Do you know vertu phone? Do You want to make money? Perhaps reading
this article, you know how to make money about it?
I’ve been getting lots of e-mails lately from some of my readers, who
are interested in knowing the difference between the VERTU replica
phones that are being offered by websites like hiphoneshop.com, etc,
and the original VERTU. I’ve been looking over the features of the
original one (mostly on Google, as I’ve no access to the real thing)
and comparing them with my own VERTU Ascent Ti Ferrari replica. Got
some more information from Frank over at http://vertu.yolasite.com yesterday and
have come with 9 differences between the VERTU copy and the original.
Here we go…
Difference #1 – Software::: The main difference is of course the
software. While the original VERTU software is based on the NOKIA S40
Symbian platform with some minor modifications. The replica VERTU
software is CECT based, a platform developed in China which is
flexible enough to support features like 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth,
GPRS/WAP, 3D graphics, external flashing and much more. The mainframe
of VERTU replica CECT-based phones allows the seamless integration of
third-party (specifically those ripped out of the original VERTU)
images, sounds, menu structures, languages and even bits of program
code. The flexibility of CECT software allowed Chinese replica
masterminds to create iPhone clones, Nokia and Samsung copies and some
other pretty amazing stuff. Another fascinating thing about CECT
software lies in the fact that it can be edited by anyone who can
compile and decompile flash ROMs. This means that anyone with enough
knowledge and the right tools can modify the software inside a VERTU
replica phone and add functions, features, scripts, etc.
Difference #2 – Size and Weight::: The size and weight of the original
VERTU is measured with jewel-like precision. Vertu.com has got all the
exact specifications of their phone models, including volume. It’s a
well-known fact that VERTU replicas and clones differ in weight. No
VERTU knockoff can weigh the same and be of the same size as the real
VERTU. The reason for this is physics. Mass, density and volume are
all relative to each other. This means that if you have a small cube
of 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm made of steel and a cube of 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm
made of gold, the former will weigh less, since gold has a much higher
density than steel. This means that if you would want to have a
replica of a golden cube you will have to give up either weight or
size. Same goes for VERTU replicas and originals. Steel is used
instead of silver, steel+golden gilt instead of gold, making the
replica weigh less but be the same in size. Again, this is pure and
simple 6th grade physics. PRODUCERS WHO TELL YOU THAT THEIR VERTU
REPLICA PRODUCTS WEIGH EXACTLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL ARE LIARS. The
difference in weight may be from 5g up to 100g (if the phone is made
of plastic) depending on the model. A very interesting thing is that
the VERTU Ascent Ti replica (made from steel) is actually HEAVIER than
the original VERTU Ascent Ti, since steel has a larger density than
titanium.
Difference #3 – VERTU Services::: The original VERTU series has got
subscriptions to the VERTU Services: VERTU Concierge, VERTU Fortress
and VERTU Select (you can read more on these services in my post).
These services WILL NOT WORK on VERTU clones since replicas haven’t
got legitimate serial numbers which can be registered at Vertu.com.
But, most replicas have got the VERTU Concierge button, VERTU Fortress
in their menus, and VERTU Select, which actually try to connect to the
real services offered by VERTU. Of course, you will get a CONNECTION
FAILED message.
Difference #4 – Materials::: The price comparison of VERTU will
straight-forwardly give you an inkling of the fact that real gold,
silver, platinum and titanium that original VERTUs bear are replaced
by stainless steel (in gold VERTU replica models coated with a thin
layer of, usually, real gold). The leather used in manufacturing the
replica is usually cow skin, but some producers limit themselves to
the use of leatherette to cut down on the price hoping to win a few
customer over with their ‘flashy’ prices. VERTU phones are dressed in
imported cow skin directly from the plains of where-ever Heidi used to
hang out . Ceramic (used in many models) is usually the same ceramic,
imported from different geographic locations. Sapphire glass is
replaced by regular glass or plastic, and super-expensive diamonds are
glued on to the VERTU replica casing from a box of freshly cut
Swarovsky crystals. Of course, this all means that the original VERTU
is much more durable (and the price is much more ’sky-high’).
