The Vertu Ascent Ti isn't a new phone, but its launch in Taiwan surely brought some popularity to it All that fancy leather sure adds up to the hefty 7000US$ price tag, but what is it in a Vertu that makes it so expensive? The reasons after the jump. Well it certainly can't be the features:

• Quadband GSM
• 3G
• 160g weight
• Bluetooth
• USB 2.0
• 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
• 4GB internal memory
• Automatic backups to a server located in an ex-military bunker in UK (seriously)

It is no doubt the materials used in the making. The camera lens, display and even the flash are protected by sapphire glass, just like the Nokia 8800 Arte.

But one of the key factors that provide strength to the phone is the titanium build, and the ear pillow is made out of the same ceramic that Space Shuttles are made of, although I'm not sure to protect from what heat.

One thing is for sure, there isn't any special feature on the phone that makes it more reliable, but if you got cash to splash and like to show off, this phone is for you.

Source: Slashphone