Luxury Smartphones for Status Seekers Starting at $6,900

By Todd R. Weiss

Calling it its “quintessentially English smartphone model,” Ventu recently launched the Aster phone, with its 5.1-inch solid sapphire screen, an HD display and a titanium case. Running on Android 4.4. KitKat, the phone includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core CPU, 64GB of internal memory and a 13-megapixel Hasselblad camera. Prices begin at $6,900.

Using fine, supple leathers in a wide range of colors, the hand-crafted Aster smartphone also includes quad-band GSM, 3G and LTE 4G capabilities so it can be used by its owner in any country around the world without having to swap out SIM cards. Also included is a 2.1MP Skype-compliant front camera and Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound.

Not only are Aster phones packed with quality components, but they also come with six months of Vertu’s “Classic Concierge” services, which allow users to receive 24/7 personalized help from a team of lifestyle managers. Also included is six months’ complimentary access to unlimited global WiFi at more than 13 million hotspots.

Bentley automobile owners now have the perfect smartphone complement for their hand-built vehicles with the latest Vertu for Bentley phones. Starting at $16,500 and limited to 2,000 examples, the phones even deliver exclusive Bentley-themed content to their users and are swathed in the classic Bentley shade of Newmarket Tan calfskin leather.

The Vertu for Bentley handset includes sound from Bang & Olufsen, high-quality Hasselblad cameras front and rear, wireless charging and a titanium back plate that opens to reveal the engraved signature of the craftsman who built the phone.

The lovely craftsmanship in the Vertu for Bentley series is evident in this side view of the smartphone as the leather and fine metal components meld together in a fluid, luxurious design.

A signature leather slipcase, embossed with the classic Bentley logo, is also included with each Vertu for Bentley smartphone. The case is stitched to match the stitching details on the phones and comes in the same tan calfskin.

Vertu’s Signature Touch smartphones start at $10,800 and climb to about $22,000, featuring a 4.7-inch HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 2.3GHz quad-core CPU, and a range of five colors and eight leather and metal combinations, giving owners wide customization capabilities.

The Vertu phenomenon began with the company’s original Vertu Signature luxury phones more than a decade ago. The Signature models are still available in more than 25 variants using stainless steel, zirconium and other materials, starting at $16,150.

The Signature Zirconium handset includes unique detail, such as the melding of fine leathers with its metal chassis and fasteners.

In Geneva, Switzerland, Savelli recently created the Emerald Insane smartphone, which includes 18-carat white gold, 900 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling about 12.5 carats and a heart on top that is created using 75 baguette-cut emeralds totaling about 4.5 carats. The ultra-limited edition phone is priced at $250,000.

The Savelli Emerald Insane smartphones, which run on Android, include buttons and end caps made from black ceramic, Ultra-Bombé unscratchable sapphire screens and are assembled entirely by hand.