliding mechanism, the E18 represented a bold and experimental direction that Motorola never brought to market. This prototype was intended to compete in the ultra-premium segment, with the stainless steel production version carrying a projected retail price of around 2000 eur;, placing it far above standard Motorola models of the era.

    This unit is an Ivory prototype in mint, as new, fully working condition, making it an exceptionally rare survivor. Very few E18 units were ever completed, and prototypes were typically scrapped, destroyed, or left non-functional. Having a working device in such preserved condition is considered unicorn-level rarity among Motorola collectors.

    The defining feature of the E18 is its dual-stop slider mechanism. The first sliding step reveals a set of function keys, while the second sliding step exposes the complete T9 keypad. This layered mechanical design is unlike any mass-produced Motorola phone and reflects a level of engineering experimentation seen only in internal development devices. The combination of compact size, premium detailing, and complex mechanical motion makes the E18 one of the most innovative unreleased designs Motorola ever attempted.

    Equipped with a 3 MP camera, premium external materials, and a sleek luxury aesthetic, the E18 Ivory was planned as a flagship device aimed at high-end buyers. Its design blends minimalist clean lines, luxury cues, and an advanced sliding system that offers a distinct tactile experience. The overall look and feel suggest that Motorola intended the E18 to stand alongside boutique luxury brands rather than mainstream consumer models.

    Because the E18 project was cancelled before launch, surviving prototypes are extremely scarce. Most did not reach a stable operational state or were never finished to production quality. A mint, fully operational Ivory prototype is almost impossible to find, and it represents one of the most important pre-production artifacts in Motorola’s history. This device stands as a rare window into a luxury direction the company never pursued, making it a true collector trophy and a highlight in any high-end mobile phone collection.

    📝 Reviews when released: PhoneArena.com 🔗

    Quick View
  • Placeholder

    NEC N900: Ultra-Compact 2004 GSM Phone

    💎 Rarity Index: A (Rare)

    ⭐ WOW Factor: A phone so ahead of its time it forgot to include an earpiece – the NEC N900 is pure early-2000s sci-fi hardware.

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: Great – 10/10

    ⏱ Life timer: N/A | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2004 | 💰 Release Price: ~320 $

    📊 Units Sold: ~400k

    📰 Why this phone matters: The NEC N900 is one of the most obscure and fascinating micro-handsets ever released in the early 2000s-a device that looks like a tiny PDA more than a phone, designed for the Chinese GSM/GPRS market and produced in extremely limited numbers. This particular unit stands out even further for its unconventional keypad layout, with keys positioned in a way that differs from final versions, suggesting an early-batch or special-production configuration rarely seen today.

    The N900 was engineered around minimalism and compactness, which led NEC to take one of its boldest decisions: the phone has no built-in earpiece. All voice calls must be made using the proprietary NEC headset, making it one of the few mobile phones in history that cannot be held to the ear to talk. This unusual constraint reflects NEC’s original intention for the N900 to be a messaging-centric smart device, not a traditional voice phone.

    Despite its tiny footprint, the N900 packs surprising features for its era:

    – a touch-style 2.2-inch display framed in metal

    – circular metallic keys arranged in a distinctive grid

    – full GSM/GPRS support

    – NEC’s proprietary OS used on early N-series smart devices

    – ultra-compact form factor comparable to the Nokia 82xx series, yet far more futuristic

    This unit retains its authentic operator security seal, original structural components, and the rare keypad configuration-making it a genuinely collectible piece of early-2000s mobile experimentation.

    A device like this embodies a short-lived moment when manufacturers dared to rethink what a phone could look like-before smartphones standardized everything. The NEC N900 is a perfect example of that creative chaos, and your piece is one of the cleanest surviving specimens.

