BlackBerry has launched the DTEK50, a smartphone BlackBerry are claiming to be the world’s most securest Android device currently.
Before you ask, no there isn’t a physical keyboard on show. Instead we get a mid-range device where the action is all on screen with capacitive buttons. The DTEK50 is the first device out of gate from BlackBerry, since CEO John Chen gave the smartphone division a year to turn things around.
Android and security is a unique feature to sell, seeing as the operating system is incredibly fragmented. BlackBerry intend to secure the Android by “baking BlackBerry security” into its new smartphone.
DTEK is the software for security on the DTEK50, it will automatically monitor the OS and apps and will notify you when when someone is: taking pictures/videos, turning your microphone on, sending a text message, or accessing your contacts or location.
The design of the device is strikingly similar to the Alcatel Idol 4. During the Q & A section of the press conference, the question of whether TCL communications worked on the DTEK50 was raised. BlackBerry confirmed they worked with a partner to create its new device, but stop short in saying who the partner is.
It has a ‘convenience button’ that looks exactly like the ‘boom key’ seen on the Idol 4. The similarities does not stop there, with the dimensions almost exactly the same. The DTEK50 is 147 mm x 72.5 mm x 7.4 mm, with the Idol 4 being slightly slimmer at 7.1 mm.
The DTEK50 is a mid-range device powered by a Snapdragon 617, 3GB of RAM and a measly 16GB of internal memory. BlackBerry makes up for the minuscule memory by allowing the memory to be expanded via microSD, up to 2TB.
The rear-facing camera is 13-megapixels with dual-tone flash. Front-facing selfie shooter is 8-megapixels accompanied by a flash, perfect for selfies in the dark and conference calls.
It’s available for pre-order today for £275 ($299) at the BlackBerry store, with a release date yet to be confirmed.
BlackBerry confirmed there will be another device soon with its signature physical keyboard in tow.
