tech
Vertu wants executives to pay $6,880 for an AI agent — here's how it actually performs
From AI workflows to battery life and security, here's what it's really like to live with Vertu's luxury foldable every day.
TL;DR
- Vertu's Alphafold is a luxury foldable phone starting at $6,880, aimed at executives, featuring an AI agent named Hermes.
- The phone utilizes premium materials like calfskin leather and titanium, offering a distinct luxury feel and presentation.
- The Alphafold's hardware is developed in partnership with ZTE/Nubia, sharing similarities with the less expensive ZTE Nubia Fold.
- Hermes Agent aims to automate multi-step workflows, analyze files, and act as a digital companion, but its performance is mixed.
- Compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, Hermes is more autonomous but less accurate, while Gemini on Samsung's device is more cautious and precise.
- Vertu emphasizes security with a dedicated 'A5' security chip and encrypted conversations, though these claims could not be independently verified.
- The device lacks wireless charging, a surprising omission at its price point.
- The Alphafold's value proposition is heavily reliant on its branding, AI ecosystem, and concierge services, which may not justify the substantial premium over competitors.