Vertu, once a synonym for ostentatious luxury phones, is back with a folding phone equipped with an AI assistant. The AlphaFold boasts a Hermes Agent designed to handle schedules and tasks, though its effectiveness remains to be seen.

The brand's history is marked by ups and downs, from its origins as a Nokia subsidiary in the early 2000s to its current manufacturing base in China. Despite claims of handcraftsmanship, Vertu’s phones are now assembled in factories far removed from their British heritage.

With features like a high-end Snapdragon chipset, a triple-camera system and a mix of titanium and carbon fiber, the AlphaFold is clearly aimed at affluent business executives. However, running on outdated Android 15 and lacking a clear update policy, it may struggle to keep pace with more modern rivals.

The Hermes Agent promises an impressive level of automation, but its success hinges on access to user data and integration with various apps. For now, it remains to be seen if Vertu's AI can truly transform the way business is done or merely add another layer of complexity.