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Placeholder

    Nokia 2650 Quiksilver: Sealed Boost Mobile Brown Edition

    💎 Rarity Index: S (Ultra Rare)

    ⭐ WOW Factor: Quiksilver Nokia 2650 by Boost Mobile is a co-branded surf lifestyle edition

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: Great – 9.5/10

    🕵 Nokia Codename: Pinoccchio

    ⏱ Life timer: 15h | 📦 Boxed: YES

    📅 Release Year: 2004 | 💰 Release Price: ~125 $

    📊 Units Sold: ~50k

    📰 Why this phone matters: This unit is a sealed time capsule from the mid 2000s surf and pre paid boom: the Quiksilver Nokia 2650 by Boost Mobile, built on the Brown variant of Nokia’s classic clamshell and wrapped in a massive co branded retail pack. The front of the box is pure surf culture, with bold Quiksilver graphics, a surfer crashing through the waves and a custom Nokia 2650 shown with Quiksilver logos and stripes on the flip. Boost Mobile and yes Optus badges underline that this was the Australian youth offer of its time, complete with a free Boost mini lanyard and 10 dollars of pre paid credit right out of the box.

    The Quiksilver edition is more than a simple color variant. This bundle includes unique Quiksilver artwork on the phone’s shell, a dedicated Boost Mobile mini lanyard accessory, special surf themed packaging, and prepaid credit built into the offer. The entire package was created as a lifestyle product, tying Nokia’s entry level clamshell design to the surf and skate identity that Boost Mobile used to dominate the prepaid market in Australia. The huge graphic box and branded phone shell make this edition visually stand out far beyond the standard 2650 Brown.

    Technically, the phone inside is a standard Nokia 2650: a compact clamshell Series 40 device with a 128×128 color CSTN display, LED alerts for calls and SMS, GPRS data, Java games and BL-4C battery. What makes this sealed Quiksilver edition extraordinary is not a change in hardware, but the way Nokia and Boost wrapped it into a lifestyle bundle. For a collector, this is more than just a phone box; it is a complete, untouched artifact of early 2000s mobile branding, merging Nokia engineering, Quiksilver surf identity and Boost Mobile’s prepaid culture into one rare, perfectly preserved package.

    📝 Reviews when released: Mobile Review 🔗

    Quick View
  • Nokia 3108 - The Handwriting Pioneer

    Nokia 3108 – The Handwriting Pioneer

    💎 Rarity Index: A (Rare)

    ⭐ WOW Factor: Handwriting Recognition

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: New – 10/10

    ⏱ Life timer: 0 | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2003 | 💰 Release Price: N/A

    📊 Units Sold: ~300k

    📰 Why this phone matters: The Nokia 3108 is one of Nokia’s most unusual and innovative feature phones, created specifically for the Chinese market and designed around pen-based handwriting recognition. Built on the early Series 40 platform, the 3108 combines a compact candybar form with a flip-down translucent keypad that reveals a dedicated writing pad. Using the included stylus, the phone can recognize both English and Chinese handwriting, offering an input method perfectly adapted to the complexity of Chinese characters.

    This unit represents one of Nokia’s rare experiments in interface design, developed long before touchscreens became mainstream. The writing pad system uses stroke detection software and a pressure-sensitive surface, making the 3108 function as an early hybrid between classic keypad phones and later touch-driven devices. It also includes MMS, Java support, and a speakerphone, bringing modern features to a form factor centered on pen input.

    Because the 3108 was sold only in China and produced for a short period, surviving units are uncommon, and examples in clean condition are even harder to find. As part of Nokia’s limited Pen Input family, the 3108 stands out as a unique collector piece that captures a moment of bold experimentation in Nokia’s history. It remains one of the very few non-touchscreen devices in the world capable of recognizing handwritten text, making it an important and highly distinctive addition to any serious mobile phone collection.

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Placeholder

    Nokia 3128 Prototype F5.0 : Codename Kirin| Unreleased Colour (Orange)

    💎 Rarity Index: S (Ultra Rare)

    ⭐ WOW Factor: Represents a short-lived moment when BenQ attempted to showcase its ability to deliver a complete UI solution, hoping to convince Nokia that full software outsourcing for low-cost devices was feasible.
    The existence of this device is proof of a BenQ-driven initiative, briefly evaluated and ultimately rejected by Nokia.
    Only a handful of such BenQ UI?on?Nokia hardware identity samples were ever created, making surviving units exceptionally rare.

