Vertu Unveils AI-Powered Folding Phone with a Familiar Twist

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['Vertu, a company notorious for creating extravagantly designed smartphones with outdated technology, luxe materials, and jaw-dropping prices, is attempting to reinvent itself with its latest offering: the AlphaFold. This book-like folding phone boasts an AI agent, dubbed the Hermes Agent, which can allegedly handle schedules, tasks, and connect to enterprise systems on behalf of its user.', "The AlphaFold, announced on Thursday, marks Vertu's foray into the AI-driven smartphone market. The Hermes Agent is poised to rival similar AI-powered assistants from tech giants like Google and Samsung, which have been enabling users to perform tasks such as booking an Uber or ordering DoorDash on their Android smartphones.

By jumping on this trend, Vertu aims to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-enhanced mobile experiences.", "However, Vertu's history is marred by struggles to keep pace with the rapidly evolving smartphone landscape. Originally a Nokia subsidiary, the company produced handcrafted luxury Nokia phones in the UK during the early 2000s. Despite offering a live concierge service, Vertu faced significant challenges with the smartphone revolution and eventually fell behind.

The company changed hands multiple times, ultimately shuttering its UK factory and laying off staff.", "In recent years, Vertu has resumed producing luxury Android smartphones, including a folding flip phone that starts at $4,300 and features a calfskin backplate. The company also unveiled the Agent Q in late 2025, touted as the 'world's first AI agent phone for entrepreneurs.' Although Vertu still claims a British heritage, its phones are now assembled in China, with high-end materials sourced from other countries, such as Italy.", "The AlphaFold boasts an impressive array of specifications, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset from 2025, a 6,500-mAh silicon-anode battery, and a 120-Hz screen refresh rate for its inner 8.05-inch screen. The phone's hinge and screen architecture have been tested to withstand 650,000 folds, surpassing Samsung's claim of 500,000 folds.

With a triple-camera system, 65-watt fast charging, and a svelte design, Vertu's latest offering appears to be a high-end Android smartphone.", "Vertu spokesperson Viki You emphasized that the company's phones are 'still handcrafted,' despite being assembled in China. As the luxury smartphone market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Vertu's latest effort, the AlphaFold, will resonate with business executives and justify its likely hefty price tag."]