Luxury brand Vertu has unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the AlphaFold, which opens like a book. Targeted at wealthy clients and business leaders, its pricing makes even Samsung's top foldables seem affordable. The base model costs $6,880, while the fully loaded version with gold and diamond accents reaches $46,800.
Vertu is betting on more than just premium materials—it's also leaning heavily into artificial intelligence. The phone's standout feature is its proprietary AI agent, Hermes, which can interact with dozens of apps and handle tasks much like a personal assistant.
According to Vertu, Hermes learns the owner's habits, manages their schedule, messages, travel, and work tasks. It works with Google, Telegram, WhatsApp, Gmail, and other services, and can even perform actions across multiple apps simultaneously.
The AI can tweak system settings, launch apps, and interface with corporate ERP systems. Vertu emphasizes that sensitive data is processed locally on the device, and critical actions like financial transfers require manual confirmation.
The AlphaFold runs Android 15 and is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Vertu hasn't fully disclosed the specs, preferring to highlight exclusivity and bespoke services for affluent customers.
Owners also gain access to Vertu's concierge service, which can arrange private flights, VIP event access, elite hotel bookings, and other tailored services.
Vertu originally made its name with ultra-expensive phones featuring leather, sapphire, and precious metals. Despite a past bankruptcy, the brand continues to produce ultra-premium devices for a niche audience.