Vertu Aster vs. Vertu Signature Touch: A Luxury Phone Face-Off

Vertu, synonymous with handcrafted luxury and bespoke service, offers a range of premium smartphones. The Aster and Signature Touch, both featuring the Snapdragon 801, represent different facets of Vertu's design philosophy. This review dives deep into their differences to help you decide which embodies the ultimate Vertu experience.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Vertu Signature Touch edges out the Aster due to its refined touch-screen interface and classic design. While both share the same core processor, the Signature Touch's superior usability and iconic status make it the preferred choice for those seeking a truly luxurious and functional smartphone. The Aster's wireless charging is a nice bonus.

PHONES
Phone Names	Vertu Aster	Vertu Signature Touch

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 25	1, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 25
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2014, October. Released 2014, December	2014, June. Released 2014, June
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	143.4 x 69 x 11.2 mm (5.65 x 2.72 x 0.44 in)	145 x 69 x 10.7 mm (5.71 x 2.72 x 0.42 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Micro-SIM
Weight	193 g (6.81 oz)	192 g (6.77 oz)
	Titanium body (forged grade 5) and luxurious calf leather covered rear panel	Titanium body (forged grade 5) and luxurious calf leather covered rear panel

Display
Protection	Sapphire crystal glass, oleophobic coating	Scratch-proof glass
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~473 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~469 ppi density)
Size	4.7 inches, 59.9 cm2 (~60.5% screen-to-body ratio)	4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~60.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Sapphire crystal glass	Sapphire crystal glass

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400	Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)
GPU	Adreno 330	Adreno 330
OS	Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)	Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	64GB 2GB RAM	64GB 2GB RAM
	eMMC 5.0	eMMC 5.0

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash	Dual-LED flash
Single	13 MP, Hasselblad certified, AF	13 MP, Hasselblad certified, AF
Video	Yes	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	2.1 MP	2.1 MP

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	Tuned by Bang & Olufsen

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP, aptX, LE	4.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	No	No
USB	microUSB 2.0, OTG	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	Wireless (Qi)	-
Stand-by	Up to 380 h (3G)	Up to 380 h
Talk time	Up to 15 h 30 min (3G)	Up to 15 h 30 min
Type	Li-Ion 2275 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 2275 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Onyx Calf, Lagoon Calf, Blush Calf, Caviar Karung, Tangerine Karung, Raspberry Ostrich, Cognac Ostrich	Jet/ Claret leather, pure Jet leather, pure Jet red gold, Seaspray/ Damson/ Pure navy lizard, Jet alligator, Clous De Paris
Price	About 5440 EUR	About 8290 EUR
SAR	-	0.69 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.49 W/kg (head)

Vertu Aster

Classic, understated design
Wireless (Qi) charging
Handcrafted materials
Concierge service

Lack of touch screen
Outdated interface
Potentially limited app compatibility
High price for older hardware

Vertu Signature Touch

Timeless design
Sapphire crystal display
Touchscreen interface
Concierge service
Premium materials

High price
Older Snapdragon 801 chipset
Limited availability
Potentially outdated software

Display Comparison

The Signature Touch boasts a 4.7-inch sapphire crystal display, offering exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. The Aster, while likely having a similar size display, lacks the touch functionality, relying on a physical keyboard and directional pad. The Signature Touch's responsiveness and vibrant colors provide a significantly more modern and user-friendly experience.

Camera Comparison

The Signature Touch is expected to have a 20MP rear camera and a 13MP front camera, offering good image quality for its time. The Aster likely features a similar, though potentially slightly less advanced, camera setup. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, meaning performance will be broadly similar. However, the Signature Touch's optimized software and touch interface likely offer a slightly smoother user experience compared to the Aster's more traditional navigation. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is likely similar between the two, around 2800-3000 mAh. The Aster's wireless charging (Qi) provides a convenient charging option. Battery life should be sufficient for a full day of moderate use, but heavy users may need to top up.

Buying Guide

The Vertu Aster is ideal for those who appreciate a more understated, classic aesthetic and value the convenience of wireless charging. The Vertu Signature Touch is best suited for individuals who prioritize a timeless design, a premium touch-screen experience, and the iconic Vertu brand recognition.