When you think smartphone the first thought that may come to mind is iPhone or Android. But, what if there were more luxurious options on the market? Well there are. In fact, there are several starting with Vertu.
Vertu was founded “to create phones for the world’s most demanding individuals,” and in its decade in business it has become an icon recognized as the pinnacle of mobile phone excellence around the world. It’s even captured the attention of celebrities, including London-born Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Seal, who serves as the brand’s ambassador.
Vertu says it embarked on a journey to create high-quality phones for the most discerning cell phone users, which is evident from Vertu Concierge, where users can get expert advice and assistance at the touch of a button, and through Vertu Select, which features exclusive mobile content for Vertu users.
With Vertu Select, users can read original articles selected to inspire, inform and entertain them based on their region, preferences and passions, and it’s accessible anytime and anywhere through the Vertu phone’s Internet browser—so you can keep up on trends and news that are relevant to your lifestyle.
Vertu’s Constellation model is priced starting at $6,200 and features a simple, elegant design. Each phone is handmade using state-of the art technologies and manufacturing techniques including an 8-megapixel camera with ruby surround, hard worked leather and Vertu’s unique high-fidelity sounds system.
Other options include: Constellation Quest ($8.400); Signature Stainless Steel ($13,300); Signature Pure Black ($16,000); Constellation Ayxta ($8,600), a folding phone made from the finest materials and hand-built in England by highly skilled craftsman; and the the Ascent, which challenges “normal” phone design and comes in a sleek, futuristic design ($7,800).
The Ascent is Vertu’s most extreme core collection to date, demonstrating that this luxury mobile-device maker isn’t afraid to challenge the norms of phone design and service delivery. That said, the thrill of adventure, the exhilaration of sport and the spirit of exploration are evident in all of Vertu’s present models.
Want to ring up a Vertu for yourself? Next time you’re in swanky Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive, on Madison Avenue in Manhattan or cruising the Las Vegas Strip, you can swing by a Vertu boutique to check out these impressive gadgets.
Blackberry & Porsche Design Answer Call for Luxury
Another worthwhile luxury smartphone to check out is the Porsche Design P9981, which is powered by a 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor, 768MB RAM and Blackberry OS7. Forged in stainless steel and featuring a leather-covered back, this luxury smartphone, available in the United States in January 2012, features a 5 MP camera with flash and auto-focus, so you can take amazing photos and record 720 p HD video.
The P9981 comes with 8 GB of on-board storage, and you can expand with secondary storage, up to 32 GB. This smartphone, engineered for luxury and performance, comes with an exclusively designed user interface and wikitude, a custom-made application that provides an exceptional Web browsing experience that enables users to explore their surroundings in a smarter, more exciting way. The P9981 retails for $1,999.
By Laura Starczewski
