Display:640 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~325 ppi density)
Camera:5 MP, AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2010, December
The Luxurious and Discontinued Constellation Quest: A Review of Vertu’s Flagship Device
Introduction
Vertu, the well-known luxury mobile phone maker, released its flagship device - the Constellation Quest, in 2010. It was an attempt to blend extravagance and functionality in one device. The Constellation Quest was highly anticipated and created quite a stir in the market upon its release. However, its short lifespan and discontinued status have left many wondering if it lived up to the brand's reputation. Let’s dive into the details of this extravagantly priced device.
Design and Build
Boasting a fusion of metal and leather, the Constellation Quest was crafted to perfection in classic Vertu style. Measuring at 116.2 x 60.8 x 12.7 mm and weighing between 165-185g, it was definitely on the heavier and thicker side compared to other smartphones of that time. The device also featured a QWERTY keyboard and an optical trackpad for navigation.
Display and Platform
The Constellation Quest had a 2.46 inch, TFT display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. While the screen size may seem relatively small, the pixel density of ~325ppi provided sharp and vibrant visuals. It ran on Symbian OS and had 8GB of internal storage, which was expandable up to 32GB via a microSDHC card.
Camera and Other Features
Equipped with a 5-megapixel main camera and a dual-LED flash, the Constellation Quest delivered decent picture quality. However, the absence of a front-facing camera did put a damper on the selfie game. In terms of connectivity, it supported Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and even had a Facebook and Twitter app pre-installed. The device also came with a QuickOffice editor for easy access to documents on the go.
Battery Life
The Constellation Quest had a non-removable Li-Po 1500mAh battery that could last up to 7.5 hours on 2G and up to 5.5 hours on 3G. It boasted a standby time of up to 350 hours on 2G and 430 hours on 3G, making it a reliable device for daily use.
Discontinued Status
Despite its luxurious design and functional features, the Constellation Quest was discontinued in 2012, just two years after its release. The reason behind this was Vertu's focus on producing more modern smartphones with updated operating systems. Moreover, with a hefty price tag of around $9,000, the device was not able to generate significant sales in a competitive market.
Conclusion
The Vertu Constellation Quest may have fallen short in terms of longevity, but it was a device that truly reflected the brand's luxurious identity. Its design and build quality were top-notch, and it delivered satisfactory performance in comparison to other smartphones at that time. However, its high price and Symbian OS proved to be significant drawbacks, ultimately leading to its discontinuation. Nonetheless, the Constellation Quest remains a symbol of luxury and extravagance in the world of technology.
Vertu Constellation Quest Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM / HSPA
2G bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Speed
HSPA 10.2/2 Mbps
Launch
Announced
2010, October. Released 2010, December
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
116.2 x 60.8 x 12.7 mm, 87 cc (4.57 x 2.39 x 0.5 in)
Facebook, Twitter apps
MP4/H.263 player
MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player
QuickOffice editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
PDF viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Organizer
Vertu Concierge service
Predictive text input