This Android phone costs $23,000

Pre discussion questions

How much do you think someone very rich would pay for a special smartphone?

Is privacy really important for you in a phone?

How much money would you pay for the privilege of knowing the data on your smartphone is safe?

A new company known as Sirin Labs thinks you might pay $23,500.

This is the price the company is selling it’s new smartphone for. The company says this phone is all about privacy first.  The phone is made for the international businessperson who carries a lot of sensitive information. And for someone who doesn't want to compromise on what the phone can do or its quality and design.

At the moment the smartphone is only for sale for from Sirin Labs. They own a famous shop in London's ritzy Mayfair district. And the phone will also be for sale at high-end department store Harrods by the end of the month. It is only for sale in these luxury shops.

So what exactly do you get for $23,500?

The phone doesn't come with diamonds or gold. But it's the opposite to this as it has been designed to look inconspicuous.

What sets the phone apart from the competition is its security. These features include anti-cyberattack software for mobile protection. It also has chip-to-chip encryption.

This is the same technology that armies around the world use to protect their communication.

The phone even has standard "ultrasafe" mode. This mode is operated by a switch on the back of the phone.

Starting this mode will reduce some hardware features. It will only let you make outgoing voice calls and safe encrypted text messaging.

The smartphone uses the Android 5.1 operating system. It has 4GB of RAM, 128GB of non-expandable storage and a very bright 5.5 inch LED 2k resolution screen.

Also, it boasts a 23.8-megapixel rear facing camera. And it has laser autofocus and four-tone flash. This means the flash will see the color of the picture you will take and adjust the amount of light automatically.

It has some very good features, but is it worth paying $23,500?

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=8, B=1, C=7, D=4, E=6, F=2, G=5, H=3

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1.      Rich people have more privileges, for example they can go to places for members only.

2.      Cats are very sensitive because they know that someone is coming.

3.      When you negotiate you usually have to compromise by not getting 100% of what you want.

4.      Gangnam in Seoul has Korea’s high-end shops.

5.      If you want to be inconspicuous then don’t speak loudly.

6.      He was set apart from other children because of his special ability.

7.      Arrogant people boast that they are the best.

8.      A watch with diamonds is ritzy.

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1.      How much would you pay for the privilege of having this phone?

2.      Woman like men who are sensitive to women’s needs. Do you agree? Why or why not

3.      How much would you compromise of your time or money to get your dream?

4.      What high-end products do you like?

5.      Do you know some luxury brands that are inconspicuous? Describe what sets them apart.

6.      What sets someone apart who is very good at sport or some other skill from an ordinary person?

7.      How do you feel about people who boast?

8.      Describe a ritzy show or product.