Vertu Constellation

Vertu is a spin-off of Nokia, concentrating on manufacturing luxury mobile communication products like phones and headsets. They have a number of mobile phone models starting from the most expensive Signature Diamond collection with 18 carat gold/white gold/platinum and Pave diamonds, followed by the Signature Model 2006 collection, without the diamonds, and the more affordable sports-car inspired Ascent series with hand-embossed leather. Right before the Ascent series is the new Constellation series, in which we'll make our trip today.

The Constellation series borrows its name from the 1940s and 1950s aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Corporation, more popularly known for their SR-71 Blackbird. The Lockheed Constellation aircraft was also used by Air India and the Indian Navy at one point in time. Principal designer of Vertu, Frank Nuovo, pays tribute to the Constellation by designing the microphone opening of the phone to match the symbol of the propeller of the aircraft. If you turn the phone around, you’ll also see nine screws that seem to resemble the rivets on WWII period aircraft, but actually the screws are also on other non-Constellation series phones

The aircraft similarity doesn't end there. The Constellation also comes with features targetted at frequent flying businessmen, such as real-time flight tracking and conversion of currency on the go.

There are three models in the Constellation series – one with pure 18 carat gold plating and two stainless steel ones called 'polished steel' and 'satin steel'. We got the 18 carat gold plated one for review in our labs. The rear side has 'top-class' European leather in a variety of colors. The display is covered by sapphire crystal that is scratch proof, ensuring that the phone will not lose its sheen even years after usage. The matching ceramic keypad is designed well and offers good tactile feedback. But the whole phone is very heavy at around 165gm, which is about as heavy as the N91.