Vertu has announced that they are releasing two new versions of their Vertu TI phone. The original TI was black and grey and these new editions are coming to bring a little more color the lineup. Sunset Red and Midnight Blue are the official names for the limited editions, which will have a run of only a 1,000 devices each, made by hand in England by a single craftsman and with a unique serial number engraved on the back.
The rest of the device is exactly like the original with a 3.7 inch 800 x 480 sapphire screen, 1.7 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 8 MP camera with twin LED flash, a 1.3 MP front facing camera, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and 64 GB of storage. All running Android 4.0.
The screen is pretty special actually since it’s made of sapphire, said to be the largest sapphire screen manufactured, it should be one of the toughest screens out there. Vertu claims it’s four times stronger than the screens of other smartphones in terms of impact resistance. Although the resolution is pretty bad for a 2013 device, especially at that price point. The fact that is also running an outdated version of Android with Ice Cream Sandwich, keeps the device somewhat stale. Don’t expect blazing speed with that OS version and a dual-core processor.
Of course, the screen is not the only resistant part of the device. As with the original TI, the body is made of grade 5 Titanium which not only makes it very durable and strong, but also keeps the device very light.
The draw of Vertu devices are not the materials, or the fact that they are hand-crafted but what really makes people buy these devices is the Vertu Concierge service, which is a service that is available 24/7 to attend your every need. The service is accessed through a dedicated Vertu Key that has access to not only the Concierge service but also Vertu Certainty which protects the device and it’s data and Vertu Life which provides tailored information to the user. This service is “100 percent independent” as stated by CEO Perry Oosting.
The devices will be priced a little above the original TI Titanium Pure Black at €8,900 (about $11,700).
Here’s the full PR for the announcement:
VERTU ADDS LIMITED EDITION VERTU TI COLOURS TO ITS RANGE
– Vertu is extending its Vertu Ti smartphone collection with two limited edition models; Sunset Red and Midnight Blue
– Made from grade 5 Titanium, Vertu Ti delivers strength and optimised weight
Hong Kong – Vertu, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end of luxury mobile phones, has launched VERTU Ti Colours, a limited edition collection of Vertu Ti. A contemporary smartphone, Vertu Ti is based around a matt grey titanium case used for enhanced strength, elegance and low weight. The handset is around five times stronger than other smart phones.
Integral to the Colours collection’ design is the finest calf leather available in either sunset red or midnight blue leather and featuring embossed detail on the grain.
The Vertu Ti boasts a sapphire crystal screen which at 3.7 inches is the largest ever engineered. It is virtually scratch-proof and is four times stronger than the screens of other smart phones in terms of impact resistance. The result is an impeccably well-built, durable and beautifully hand-crafted phone.
Vertu Ti Colours is powered by the Androidâ„¢ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, which, in combination with the devices 1.7 GHz processor, makes for an intuitive, reactive and enjoyable experience. Other features include an 8MP rear camera with auto focus and twin LED flash, a 1.3MP front facing Skype compliant camera, 64GB internal memory and secure near field communication technology.
Another example of Vertu’s continued commitment to superior craftsmanship and engineering is Vertu Ti Colours’ audio ability. Its 11 x 15 mm rectangular drivers are acoustically integrated into the chassis to maximize frequency response and level. The result is an unrivalled symphonic sound from the phones own stereo speakers.
Another notable feature of Vertu Ti Colours is the Vertu key, providing instant access to a curated world of benefits and services via a global team of professionals available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. These services include Vertu Certainty which protects the device, data and where necessary, the owner, Vertu Life which provides tailored information, articles and benefit to interest and empower the customer and of course Vertu’s famous Concierge Service.
Each Vertu Ti is handmade in England by a single craftsman at Vertu’s state-of-the-art headquarters, in Hampshire. On completion of a rigorous testing and detailing process the signature of the craftsman who assembled it is engraved on the inside of the phone, before it is shipped to one of Vertu’s luxury retailers around the world for our customers to enjoy.
source: Engadget