9 incredible features in Solarin, a 'military-grade' Android phone that costs $17,000

Israeli startup Sirin Labs on Wednesday unveiled a new smartphone called "Solarin," which boasts an application that allows users to wipe the phone from remote locations and encrypted calls, texts, and emails.

This "military-grade" security isn't cheap. The phone costs a whopping $17,000.

Solarin is currently available for purchase online and at Sirin Labs' store in London. The phone will make its way to high-end London department store Harrods on June 30.

Considering the phone's hefty price tag - and its launch event peppered with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Victoria's Secret models - it's no surprise that the phone is marketed at the rich. Solarin's desired customer, per its press release, is an "the international business person who carries a lot of sensitive information but doesn't want to compromise on usability, quality or design."

But the phone's high-level security also has some concerned that the phone could fall into the wrong hands. According to TechCrunch, customers will need a valid passport in order to purchase the smartphone, and the phone won't be sold in a number of countries. Sirin Labs did not respond to Tech Insider's inquiry on which countries would be barred from buying Solarin.

Here's a look at Solarin's key features.