The Vertu Aster comes wrapped in ostrich skin. Photo: Vertu

Buying a smartphone off-contract isn’t cheap these days — especially not if you buy from luxury handset maker Vertu. The company’s latest offering is the Aster, an Android-powered device with a sapphire glass screen, front-facing Dolby stereo speakers, and an incredible $6,900 price tag.

Screenshot: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Here’s something you don’t see everyday: A smartphone unboxing underwater. British retailer Carphone Warehouse came up with the ingenious idea for the new Sony Xperia Z3 to highlight one of its biggest selling points — its IP68 rating for water-resistance — and it’s just as great as you’d expect.

Leak: Sina Weibo

A leaked poster published on Chinese social network Weibo has allegedly revealed the upcoming HTC One M8 EYE ahead of its official unveiling. The device looks identical to the original One M8, seemingly confirming that the only differences between the two will be internal. Rumor has it they will all be focused on its front- and rear-facing cameras.

Screenshots: Tales of Pocoro/Google Play

While it may be possible to install and play regular Android games on your Android Wear watch, we recommend you don’t because it almost always results in a horrible user experience. Instead, why not play games specifically designed for the Android Wear platform, such as Tales of Pocoro, a new puzzle game that boasts more than 200 levels.

This is what you can expect the Nexus 6 to look like. Mockup: Android Police

Motorola’s new Moto X has been picking up rave reviews since making its debut last month, with many calling it the best Android-powered smartphone you can buy right now. But just how long will Motorola allow it to hold onto that title?

The company has been tasked with building Google’s upcoming Nexus 6, and if its leaked specifications are anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger and better than anything Motorola has given us so far.