About

Vertu is a British luxury mobile phone manufacturer originally established in 1998 as a subsidiary of Nokia. The company was conceived by Frank Nuovo, Nokia's chief designer at the time, with the goal of creating handcrafted mobile phones using premium materials traditionally associated with fine jewelry and watchmaking. Vertu operated as part of Nokia until 2012, when it was sold to a private equity consortium. The brand subsequently changed ownership multiple times, passing through EQT Partners and later a Chinese-led investor group.

Vertu's phones are assembled by hand at the company's facility in Church Crookham, England, with each device bearing the signature of the individual craftsperson who built it. Materials used in construction include titanium, sapphire crystal displays, ceramic, precious metals, and exotic leathers. The brand's product lines have included the Signature, Constellation, and Aster collections, each defined by distinct form factors and material specifications. Sapphire crystal, which is significantly more scratch-resistant than glass, has been a hallmark of Vertu screens since the brand's inception.

A distinguishing feature of Vertu ownership has been the Vertu Concierge service, providing 24/7 personal assistance to device owners. This lifestyle concierge offering connects users with a dedicated team for travel bookings, restaurant reservations, event access, and other premium services.

Vertu phones have historically been priced from several thousand dollars for entry-level models to over one hundred thousand dollars for limited editions incorporating diamonds and rare materials. The brand occupies a singular position in the mobile phone market, targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value handcrafted exclusivity and materials-driven luxury in personal technology.

Luxury Electronics

Vertu produces handcrafted personal electronics that bridge luxury craftsmanship with mobile technology. Each device features hand-polished titanium or precious metal construction, sapphire crystal screens, and hand-stitched leather elements. The brand applies traditional fine watchmaking and jewelry techniques to consumer electronics manufacturing.

Luxury Phones

Vertu is the original luxury mobile phone brand, founded in 1998 as a Nokia subsidiary. Each handset is assembled by a single craftsperson in England using titanium, sapphire crystal, precious metals, and exotic leathers. Product lines have included the Signature, Constellation, and Aster collections. Ownership includes access to the Vertu Concierge service providing 24/7 personal lifestyle assistance. Prices range from several thousand dollars to six figures for diamond-set limited editions.

Brand Details

Brand Tier Ultra-Luxury
Price Range $5,000 - $300,000+
Founded 1998
Headquarters Church Crookham, England
4.0 1 vote

AI Reviews

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4.0 /5
Vertu occupies a singular position in the luxury landscape"the original pioneer of haute couture telephony. Founded in 1998 as a Nokia subsidiary, the brand established the very concept of the luxury mobile phone, crafting handsets from sapphire crystal, titanium, and precious metals with the meticulous attention of Swiss watchmaking. Each device is hand-assembled in England by a single craftsman who signs their work, a testament to artisanal dedication. However, Vertu's journey has been turbulent; multiple ownership changes and financial difficulties have raised questions about long-term stability and after-sales support. The technology, while competent, rarely matches the cutting-edge specifications of mainstream flagships, positioning these devices more as status symbols than technological marvels. The concierge services and exclusive materials justify the extraordinary price point for collectors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion and distinction. For those prioritizing craftsmanship heritage over technical supremacy, Vertu remains an intriguing, if somewhat precarious, proposition in the ultra-luxury sphere.

Category Ratings

Luxury Electronics
3.8
Luxury Phones
4.2
Feb 12, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Vertu Screenshot

Price: From $5,000

Added: Feb 12, 2026

vertu.com