Vertu launches New Signature Touch smartphone

But the new Vertu Signature Touch actually has the kind of hardware you’d expect to find from a modern flagship phone, plus a few special features that really do make it stand out.

However, Vertu wants to redeem itself as far as this aspect is concerned, so its latest Signature Touch smartphone finally brings to the table more capable specifications. The screen of the handset is protected by fifth-gen sapphire crystal.

The rear camera has been improved from 13-megapixels on the old model to 21MP, although the front camera remains at 2.1MP. Vertu also throws in 4GB of RAM to help with the processor’s efforts.

Doors on the back of the phone give you access to the SIM and microSD slots, and a laser-etched signature of the person who handcrafted your Vertu Signature Touch is also present.

The Vertu offering comes with a 3,160mAh battery that offers up to 21 hours of talk time and up to 520 hours of standby time.

Moving on to cameras, the main imager has been upgraded to a 21-megapixel resolution with f/2.2 aperture (though f/2.0 à la Moto X Pure Edition would be better), a dual-tone LED flash, phase detection auto-focus and 4K video recording. It also supports Qi Compatible Wireless Charging. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and 4G LTE support. The phone comes running on Android 5.1 Lollipop. You get Vertu Concierge, the company’s 24/7 personal assistant service that is now free for use during the first 18 months after purchase, Vertu LIFE, which provides you with “unrestricted access to elite and invitation-only events” across the globe, and Vertu CERTAINTY, a security-oriented feature that encrypts all incoming and outcoming communications. The Signature Touch measures 155mm (L) by 74mm (W) by 10.8mm (D) and weighs 225g to 236g. Pricing of the latest Signature Touch ranges between £6,500 and £13,700 depending on the combination of metal and exotic leather you choose.

If you happen to be the owner of an oil company or rule a small Gulf country, the new Vertu Signature Touch will go up for pre-order at Harrods in the United Kingdom and “at selected boutiques globally” between September 25 and October 8.