Vertu's Alphafold, priced at $6,880, is marketed as a luxury foldable smartphone for executives, featuring the Hermes Agent, an AI designed to automate tasks.
Luxury Meets AI
Vertu, known for its high-end, hand-finished devices, introduces the Alphafold, targeting affluent executives. The smartphone, wrapped in calfskin leather with titanium accents, positions itself as both a status symbol and an executive tool. However, the Hermes Agent, built on the open-source Hermes project, is the core selling point, automating workflows and handling tasks.
Performance and Design
Physically, the Alphafold feels luxurious, but its 264-gram weight is noticeably heavier compared to the 215-gram Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. While the curved frame aids in unfolding, the device lacks the sleekness and one-handed comfort of the Samsung model. Its packaging resembles a jewelry presentation, complete with a leather sleeve and accessories, emphasizing a luxury experience.
AI Functionality
The Hermes Agent aims to replace an executive assistant by managing tasks like analyzing documents and planning trips. However, testing revealed inconsistencies. While it autonomously handled tasks more than Samsung's Gemini, it sometimes delivered incorrect outputs. For example, during a test, it failed to set an accurate reminder time and mismanaged a business trip itinerary.
Build and Comparisons
The Alphafold shares hardware similarities with the $1,100 ZTE Nubia Fold. Vertu confirmed a partnership involving ZTE's platform, focusing on luxury materials and software. Despite these similarities, Vertu emphasizes Alphafold's unique luxury attributes.
Security and Usability
Security is crucial for executives. Vertu promises encrypted communications and a dedicated “A5” security chip, although claims were unverified. The absence of wireless charging is a notable drawback at this price point, especially when compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which supports Qi charging.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Alphafold's luxury and AI offerings struggle to justify its high cost. While its premium materials and unique services are attractive, the core experience offers little beyond less expensive alternatives. The impending release of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 further challenges the Alphafold's value proposition.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/17/vertu-wants-executives-to-pay-6880-for-an-ai-agent-heres-how-it-actually-performs/
