By
Kseniia Klichova
October 25th, 2022
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, the phone boasts a dual operating system allowing users to switch between Web2 and Web3.
Luxury phone manufacturer Vertu has announced the launch of its first smartphone with major Web3 features – the Metavertu. The CEO Gary Chan made the announcement at a global launch held in London.
According to Chan, it’s become necessary for smartphone manufacturers to become more innovative given the growing adoption of blockchain and web3. Chan believes the complexity of Web3 remains a limitation. “We want to reinvent the smartphone to de-complicate Web3,” he said.
The company expects sales to begin in November through its website and its physical retail store in London. Users will be able to purchase the entry-level Metavertu smartphone for as low as $3,284 which is more than many foldable phones. The price can also go as high as $41,300 depending on the exact specifications.
What Users Can Expect with Web3 Phone Metavertu
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, the phone boasts a dual operating system allowing users to switch between Web2 and Web3. Also, it has up to 18GB RAM and a storage of about 1TB (and another 10Tb of distributed online file hosting).
Built into the device is a display of 6.67in, 2400×1080 AMOLED and a 16MP front camera. Additionally, it has a triple-lens camera made of a 64MP main camera with image stabilization, a secondary ultrawide glass with 50MP, and an 8MP periscope at the back.
All Metavertu models have a ceramic frame and a sapphire glass screen. Likewise, they also have a 4600mAh battery that can charge up to 90% recharge in 20 minutes using its 55W wired charging.
Users will be able to run a blockchain node directly from the phone, communicate securely with others, and add decentralized apps. According to Virtu, the device also has an inbuilt blockchain privacy chip which will secure the user’s cryptocurrencies against cyber scams.
Meanwhile, users can convert photos and videos into NFTs with one click. These NFTs are authenticated digitally and stored securely on the device. To help newbies to web3, the device also has a voice assistant programmed to answer Web3-related questions.
Hope for Vertu?
This is not the first time Vertu is launching luxury smartphones. The smartphone manufacturer previously went bankrupt in 2017 when its luxury devices failed to gain market acceptance. The brand was relaunched in 2018 following a series of acquisitions.
Vertu may very well be banking on the fact that people that can drop a million dollars for a BAYC should be able to drop way lesser for a high-end device to protect their assets.
