Vertu Ascent

To fairly rate a product like this, you need to be clear about what its makers intended it to be. To dismiss it by simply comparing with other, more technology-packed phones does not do justice to the concept or its execution. First, Vertu phones are just that. Phones. They do not pretend to be the all-singing, all-dancing mobile offices, readily available from the likes of Blackberry or Apple. Nor are they aimed at competing on price with the mass-produced, plastic marvels that seem to be taking over the planet. Think in terms of a fine watch or a fast car and you get the idea. Vertu phones are unashamedly exclusive, beautifully made from the very finest materials and consequently expensive - just as a Rolls Royce, Aston Martin or Jaeger le Coultre watch. They are not for everyone, but for those who value precision, quality and rarity and have deep enough pockets, Vertu ticks all the right boxes. The Ascent is an amazing piece of craftsmanship. A special alloy called "liquid metal", I believe from spacecraft design, combines with specially cast stainless steel, sapphire crystal and the best possible hand-stitched hide to produce a masterpiece, which sits in the hand perfectly and is of just the right weight. The keys each pivot on two rubies which ensure a virtually friction-free, smooth action. As I have said, the technology is deliberately limited, but all the functions are intuitive, easy to navigate and seem to work well. Sound quality is superb. The concierge team, in my experience are always extremely helpful and responsive. In summary,Vertu phones are never going to be to everyone's liking, but in their own way, they are outstanding.

This is like a Rolex, you dont buy it because it is packed with features, you dont buy it because every one else has one. You buy it as it is a phone, has the best build qualtity of any phone and is a tool that is built to last. I have owned an Ascent for 3 years and have never had a problem and it still looks as good as the day i bought it. And the bonus is, it does what it says on the box, makes and receives calls. It has bluetooth by the way and if you like qualtity then this is a must. As far as bling, most people have no idea what this phone is so it is not a show off phone. If you can afford it and want a phone what better than the best qualtity avaiable on the market.

Without doubt the single most stupid purchase of my entire life.

Even the "concierge" service is below par to that offered by ...for example .. AMEX.

The Vertu Ascent is the must have piece of bling phone. I have to admit it is a very smooth looking phone, but unfortunately it is also a complete waste of time and money. No Bluetooth, not even infrared. I haven't actually got one, but I have used one and functionally it's just not up there with the Sony Ericssons and Nokias. I guess it's the equivalent of buying a Ferrari that looks like a Ferrari but performs like an old Mondeo.