Vertu Aster P: Perhaps, the most-expensive Android smartphone of 2018
What's the story
After a long hiatus, UK-based luxury smartphone maker Vertu has made a comeback with its latest Aster P smartphone.
Launched in China, the Vertu Aster P starts at around Rs. 3.15 lakh and goes up to Rs. 10.38 lakh for a gold-finish variant.
It packs mid-level specs but the luxury features set it apart from the crowd.
Here's our roundup.
Mid-level internals
Firstly, let's take a look at the specsheet
The Vertu Aster P features a 4.97-inch full-HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB RAM and 128GB of inbuilt storage.
The phone gets a 12-MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and a 20-MP (f/2.2) selfie snapper.
It runs on Android Oreo, packs a 3,200mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3 support and supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB Type-C port.
Information
The Aster P comes with encryption and data safety features
The Aster P features an encryption technology that "prevents SMS and call records from leaking" while also allowing users to remotely lock the device or even delete all data. Notably, the phone also comes with an exclusive ringtone created by the London Symphony Orchestra.
At a glance
Vertu Aster P: One of a kind design
The Vertu Aster P, handmade in England, features a European-style back case with a titanium alloy frame, sapphire glass and calfskin accents which can be replaced with more exotic leather like ostrich skin, lizard skin, and crocodile skin among others.
Further, the phone retains the signature "wing" design on the back panel with dual flaps concealing a SIM-card slot on each side.
Information
The phone has a dedicated button for Vertu's buttler service
Heard of dedicated buttons for Google Assistant or Bixby? Well, the Aster P comes with a dedicated "butler button" that provides 24x7 access to Vertu's personalized concierge service for reserving tables for dinner, making travel plans or anything you can possibly imagine or/and afford.
Details
Pricing and Availability
Offered in Baroque and Gothic series, Vertu Aster P will be available starting October 30.
The Baroque range is offered in Black, Gentleman Blue, Caramel Brown, and Twilight Orange options - each priced at Rs. 3.15 lakh.
The Gothic series starts at Rs. 3.79 lakh for the Black Jade and White Moon options and goes upto Rs. 10.38 lakh for the Dazzling Gold variant.