New elegance of smartphone by Vertu

Since the launch of the Signature Touch, Vertu CEO Max Pogliani promised that "technology will be more a merging factor and not a differentiation point" for his phones. That's literally the case with the new mid-tier Aster launched today: This titanium Android device is identical to its flagship sibling device internally, just wrapped within a more contemporary and unisex design. We're looking at a 4.7-inch 1080p display, 5.1-inch 117 carat sapphire screen, 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 chipset, 13MP/2.1MP cameras (the former certified by Hasselblayd), 64GB of internal storage, 2,275mAh battery, front stereo speakers, NFC, Qi wireless charging and great LTE compatibility (though no love for China, for some reason). With the specs out of the way.


It'll be available from Vertu's site in the US within the next few weeks and in the UK in the next few days for £4,000.


The reason for that sky-high price is almost entirely down to its design. The back of the phone is covered in real calf's leather that Vertu explains has been chosen from one of Europe's oldest tanneries specifically for its soft texture. That's not cheap plastic painted to look like metal around the edge, either, that's titanium -- one of the lightest and strongest metals in the world.

Each phone is hand-built in Hampshire, England, so Vertu reckons the build quality is extremely high. There's certainly no doubt at all that it feels like an extraordinarily luxurious phone when it's sat in your hand. The leather looks and feels great, and there's absolutely zero creaking or flex in the body. You think your metal iPhone 5S feels good? This is in a whole other world.

"Concierge and services continues to be of significant importance to Vertu and they are a key part of our brand DNA," the exec added. "We are continually developing this aspect of our business and new partnerships with the likes of Bentley indicate the level of our vision and ambition."

On top of that, Vertu is also entering the e-commerce space. The English company will be gradually rolling out its Vertu Digital service between now and early next year, by which point folks around the world will be able to directly order personalized devices online, though they can also collect their new phones at a boutique -- we think the latter is more fun, if there's one nearby. But of course, this alone still won't win the majority of us over -- we're waiting for that more affordable Vertu device that Pogliani is working on.

Outlook

With its premium build, immense price tag, and access to security services, this really isn't a phone aimed at the casual Android fan. However, if your house has more pools than beds, your car is in fact five helicopters, and you call Mark Zuckerberg "Zuck-dawg" when you play tennis together, this could be the phone do you.


SOURCE