Price and specifications of Vertu Aster advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Vertu Aster

Vertu Aster is a luxury smartphone that made waves when it was announced in October 2014. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and personalization options, Vertu Aster provides a unique mobile experience that is as much about luxury as it is about functionality.

Design and Build

The Vertu Aster is a statement piece in the world of smartphones, distinguished by its superior build quality and premium materials. The dimensions of the Aster are 143.4 x 69 x 11.2 mm, and it weighs 193 grams, giving it a solid and hefty feel. The phone is available in a variety of luxurious finishes such as Onyx Calf, Lagoon Calf, Blush Calf, Caviar Karung, Tangerine Karung, Raspberry Ostrich, and Cognac Ostrich. Each finishes and material choice contribute to the distinctive appearance and feel of the phone.

Display

The Vertu Aster sports a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 473 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 60.5%, which ensures that the display is neither too overwhelming nor too small for everyday tasks. Moreover, the screen is protected by Sapphire crystal glass with an oleophobic coating that resists fingerprints and scratches, ensuring the clarity and longevity of the display.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the Aster is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This hardware configuration, although not cutting-edge by today's standards, was robust at the time of its release, capable of handling all standard smartphone operations and some intensive applications.

The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, which may be a limiting factor for users requiring additional storage space.

Camera Features

The Vertu Aster's camera capabilities are designed by Hasselblad, a renowned brand in photography. The main camera is a single 13 MP shooter with autofocus and dual-LED flash, capable of capturing high-quality images. The dual-LED flash ensures satisfactory performance even in lower light conditions.

For video conferencing and selfies, the Aster provides a 2.1 MP front-facing camera. Although not exceedingly powerful, the front camera serves its purpose for basic self-portraits and video calls.

Battery Life

The Aster is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2275 mAh battery. With a standby time of up to 380 hours and a talk time of up to 15 hours and 30 minutes on 3G, the phone offers a decent battery life for a luxury device. The addition of wireless charging (Qi technology) enhances the convenience, allowing users to charge without the need for a cable.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Vertu Aster are comprehensive, covering a variety of modern standards. The phone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring compatibility with most global carriers. The Wi-Fi capabilities include support for dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot features.

Additional connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, aptX, and LE support, NFC for contactless transactions, and GPS with GLONASS for accurate positioning. However, the absence of a radio might be a drawback for some users.

Operating System and User Interface

Vertu Aster originally launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat. While this version of Android is considerably outdated, at the time of release, it offered a user-friendly interface and compatibility with a large range of applications available on the Google Play Store.

The UI in Vertu phones is usually customized to complement the exclusivity and premium quality, featuring unique themes and a focus on security and privacy, which is of utmost importance to Vertu's clientele.

Sound and Audio

Vertu Aster is equipped with stereo speakers that provide a clear and pleasant audio experience. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is also a significant advantage, catering to traditional audio equipment and audiophile preferences.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Aster includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, which are standard for smartphones of its class. These contribute to the enhanced user experience, enabling a variety of app functionalities that rely on sensor data.

Market Position and Legacy

Out in the market at a price point of about 5440 EUR, the Vertu Aster stands as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. It caters to a niche demographic of users who value craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the tactile satisfaction of using a device crafted from premium materials.

Since its discontinuation, the Vertu Aster has built a legacy as a collector's item and a testament to what smartphones can achieve when artistry meets technology. Its designs and material choices continue to inspire luxury technology products.

Conclusion

The Vertu Aster, with its blend of elegant design, premium materials, and reliable functions, remains a notable entry in the luxury smartphone sector. While its specs might not compete with high-end models of today, its commitment to quality and luxury ensures its unique status among mobile devices.