Unveiling BlackBerry DTEK50 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BlackBerry DTEK50

The BlackBerry DTEK50, launched in 2016, was an intriguing entry into the Android smartphone market by BlackBerry. Known primarily for its secure communications, BlackBerry aimed to translate that into an Android-based device. The DTEK50 wasn't groundbreaking in terms of hardware specifications but sought to offer the BlackBerry security reputation with Android's openness and app ecosystem.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry DTEK50 features a sleek and slim design, with dimensions measuring 147 x 72.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 135 g. Its lightweight design made it comfortable for prolonged use. The device adopts a matte finish on the back with slight texture for better grip, emitting a look of understated elegance with its predominantly black color scheme.

Display

The DTEK50 is equipped with an IPS LCD display measuring 5.2 inches and offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It provides a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi, which results in clear and sharp visuals. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating, ensuring that it remains free from scratches and smudges to a certain extent.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the BlackBerry DTEK50 runs on a Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 chipset with an octa-core CPU, balancing four cores at 1.5 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks with relative ease, though it isn’t designed for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking. The Adreno 405 GPU aids in graphical performance, allowing for smooth video playback and casual gaming.

Software

Launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the DTEK50 offers a near-stock Android experience enhanced with BlackBerry-specific security enhancements. The DTEK security app is pre-installed, giving users an overview of the security status of their device and providing essential features like app permission management and secure boot processes.

Camera

The rear camera on the DTEK50 features a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, equipped with phase detection autofocus. It is complemented by a Dual-LED dual-tone flash for better color accuracy in low-light photography. The camera supports several modes like HDR and panorama, and it can record videos in 1080p at 30fps. On the front, the phone includes an 8 MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2610 mAh battery. It supports fast charging at 18W, with Quick Charge 2.0 technology advertised to reach 50% charge in just 51 minutes. The battery life offers up to 17 hours of talk time, up to 576 hours on standby (3G), and up to 40 hours of music playback.

Storage and Expandability

The DTEK50 comes with 16GB of internal storage, which may seem limiting by modern standards. However, it supports storage expansion via a microSDXC card slot, doubling as a shared SIM slot. This allows users to expand storage substantially according to their needs.

Connectivity and Extras

The BlackBerry DTEK50 supports a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. It includes GPS positioning, GLONASS, and BDS for navigation and comes equipped with FM radio. The device uses a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support for connections and accessory use.

Audio and Multimedia

For audio, the DTEK50 features stereo speakers and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring versatile audio options. The device is suitable for media consumption, including music and video streaming, with adequate sound quality for a mid-range phone.

Security Features

Security is a standout feature of the DTEK50. BlackBerry’s security measures are thoroughly integrated throughout the device, from boot process to app permissions. The DTEK app allows users to monitor and control app access to their device's data. This focus on security is meant to appeal to business users and those highly concerned about data privacy.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Upon its release, the DTEK50 was positioned as a mid-range device with a focus on security. It launched with a price tag of around 200 EUR, making it accessible while offering BlackBerry's renowned security. The device targeted professionals and users prioritizing privacy but was eventually discontinued.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry DTEK50 represented an interesting combination of BlackBerry's security pedigree and the openness of Android. Although it didn't compete with flagship devices in terms of raw performance, its appeal lay in its robust security features and reasonable price point. As such, it catered to users who valued security and privacy without demanding top-tier specifications.