Difference #5 – Authenticity::: Funny to mention, right? How could a
replica be authentic? Well, even funnier than it seems, producers of
replica VERTU are striving to reproduce and replicate the
authenticity. Serial numbers, engravings – everything. Good VERTU
replicas of the Signature S phone will even have a forged signature
under the battery. Certificates of ownership are also usually included
with VERTU replicas. And even the pompous “MADE IN U.K.” engraving has
its place on the ‘replica stage’. The serial numbers are all
identical. For example, the VERTU Ascent Ferrari 1947 Limited Edition
will have 0001/1947 as its serial number on all replica VERTUs. Ship
half a thousand clones to Luxemburg and you’ll have the whole country
carrying the ‘first’ most exclusive phone in the world of a limited
number.
Difference #6 – Model Range::: It’s funny how many different VERTU
models has the replica line got. I’ve seen a website which sells VERTU
wrist cellphone-watches! The original VERTU range has got about 20
different phone variations in 4-5 model ranges. A Chinese website will
proudly present 80 different VERTU phones, in different shapes, sizes
and colors. All the generic model range can be seen on Vertu.com. Of
course there are some models that are not listed, like the extremely
limited editions of the VERTU Boucheron line. It’s interesting to know
that just the VERTU Ascent Ti Ferrari replica comes in 23 different
textures, colors and designs. The recent VERTU Ascent Ti Ferrari NERO
replica comes in at least 7 different color variations. Mix n’ match,
indeed. The VERTU Constellation and the latest VERTU Signature phones
have NO CAMERAs in the original range, while Chinese stores offer
camera’d replicas. Watch out (or enjoy; some people actually go for
the camera mode, regardless of the known fact)!
Difference #7 – Performance::: Talk-time and stand-by time is an
interesting issue. I have always thought that an original VERTU phone
has astounding battery performance. Alas, VERTU uses a
little-more-than-average batteries, which offer 300 hours of stand-by
time and 5 hours of talk-time. Replica battery life is a little
shorter, ranging somewhere between 200-250 hours stand-by and 3-4
hours in data/voice connection. Replica VERTU have no Wi-Fi and 3G
compatibility, but I’ve been told that it’s being worked on. The chip
inside the VERTU replica is an MT6227 generic chip, which is fast for
a phone that needs no more than half a million computations per
second. The ROM memories in both the replica and the original are very
identical, but in the RAM-fight the original wins by up to 100%. The
replica VERTU RAM (internatl memory) of the VERTU Signature S (one of
the phones that does not really have any ‘extendable’ memory slots)
can store up to 2GBs, while the original stores 4GBs. Signal reception
does not differ, both the replica and the original use generic Nokia
transmitters and decoders, but VERTU’s internal aerial is claimed to
make use of some new technology.
Difference #8 – Availability::: Original VERTU phones cannot be bought
online (unless used ones at eBay (and beware, many eBay scammers are
selling replicas off for the real thing). Replicas can be bought
online and in some phone shops (mainly in China). Limited editions in
the VERTU range are not that limited in the replica VERTU range. For
example, the VERTU Ferrari F60, produced in 60 units only, is owned by
thousands in the replicated version. Many VERTU originals come in
dual-band GSM versions, which don’t work in many countries which
require a third and/or fourth band. Replica VERTU mostly come in
tri-band GSM versions (with variable third band frequencies), meaning
that a replica can be used while travelling with no fear of losing
coverage. Registering a VERTU replica is much easier than the real
thing. Did you know that to use the original VERTU with your existing
SIM card you have to actually register the SIM card by phone or
online? And if you get a new SIM card – you’ll have to register it as
well.
Difference #9 – Price::: Evidently, the most relevant difference when
it comes to the choice of buying the replica or original VERTU is the
price tag. A base Ascent Ti model (with a price tag of $7,000-9,000)
can be bought off for 300-400 bucks in a replica phone. The signature
Boucheron valued at an amazing $310,000 costs 300 times cheaper in the
replica version.
There’s no right or wrong choice here. The above wasn’t a “What is
better?” post anyway. This is just knowledge. If you want a VERTU and
you have ten thousand dollars to spare – get the real one, if not –
get the replica. So that’s another 9 from Timmy Nine Thank for
reading. Comment/share/mail me
