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Vertu wants executives to pay $6,880 for an AI agent — here’s how it actually performs
Vertu Alphafold, a luxury foldable phone with a built-in AI agent called Hermes targeting executives, is the core news point for readers seeking smartphone AI features and luxury business devices. The UK-founded luxury phone maker, known for hand-finished devices costing tens of thousands of dollars, has launched the Alphafold starting at $6,880, pairing calfskin leather and titanium with an AI designed to automate executive workflows—analyzing documents, planning trips, and managing tasks. However, a TechCrunch review reveals the Alphafold is built on a ZTE Nubia hardware platform, with striking similarities to the $1,100 ZTE Nubia Fold, including hinge design, dimensions, and ZTE identifiers in the software. Vertu confirmed a supply-chain partnership with ZTE/Nubia for hardware, while Vertu provides luxury materials, software, quality control, and after-sales service. The 264-gram Alphafold feels heavier than Samsung’s 215-gram Galaxy Z Fold 7, but its curved frame aids unfolding. The Hermes Agent impressed with local file analysis and multi-step workflow automation, surpassing Google Gemini on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in some tasks. Yet, in tests simulating executive scenarios—like messaging a contact, navigating to the airport, and setting reminders—Hermes acted more autonomously but made errors (e.g., wrong reminder time, incorrect trip dates), while Gemini asked clarifying questions for more accurate results. Ultimately, Vertu’s bet is not on building a better foldable but on selling an AI agent as a digital executive assistant to the ultra-wealthy, though the hardware’s ZTE foundation and mixed AI performance raise questions about its value proposition.