Vertu Ti InDepth Review of Specs Pricing and Performance

Overview

Vertu Ti is a luxury smartphone that was introduced in February 2013. Manufactured by the British company Vertu, known for crafting high-end mobile phones, Ti stands out for its luxurious design coupled with relatively advanced technology for its time. It's important to note that by offering an exotic combination of materials and craftsmanship, Vertu Ti targeted a niche market of affluent consumers who valued uniqueness and exclusivity over just technical specifications.

Design and Build

The Vertu Ti boasts a distinctive and luxurious design, which is the hallmark of the Vertu brand. It's constructed using premium materials such as sapphire crystal glass, titanium alloy, and high-quality leather. These materials not only provide an elite and premium look but also ensure durability. The sapphire crystal display is particularly noteworthy as it offers excellent scratch resistance and clarity.

Display

The device features a 3.7-inch screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 252 ppi. While these specifications might not match those of contemporary high-end smartphones, they were considered adequate for its time of release. The screen is protected with sapphire crystal glass, known for its scratch-resistant qualities, ensuring longevity and pristine clarity.

Performance

Vertu Ti is powered by a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor, running on the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system. It features 1GB of RAM and offers 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. The choice of Android OS at its launch was significant, giving the Vertu Ti access to a variety of applications through the Google Play store, thus combining luxury with practicality.

Camera

The main camera is 8 megapixels with autofocus and is supported by an LED flash. This allows for fairly decent photography and can record videos at 1080p@30fps. Additionally, a 1.3MP front-facing camera enables video calls and basic selfies, adequate for standard social media use at the time. While not top-of-the-line compared to flagship devices of 2023, it performed well for its launch period.

Sound

Sound was another focus area for the Vertu Ti, which includes stereo speakers developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, a company renowned for high-quality audio products. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect standard headphones, reflecting Vertu’s intent to maintain universality in luxury.

Connectivity

On the connectivity front, the device supports GSM and HSPA technology, and it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS for navigation. Notably, it lacks NFC and FM radio capabilities, which might be seen as slight limitations. The device uses a microUSB 2.0 connector for charging and data transfer.

Battery

The Vertu Ti is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion battery. While the exact capacity isn't disclosed, it is designed to provide a reasonable amount of usage time for typical daily tasks. Being a luxury phone, the emphasis is more on design and exclusivity rather than extended battery life.

Price and Market Position

The Vertu Ti was priced at about 7900 EUR during its release, underlining its position as an ultra-luxury item. This price point made it exclusive to a niche market willing to pay a premium for high-end materials and craftsmanship rather than breakthrough tech specs. Over time, the smartphone was discontinued, maintaining its image as a collector’s piece for enthusiasts of opulent goods.

Conclusion

Vertu Ti is a compelling example of a product that merges technology with luxury, targeting those who prioritize exclusivity, craftsmanship, and design above cutting-edge technical features. The craftsmanship, unique design elements, and the use of high-quality materials are what truly set the Vertu Ti apart in the luxury smartphone market. Even though the device may seem outdated compared to today's standard high-end smartphones, its real value lies in its design philosophy – that of a smartphone transcending its functional use to become a symbol of style and affluence.