The Vertu Ascent Ti and Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte represent the pinnacle of luxury mobile devices. Both boast exquisite materials, handcrafted construction, and a legacy of prestige. But which phone truly reigns supreme in the world of high-end smartphones? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte edges out the Vertu Ascent Ti due to its more refined design and iconic status. While both offer premium materials, the Nokia’s classic appeal and slightly more user-friendly interface give it a slight advantage, despite both lacking modern smartphone features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | UMTS 2100 | UMTS 2100 |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM / UMTS | GSM / UMTS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2007, July. Released 2008, April | 2008, August. Released 2008, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 49 x 13.1 mm, 74 cc (4.55 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) | 109 x 45.6 x 14.6 mm, 65 cc (4.29 x 1.80 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~21.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | OLED, 16M colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | 4GB |
| Phonebook | 1500 entries | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | No | 480p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, video ringtones ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP | WAP 2.0/xHTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Games | Yes | Yes + Downloadable |
| Java | Yes | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Languages | English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Chinese | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | SMS, MMS, Email, IM |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | Organizer
Vertu Fortress Wireless synchronization service
Vertu Concierge service
Stainless steel keys
Ceramic ear pillow
Voice dial
Predictive text input | Carbon fiber and titanium body
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo editor
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 300 h | Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 3 h (3G) | Up to 3 h (2G) / Up to 2 h 45 min (3G) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery (BL-4U) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Fibre, Black, Brown, Red, Knurled, Checked | Black |
| Price | About 5530 EUR | About 840 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 66dB
|
Vertu Ascent Ti
- Handcrafted titanium construction
- Exclusive concierge service (potentially)
- Unique design and branding
- Extremely outdated technology
- Poor performance
- High price for limited functionality
- Concierge service availability questionable
Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte
- Iconic design and status
- Premium carbon fiber and stainless steel construction
- Classic Nokia user interface
- Slightly better performance than Ascent Ti
- Outdated technology
- Poor performance
- Limited functionality
- Difficult to find replacement parts
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, non-touch displays typical of their era. The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte's screen is generally considered slightly more vibrant and readable, though both are limited by their resolution and lack of modern display technology. Expect a basic, functional display experience on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are extremely limited on both phones. Expect low-resolution images with poor quality. Neither phone is suitable for serious photography. They are primarily included as a basic feature rather than a selling point.
Performance
Performance is a significant weakness for both devices. They run on older operating systems and hardware, resulting in sluggish performance compared to modern smartphones. Basic tasks like calling and texting are manageable, but expect limitations with anything beyond that. The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte might feel marginally faster due to slightly more optimized software.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent for their age, offering a few days of moderate use. However, battery degradation is a concern with older devices. The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte's battery might have a slight edge due to its slightly more efficient hardware.
Buying Guide
The Vertu Ascent Ti is for those who prioritize exclusivity and a bespoke concierge service (though its functionality is dated). The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte is ideal for collectors and those who appreciate timeless design and a piece of mobile phone history, even if it's not a powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones worth buying in 2024?
Only for collectors or those seeking a unique, luxury conversation piece. They are not practical smartphones for everyday use due to their outdated technology.
❓ Can I find replacement parts for these phones?
Finding replacement parts can be challenging and expensive. Both models are quite old, and parts availability is limited.
