VERTU = one of the biggest mistakes i ever made

[contaxpro]

What was i thinking???
It's coming up to the anniversary of my purchase of a vertu ascent so i thought it was time to let off steam.
I've always loved high end Nokias (since the 8810 back in 1998) partly because of the asthetics but mostly because ..yes..I'm a poser and can't stand buying an expensive phone then seeing all the 17 years olds with the same one two weeks later.
The Vertu seemed ideal....built by nokia...too expensive for most...the ultimate poser's toy...
but one year on I feel like they really ripped me blind.
Normally I'll read a review of a phone before I get one, but strangely enough there are NONE of the Vertu ascent apart from vague comments and the odd photo by people who have never owned the phone.
So here is my little -one year on- summary to warn any other potential buyers to steer clear of this beast

Vertu Ascent (black)
Asthetics/build quality
Here no real arguments....It is built to last and the crystal non scratch screen is great.
But........... the black leather is flaking off....
Ring tones
Very nice but you only have the built in ringtones, cant add any others. If after a year you get bored...tough.
Reception
Very poor and only works on the 900 networks in europe (so cant be used where there is only 1800 coverage)
Sound quality
Appauling..crackles and most people on the other end telling me they cant hear me or its a bad line. The headphone dosent make things any easier and get s quite painful to wear after an few minutes.
Menus
Slower than the 8810 from 1998. Push the buttons too fast and the whole thing freezes up. Opening up a simple sms takes the phone between 5 and ten seconds!
(Last time i was in NY i took it in for a free software upgrade...aprt from changing the 800 number for the concierge service...the phones menu system didnt change or get any faster. In fact it seems to have got more buggy than before.
Battery power
For a phone that has a low quality screen and no wap/bluetooth/ect the consumption is amazingly awful. I am lucky if i can get past lunchtime on a full charge (I do admit to having a heavy use of the phone but the bl -4c battery inside provides perhaps 1 hour of talk time and 1 + 1/2 day of standby at most.....a disgrace. ( i have to carry around two spares)
I didnt buy the phone for technology I want a phone that feels good, looks good but does the basics.. calls and sms.
This phone doesn't even do that well. Most low end nokias have faster menus, better call quality and superior battery life.
A 4.100 dollar mistake.

[CSGuru]

SHould of stick with your 88XX series phones dude .. I gotta chance to play around with one awhile ago and I'm not impess With the UI .... but the built quality is amazing ....I'm sure gald I was never crazy enough to buy this phone... for $3000 - 4000 something dollars .. I would rather Get a Set of BBS RIms with some michelin SPorts tires for my car.


got some pictures of the phone to to show us ? I would love to some live pix of the phone !

[Mrkrman_1]

I'm sorry to hear that. I always dreamt if I had all sorts of money I would buy a Vertu. Please post some pics for us folks who have never played with one.

Thanks,
Mrkrman_1

[contaxpro]

here you go....some photos of my vertu...
It is very photogenic i will admit, but it is a fingerprint magnet.
Also note the crap battery is the same as the bl 4...but obviously they charge you 3 times more if you want the V sticker on it ;-)

[contaxpro]

another one

[contaxpro]

another

[contaxpro]

last one, guess i'll see these up on some ebay scam one day.... fool if you - (like me) buy this phone....even bigger fool if you buy it off ebay!!

[dani2xll]

Always wanted one and it does look gorgeous. But i use two phone, 6630 for EVERYTHING except incoming calls and txt. And moto v3 JUST for incoming calls and incoming text. So i think i could justify getting one. But could never afford it.

[contaxpro]

I was like that....lusted after the phone for a long time,,,, even played with it in the shop... but one year on I feel so ripped off.
Try and find a review or any negative comnmments about this phone on the net......!! you can't.
I think it's because people who spent so much money on the phone are embarassed to admit their money was spent on something so crap.
Its a beautiful paperweight,,, not a good phone.

[badass bunny]

how much was your paperweight?

[marty2345uk]

AT a guess, I'd say 4,100 dollars

[daftgem]

There was a HUGE first person review of the Vertu posted on HowardForums about ~2 years ago.

Also this one written in 2002.
http://www.mobile-review.com/review/vertu-en.shtml


A little research could have saved you $4100.

[contaxpro]

i have the ASCENT..your reviews are about the signature line...different phone.
HUGE difference!

[Gagilegenda]

Originally posted by contaxpro
i have the ASCENT..your reviews are about the signature line...different phone.
HUGE difference!

HUMANGOUS difference

[91RS]

That leather probably could have been saved if you used leather care products like used on leather jackets or car seats. I will never buy a Vertu unless I win the lottery (and maybe not even then), $4100 is more than I paid for my car!