The smartphone we use is as much a statement as it is a tool. It attaches to us and forms part of our identity. That’s how we get ever-vigilant fan boys ready to defend their favorite brands while sneering at other people’s choices.

And for the not-so-low price of S$13,000, you can be the owner of a phone that reflects your well-padded pockets – the Vertu TI. The TI, which stands for titanium, is a range of Android smartphones that is as luxurious as they come. …

Okay, its eyes don’t light up in red and it doesn’t breathe digital fire, but a gaudy golden dragon – as cheesy a “Chinese” symbol as you can find – is going to adorn the face of Vertu’s new Signature phone specially designed for the Lunar New Year. …