Vertu, a name synonymous with luxury and handcrafted smartphones, presents two compelling options: the Signature Touch and the Aster. Both devices boast premium materials and exclusive concierge services, but subtle differences set them apart. This review dives deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which Vertu best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Vertu Aster edges out the Signature Touch thanks to the addition of wireless charging, a modern convenience absent in the older model. Both offer exceptional build quality and Vertu's signature services, but the Aster's slight upgrade makes it the more appealing choice for today's luxury smartphone user.
| 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, June. Released 2014, June | 2014, October. Released 2014, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145 x 69 x 10.7 mm (5.71 x 2.72 x 0.42 in) | 143.4 x 69 x 11.2 mm (5.65 x 2.72 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 193 g (6.81 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 | Scratch-proof glass | Sapphire crystal glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~469 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~473 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~60.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 59.9 cm2 (~60.5% 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 | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| 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, LE | 4.0, A2DP, aptX, 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 | Up to 380 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h 30 min | Up to 15 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2275 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2275 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jet/ Claret leather, pure Jet leather, pure Jet red gold, Seaspray/ Damson/ Pure navy lizard, Jet alligator, Clous De Paris | Onyx Calf, Lagoon Calf, Blush Calf, Caviar Karung, Tangerine Karung, Raspberry Ostrich, Cognac Ostrich |
| Price | About 8290 EUR | About 5440 EUR |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.49 W/kg (head) | - |
Vertu Signature Touch
- Classic Vertu Design
- Handcrafted Materials
- Exclusive Concierge Service
- Reliable Snapdragon 801 Chipset
- Outdated Chipset
- No Wireless Charging
- Lower Battery Efficiency Compared to Modern Phones
- Limited Camera Capabilities
Vertu Aster
- Wireless Charging (Qi)
- Slightly More Modern Design
- Handcrafted Materials
- Exclusive Concierge Service
- Good Build Quality
- Outdated Chipset
- Lower Battery Efficiency Compared to Modern Phones
- Limited Camera Capabilities
- High Price Point
Display Comparison
Both the Signature Touch and Aster feature 4.7-inch sapphire crystal displays with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. While the Signature Touch's display is known for its clarity, the Aster's slightly more refined color calibration offers a marginally better viewing experience. However, the difference is subtle and largely dependent on individual preference.
Camera Comparison
The Signature Touch and Aster both feature a 13MP rear camera. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Vertu's focus is less on camera performance and more on the overall luxury experience. Expect standard smartphone camera capabilities, not cutting-edge photography.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, both phones deliver adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, the Snapdragon 801 is showing its age, and users expecting flagship-level performance will be disappointed. Multitasking is smooth, but demanding applications may experience occasional slowdowns. The Aster's software optimization might offer a slightly snappier feel.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is similar on both devices, around 2275 mAh. The Signature Touch's lack of wireless charging means it relies solely on wired charging. The Aster's wireless charging (Qi) provides a convenient alternative, potentially extending battery life slightly through optimized charging cycles.
Buying Guide
The Vertu Signature Touch is ideal for those seeking a classic Vertu experience with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and a proven, reliable chipset. The Vertu Aster is better suited for users who appreciate modern conveniences like wireless charging and a slightly more contemporary design, without sacrificing the brand's core luxury appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Vertu's concierge service?
Vertu offers a dedicated concierge service providing personalized assistance with travel, dining, entertainment, and more. It's a key differentiator for the brand.
❓ Are these phones still supported with software updates?
Software support for both devices is limited. Vertu's focus is on hardware and the concierge service, rather than frequent software updates. Expect minimal updates beyond security patches.
