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What does $6,000 buy in the smartphone market?
Not a whole lot more than $600, it seems.
U.K. luxury phone maker Vertu has unveiled the Constellation, an Android-based device the company says features a blend of craftsmanship and technology.
A piece of clear, sapphire crystal that covers the screen is touted as one of the key design features. The crystal lies on top of a 4.3-inch high-definition screen, and is said to be scratch-proof against everything except diamonds.
The handset is built in a lightweight titanium case with leather backing. Buyers can choose from five relatively subdued case colors - cappuccino, black, orange, mocha and raspberry. Ringtones for the phone were recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra.
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The British-made device, which costs about 10 times more than Apple's latest iPhone 5S, hopes to tempt the luxury buyer by providing more than just sleek design.
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Anyone who buys the phone gains access to private members' clubs, invitation-only events and closed-door shopping experiences. New York's Core Club and Home House in London are among those that have aligned themselves with the Constellation service.
The company sees Asia as a hot market for the handset, which is available in 66 countries including the United States.
It's the second offering from Vertu this year, which released the even pricier Ti model -- retailing at about $10,000 -- in February.