A classic keypad mobile phone has gone viral on social media after being spotted at a recent film event. Netizens were initially amused by the sight of a basic-looking device in the age of smartphones, until the brand and pricing surfaced, revealing it as a luxury model from Vertu.
Fahadh Faasil Seen Using the Vertu Phone
Actor Fahadh Faasil was seen using this phone during a movie puja ceremony, surprising many with his minimalist tech choice.
The Vertu Ascent and Its Legacy
The phone in question is believed to be the Vertu Ascent, a model first announced in 2004. Designed as a blend of technology and luxury, the Ascent was part of Vertu’s premium lineup, often handcrafted using exclusive materials. Though discontinued today, the phone remains a collector’s item, especially among vintage tech enthusiasts and luxury gadget collectors.
Design and Build Quality
The Vertu Ascent features a compact design with dimensions of 108 x 44 x 22 mm and a solid weight of 173 grams, giving it a substantial and premium feel. It was built using Crystal Fine technology and scratch-resistant glass, with a body designed to reflect durability and high craftsmanship — inspired partly by high-performance sports cars.
Display and Interface
The phone has a 116 x 148 pixels resolution screen, protected by scratch-resistant materials. While modest by modern standards, the display was advanced for its time, offering clarity and style for luxury users.
No Camera, But Full of Features
Despite not including a camera — a common standard even back then — the Vertu Ascent focused on other features like SMS, MMS, email support, and predictive text input. It also included an organizer, voice dialling, and WAP browsing, catering to business-class users who valued elegance and function over apps.
No Expandable Storage or Radio
The phone had no memory card slot or radio, but it supported up to 1000 phonebook entries, 100 SMS, and 220 calendar notes — emphasizing its role as a refined communication device rather than a multimedia one.
Connectivity and Audio
It came with Bluetooth, but no Wi-Fi, GPS, or 3.5mm jack. The device offered polyphonic ringtones, a loudspeaker, and supported multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.
Battery and Performance
Powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, the Vertu Ascent offered up to 150 hours of standby and 4 hours of talk time, meeting the demands of high-end business users during its era.
Price and Market Position
Originally priced at around €3,320 (approx. ₹2.9 lakh), the Vertu Ascent was marketed as a luxury statement, not a mass-market device. Today, depending on condition and rarity, it can sell anywhere between ₹1 lakh to over ₹7 lakh, especially limited editions or Ferrari-branded variants.
Craftsmanship Over Specs
Vertu phones are not about cutting-edge specs. They represent artisanal design, premium materials, and brand exclusivity, making them appealing to those who prefer timeless quality over modern tech trends. The Vertu Ascent stands as a symbol of that philosophy, long after its official production ended.
