BlackBerry’s latest Android device rids itself of the iconic keyboard and looks quite familiar [VIDEO]
After much speculation and rumors surrounding what BlackBerry has been up to, the company’s latest device has finally been unveiled. The BlackBerry DTEK50 is the latest iteration of what Android looks like on a BlackBerry. However, there’s one glaring difference between the DTEK50 and previous BlackBerry devices: the exclusion of a physical keyboard.
The device features a 5.2-inch full HD display, with a Snapdragon 617 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage which is expandable up to 2TB via a MicroSD card. As for the camera, BlackBerry opted for a 13MP main shooter with a front facing camera measured at 8MP.
Additionally, the DTEK50 features a 2610mAh battery complete with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities which will reportedly give users a 50% charge in 51 minutes. To top it all off, the DTEK50 is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, along with a few BlackBerry’s favorite software features to create a unique experience.
BlackBerry DTEK50 Specs:
- 5.2-inch Full HD Display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 Processor
- 3GB RAM
- 16GB Storage (expandable to 2TB via MicroSD)
- 13MP Rear-facing camera
- 8MP Front-facing camera
- 2,610mAh battery with Quick Charge 2.0
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
When looking at the BlackBerry DTEK50, you may notice a slight resemblance to Alcatel’s Idol 4. We have seen rumors and reports in the past which state that BlackBerry contracted Alcatel to manufacture the hardware. By being able to leave the hardware design to another company, this allowed BlackBerry to focus more on the software side of things.
The name of the game for BlackBerry has always been security, and according to the company, the DTEK50 is the “world’s most secure smartphone.” BlackBerry has included a new application, DTEK, that is the derivation of the devices name. The DTEK app continuously and automatically “monitors your OS and apps and lets you know when your privacy could be at risk.”
In addition to attempting to create the most secure smartphone, the BlackBerry DTEK50 also includes the company’s suite of apps such as BlackBerry Hub. This is a one-stop-shop for all of your various notifications including email, Slack, Whats App, and more. Since its introduction BlackBerry Hub has been a focal point to increase productivity for users while on the go.
Although BlackBerry removed the physical keyboard from this device, we are still expecting to see two more BlackBerry devices this year, and the company has stated its commitment to physical keyboards. We’ll just have to hang tight to see what else is in the pipelines before the year is out.
The DTEK50 will be coming to the masses on August 8th, and is available for pre-order today for just $299.99, unlocked. Once released, the device will be compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile as it has GSM network bands built-in. BlackBerry is throwing in a special treat for those who pre-order the latest device. If you pre-order between now and August 8th, you will receive a BlackBerry Mobile Power Pack.
[via BlackBerry]