Vertu Launches AlphaFold Folding Phone With AI Agent and Luxury Materials

The Story

Vertu announced the AlphaFold, its first book-like folding phone, targeting business executives. The device includes the Hermes Agent, an AI that can handle schedules, tasks, and connect to enterprise systems. The company, originally a Nokia subsidiary, now has its head office in Hong Kong and assembles phones in China, though materials are sourced globally.

Key Facts

• Vertu announced the AlphaFold smartphone on Thursday (date not specified in article beyond day of week).
• The phone is powered by the Hermes Agent, which can handle schedules, tasks, and “connect to enterprise systems.”
• Vertu’s head office is in Hong Kong; phones are assembled in China but “still handcrafted,” per spokesperson Viki You.
• The AlphaFold uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset from 2025.
• It measures 11.8 mm thick when folded, 5.4 mm when unfolded.
• The hinge and screen are tested to 650,000 folds.
• Battery is 6,500 mAh silicon-anode, with 65W fast charging.
• Inner screen: 8.05 inches, 120 Hz refresh rate; outer screen: 6.53 inches.
• Triple cameras: 50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 5 MP telephoto.
• Materials include titanium, carbon fiber, optional “rare exotic leathers,” 18-karat gold, or diamond accents.
• Features: 24/7 human-powered concierge, two-way satellite messaging, latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
• Runs Android 15; no software update policy provided.
• Hermes Agent supports 31 “Western ecosystem apps” and 55 “Asian ecosystem apps.”
• The agent uses open-source foundations of the Hermes Project (associated with Nous Research, NYC startup) with a custom layer by Vertu.
• Can integrate with ERP business software via Vertu Productivity Suite.
• Sensitive credentials protected at device level; private info processed locally “where possible.”
• Prices: Calfskin Edition $6,880; Italian Alligator $8,800; bespoke gold/diamond models $46,800. One-year warranty.
• Francisco Jeronimo (IDC vice president) commented on Vertu’s opaque private ownership.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

• How well the Hermes Agent will actually function in practice.
• The software update policy for the AlphaFold.
• Availability details beyond “depends on the market.”

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

• Viki You (Vertu spokesperson)
• Francisco Jeronimo (vice president for data and analytics at IDC)

Sources: Wired