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What might look at first glance like a simple keypad mobile phone in a recent Instagram reel of actress Mahima Chaudhry’s daughter is, in fact, a luxury mobile handset from Vertu — a brand long associated with craftsmanship, rare materials and jaw-dropping price tags.

Footage of the phone in casual use has sparked curiosity online, especially because on the surface it resembles a traditional feature phone with a keypad. But for those in the know, a closer look reveals this is not your average device — it’s a status symbol that blends classic form with ultra-premium luxury.

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How Vertu transformed phones into high fashion

Vertu began life in 1998 as a subsidiary of the Finnish telecommunications giant Nokiapioneering what would become a niche but very exclusive segment of mobile devices: luxury phones that function as accessories as much as electronics. From its headquarters in the United Kingdom, the brand set out to redefine mobile phones the way a haute couture house might reshape clothing — with meticulous handcrafting and materials usually found in fine jewellery.

Unlike mass-market smartphones, a Vertu device is often hand-assembled by skilled artisans and built from rare and high-grade materialssuch as titanium, sapphire crystal screens and precious leathers. Many models incorporate exotic skins like alligator or calf leather, and some limited editions have featured gold, diamonds and rubies embedded in their design.

This combination of materials and traditional workmanship is what elevates Vertu handsets from everyday gadgets to coveted lifestyle objects.

Price tags that match luxury craftsmanship

Vertu’s exclusivity comes with a price to match. While ordinary smartphones are measured in hundreds of pounds or dollars, Vertu devices routinely start in the tens of thousands. Some models — particularly limited editions or bespoke pieces — have been known to cross the hundreds of thousands mark in price, making them the sort of luxury item usually seen only among celebrities and collectors.

For example, Vertu phones available in India include premium models such as the Metavertu 2 and Ironflipwith price tags in the range of ₹4 lakh and abovedepending on configuration and materials used. More accessible models from earlier years have still been priced significantly higher than mainstream phones, underscoring Vertu’s emphasis on exclusivity over mass appeal.

More than just materials: craftsmanship and concierge services

What truly differentiates a Vertu phone is that it is more than just metal and leather. Owners of these devices often have access to 24/7 concierge servicesanother luxury element that reinforces the brand’s premium positioning in the lifestyle space. A dedicated service team can assist with travel arrangements, reservations or personalised support — features rarely offered by typical mobile brands.

The brand’s history also reflects its evolution beyond basic communication devices. Vertu has continually woven together technology, jewellery-like design and bespoke services to appeal to a very specific clientele that values craftsmanship, exclusivity and status.

What Mahima Chaudhry’s reel tells us about luxury tech culture

When a celebrity’s family member is seen using a luxury device like a Vertu phone — one that might easily be mistaken for a simple keypad handset — it highlights how premium lifestyle accessories are increasingly part of public life and digital expression.

In a social media era where appearances and personal branding are often in the spotlight, choosing a luxury phone that looks understated yet carries immense craftsmanship and value fits neatly into modern lifestyle trends. It is less about utility and more about identity, taste and exclusivity.