Vertu Ascent Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing and Features

Introduction to Vertu Ascent

Vertu Ascent, launched in 2004, is a luxury feature phone known for its elegant design and high-quality materials rather than advanced technological features. Typically associated with luxury and sophistication, Vertu combined superior craftsmanship with exclusive materials to deliver a unique mobile device targeted at high-end consumers.

Design and Build Quality

The Vertu Ascent is renowned for its build quality and design. With dimensions of 108 x 44 x 22 mm, it is compact yet exudes a significant presence due to the premium materials used in its construction. Weighing in at 173 grams, the device feels solid in hand, suggesting durability and luxury.

The body of the phone is crafted from high-quality materials including handcrafted leather and polished metal accents. The scratch-resistant glass protects the screen, ensuring that the device remains as pristine as the day it was purchased. The color variants like Yellow, Blue, Red, Black, Brown, and Tan provide exclusivity and a touch of personalization for discerning customers.

Display Specifications

The display of the Vertu Ascent might not compare to today's high-resolution screens, but it serves its purpose well for a feature phone. It offers a resolution of 116 x 148 pixels which provides sufficient clarity for navigating through the phone's menu and reading messages. Scratch-resistant glass serves as a protective layer securing the display against everyday wear and tear.

Network and Connectivity

The Vertu Ascent operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands at GSM 900/1800/1900. While it doesn’t offer modern 4G or 5G connectivity, it allows basic communications needs to be met. For data connectivity, the phone supports GPRS, although it does not offer EDGE capabilities.

In terms of local connectivity, the Vertu Ascent provides Bluetooth functionality, enabling users to connect wirelessly with compatible devices like headphones or other phones. However, it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, reflecting its focus on traditional telephony rather than internet browsing.

Battery Performance

A significant aspect of any mobile device is its battery life, and the Vertu Ascent comes equipped with a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery. This may seem small by today's standards but is adequate given the phone's minimalist functionality. It offers a standby time of up to 150 hours and a talk time of approximately 4 hours.

Memory and Storage

Unlike modern smartphones with extensive storage capabilities, the Vertu Ascent does not feature a card slot for memory expansion. It adheres to the minimalism of its era, focusing on essential functionalities. The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries, which should be sufficient for most users at that time.

Sound and Audio Features

The Vertu Ascent offers polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts which were standard for mobile phones in its category back in 2004. It does not feature a 3.5mm audio jack, which aligns with its luxury appeal; however, it includes loudspeaker capabilities for hands-free communication.

Messaging and Browsing

Messaging on the Vertu Ascent is supported via SMS, MMS, and Email, enabling users to stay connected through text communication. For browsing, the phone supports WAP, providing limited internet access suitable for basic online tasks.

Multilingual Support and Additional Features

The Vertu Ascent supports multiple languages including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Chinese, catering to a global audience. While it doesn’t support Java, it offers a selection of games for entertainment, a common feature in feature phones of its time.

Pricing and Market Position

Priced at about 3320 EUR during its release, the Vertu Ascent targeted the luxury segment of the market. It was less about technological innovations and more about offering an opulent experience. The high price tag was justified by the exclusive design, superior materials, and the prestige associated with the Vertu brand.

Conclusion

The Vertu Ascent exemplifies a bygone era of mobile phones that prioritized luxury and craftsmanship over features. It represents a niche market where design, exclusivity, and brand prestige outweigh the demand for cutting-edge technology. Despite being discontinued, it remains a symbol of luxury for collectors and those who appreciate finely crafted objects.