Vertu has priced its most recent launch ‘New Signature Touch’ at whopping Rupees 7.5 lakhs. Many would question if there really is a market for such expensive mobile devices? The answer is – yes there is! Proof of which is Vertu’s survival in the industry, for nearly 15 years.
The target audience for such expensive phones is extremely niche and thus very selective. They want to be seen carrying devices that set them apart from the crowd. Vertu has successfully catered to this audience with its uniquely hand-crafted mobile devices. Yet, its beautifully packaged mobile phones failed to deliver the latest in technology. This remained a huge obstacle in Vertu’s growth.
In last two years, Vertu has seriously worked on its biggest hurdle. It has finally produced a luxury mobile phone that uses the best-in-class technology. It may not be better than an iPhone 5S or HTC M8. But, it’s nearly there! (At least according to its specification sheet.)
Vertu New Signature Touch is the first luxury mobile phone that is launched with the latest Android OS 4.4, Kitkat. It also uses the fastest processor from Qualcomm, Snapdragon 801. With the outdated specifications usually seen on a Vertu phone spec sheet, I normally wouldn’t even bother running a benchmark test on it. However, this changes with Vertu Signature Touch of 2014.
Unboxing
There is a lot one would expect from Vertu while shelling out INR 7.5 lakh. Vertu phone comes packed in a huge box. There is a massive tray, just for accessories. Vertu has packed every type of charger-plug in its box. All with Vertu branding. A wireless charger was also introduced this time. Sadly, that does not come in-the-box!!
Glance through the charts below and you will be surprised at the huge leap Vertu has taken in making a luxury phone that at least attempts to compete with the best-in-tech phones, in the market, right now.
Hardware
Does New Vertu Signature Touch look better than the iPhone 5S in gold? Even though the two are incomparable, for a buyer who has to choose between the two, Vertu is bound to stand out, in my opinion. Vertu phones are handcrafted. Vertu uses rich materials that truly compliment the hardware design, and not merely raise the price tag.
Signature Touch case is made of grade five titanium alloy. Vertu claims that this material is two-and-a-half times stronger than stainless steel yet light enough to barely register on the scales.
Phone body is dominated by fine grain leather wrapped around and stitched by expert craftsmen. Choice of leather varies from jet leather, Lizard leather to alligator skin.
Vertu’s new phone screen is 1080p, brilliant, high contrast display at 473ppi, protected by a 4.7” big sapphire crystal glass. A few swipes and web surfing on the screen proved that the sapphire crystal does not hamper the touch sensitivity.
Vertu phone design tapers at the end for a comfortable grip. It’s length is 145mm, width is 69mm and depth 10.65mm. Vertu’s new phone weights 192grams. Holding this finely crafted handset is a delight because of the luxurious metal and skin used.
Vertu has a locked back. It has very cleverly placed the sim-slot like a design pattern, on the back-side. A rather interesting D-ring mechanism has to be opened to unlock the sim-slot. On the cover of sim-slot is the signature of the craftsman who fine-tuned this piece of art. Side spines have the usual power and audio key. A ruby key represents the ‘Vertu Concierge’ service.
Software, Memory and Battery
This beauty packs the latest in technology, too. RAM is 2GB, inbuilt memory is 64GB. Vertu New Signature Touch runs on an impressive 2.3 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 801 Processor. Battery is 2275 mAh Li-ion.
Audio
Signature Touch’s earpiece also has a touch of luxury. It is a pillow of polished ceramic, designed to reflect the shape of the ear to provide a heightened audio experience. Bang & Olufsen, one of the leading audio experts partenered with Vertu for Signature Touch. Vertu boasts of an exceptional acoustic profile with sounds delivered through Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound, for an optimum audio experience.
Vertu Concierge
What is all the fuss about this special service? Let me give you an example. If you are a Vertu owner and are looking for tickets to a packed U2 concert in London. Vertu Concierge will deliver like a Genie, but at a phenomenal price of service!
Vertu also offers applications that allow Vertu owners to lodge a service request instantly and so on.
Camera:
Back camera is 13 MP autofocus with twin LED flash. The camera is certified by Hasselblad, makers of the cameras that documented man’s first Moon landing. Front camera is 2.1 MP. Check out some camera samples (Click to view the full resolution image)
Long distance shots are grainy. First picture of the pink phone cover is without flash and the second is taken with flash.
A few quick sample shots fail to make a good impression. Vertu needs to do better in this department.
Conclusion
A mobile phone priced at Rupees 7.5 lakh is still not able to deliver more performance than what a smartphone priced less than a lakh can. However, Vertu has come a long way in making much-needed improvements in its phone engine. Its new phone is close to the best smartphones in the market. It’s a feat Vertu never achieved, before. This luxury phone is by far the best there is in its category. Yet, for someone buying a phone at this price will want more than handcrafted beauty wrapped in leather.
Pros
- Best-in-class processor and software
- Unique Design and Make
- Vertu Concierge Service
Cons
- Camera performance can be better
- No Wireless Charger, in box