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: New – 10/10

    🕵 Nokia Codename: Kirin

    ⏱ Life timer: 0 | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2003 | 💰 Release Price: ~300 $

    📊 Units Sold: ~15M (final units)

    📰 Why this phone matters: A remarkably rare piece of Nokia’s China-market CDMA history, the Nokia 3128 (Type RH-72) stands apart from the brand’s mainstream lineup.
    Developed during Nokia’s short-lived collaboration with BenQ/Qisda for ODM CDMA devices, the 3128 blends Nokia’s software customisation with a hardware platform originating from BenQ’s Kirin F5.0 design family – a handset architecture that BenQ itself never released commercially.

    This prototype unit, finished in an unreleased Orange colourway, represents a pre-production stage never intended for the public market. The colour scheme follows BenQ’s design language rather than Nokia’s, making it instantly identifiable among collectors familiar with early-2000s ODM manufacturing. Hardware elements – including the casing geometry, battery interface and Qualcomm-based CDMA internals – further underline its BenQ lineage while still carrying official Nokia branding, labels and firmware.

    The device offered compact CDMA 1X connectivity, a lightweight clamshell form factor and the simplified user interface typical of Nokia’s China-exclusive CDMA portfolio of the era.

    This example is preserved brand new, never used in the collection – a highly desirable state for a model whose production numbers were already extremely small.

    A rare convergence of two major manufacturers’ design philosophies, the Nokia 3128 prototype in Orange stands as one of the most distinctive and least-known ODM Nokia variants ever created.

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Nokia 3300b

    Nokia 3300b

    💎 Rarity Index: B (Uncommon)

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: BNIB – 10/10

    🕵 Nokia Codename: Hitchiker

    ⏱ Life timer: 0 | 📦 Boxed: YES

    📅 Release Year: 2003 | 💰 Release Price: ~330 $

    📊 Units Sold: ~2M

    📰 Why this phone matters: The succesor of 5510, it supports MP3 and AAC audio and comes with an FM radio, and it can also be used as a digital voice recorder. Included in the standard package is a 64MB MMC memory card for storing data. GPRS data is supported, the display is a 128 x 128 pixel CSTN pane

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
  • Nokia 3350 Prototype P2.3 : "Ladybird" Early Engineering

    Nokia 3350 Prototype P2.3 : “Ladybird” Early Engineering

    💎 Rarity Index: S (Ultra Rare)

    👁 Evaluation in my collection: New – 10/10

    🕵 Nokia Codename: LadyBird

    ⏱ Life timer: 0 | 📦 Boxed: NO

    📅 Release Year: 2002 | 💰 Release Price: N/A

    📊 Units Sold: ~8M (final units)

    📰 Why this phone matters: An exceptionally rare Nokia 3350 NHM-9NX prototype, built during the P2.3 engineering phase of Nokia’s internal development cycle. Carrying the codename “Ladybird”, this unit predates the commercial Nokia 3350 and represents one of the earliest hardware validation builds of the series.

    Prototypes in the P-series (especially below P3.0) were never intended for public exposure and were used strictly within Nokia’s labs for early software integration, RF calibration, UI tuning and keypad response testing. This P2.3 unit retains all the classic prototype signatures:

    PROTO – P2.3 designation

    Pre-release internal model name “Ladybird”

    No commercial model number printed

    Simplified regulatory labeling

    Early keypad and housing materials

    The front shell features a colour tone and paint texture not identical to the final retail 3350, confirming it as an early body variant used before mass-production plastics and colouring were locked. The keypad shape and iconography also resemble transitional test designs typical of P-series engineering handsets.

    As part of Nokia’s early-2000s mid-range development line, the 3350 was known for its rugged build, SMS chat features, WAP support, customizable profiles and rock-solid battery life. This prototype offers a direct look into the internal pre-production evolution of one of Nokia’s most widely used platforms in Asia and eur;ope.

    📝 Reviews when released: N/A 💔

    Quick View
Top