British-based luxury handset manufacturer Vertu has released a new smartphone called the Constellation. It’s the company’s second Android phone, following the Ti that was announced in February.
Vertu was owned by Nokia until last year and had previous used the Symbian platform for its smartphones.
The Vertu Constellation has a 4.3-inch HD screen covered with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It’s encases in titanium and is wrapped in a single piece of calf leather.
Technical specifications include a dual-core 1.7GHz processor and a 13 megapixel camera. There’s also a suite of Vertu CERTAINTY security services, with encrypted VoIP calls in partnership with Silent Circle, global WiFi access via iPass, device tracking from Protector Services Group and anti-virus by Kaspersky.
Ignacio Germade, Vertu’s Head of Total Product Offering, said “Constellation moves Vertu design into a contemporary realm. When we created VERTU Ti, we used a very elegant design language that visually connects to our heritage and that gives the product a timeless quality. Conversely, in Constellation, we have designed a modern, minimal phone that is sleek and understated. While Constellation takes Vertu in a new design direction, materially it embodies everything for which the brand has become renowned – tactile materials, outstanding engineering and craftsmanship and modern technology.”
Pricing is from €4,900 (£4,200).