BlackBerry DTEK50

BlackBerry DTEK50 is an Android smartphone co-developed and distributed by BlackBerry Limited, and manufactured by TCL, being a modified and rebranded variant of TCL's Alcatel Idol 4. Unveiled during a press conference held on July 26, 2016,[1] it is BlackBerry's second Android device after the BlackBerry Priv slider. As with the Priv, the DTEK50's Android operating system is customized with features inspired by those seen on BlackBerry's in-house operating systems, and with hardware and software security enhancements (such as the titular DTEK software).[2][3]

BlackBerry DTEK50
CodenameNeon
BrandBlackBerry
ManufacturerTCL Corporation
Compatible networksLTE

PCS
HSPA+
EDGE

GSM
First releasedJuly 26, 2016 (2016-07-26)
RelatedBlackBerry DTEK60
Alcatel Idol 4
TypeSmartphone
Form factorSlate
Dimensions147 mm (5.8 in) H
72.5 mm (2.85 in) W
7.4 mm (0.29 in) D
Mass135 g (4.76 oz)
Operating systemAndroid 6.0.1 "Marshmallow"
System on chipQualcomm Snapdragon 617
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 405
Memory3 GB RAM
Storage16 GB internal storage
Removable storageUp to 2 TB microSDXC
Battery2610 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery
Data inputsMulti-touch touchscreen
Display
  • 5.2 in (130 mm) IPS LCD
  • 1920x1080 pixels, 424 PPI
Rear camera13 megapixels, 1080p video capture, autofocus, Digital Image Stabilization
Front camera8 megapixels, 1080p video capture
Connectivity
OtherAccelerometer,
Proximity sensor,
Ambient light sensor
Websiteblackberry.com/DTEK50

The DTEK50 received mixed reviews, with critics noting the quality of its display and BlackBerry's software enhancements, but arguing that BlackBerry's claimed security enhancements were redundant to security features included in the base Android operating system, the lack of fingerprint reader was a questionable exclusion for a device marketed as being security-oriented, and that the device was not sufficiently competitive in comparison to other mid-range devices in its class.

Specifications

Hardware

The DTEK50 is manufactured by TCL, is similar in design to the Alcatel Idol 4, although with a rubber backing instead of glass.[4] It is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 system-on-chip with 3 GB of RAM, and features a 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD display. The device includes 16 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, and a 2610 mAh battery. The device features a programmable "convenience key" on its bezel, which can be used for different features.[3][4][5] It features a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with digital image stabilization and a dual-LED flash, an 84-degree wide-angle f/2.0 lens, and phase detection auto focus as well as an 8-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture and flash.[6]

Software

The DTEK50 shipped with Android 6.0 "Marshmallow", customized with additional features and BlackBerry-developed apps, similarly to the BlackBerry Priv, such as BlackBerry Hub, DTEK—which serves as a dashboard for notifying users of the security and privacy status of their device, and pop-up widgets.[5][7][8] BlackBerry committed to releasing regular security updates to the DTEK50's Android software.[3]

Reception

The DTEK50 received mixed reviews, with critics suggesting that the device did not sufficiently differentiate itself from other smartphones in its class.[9][10][11]

Engadget positioned the DTEK50 as a "fleet device" meant to be purchased in bulk for adoption by a company's employees due to its low price and focus on security. The device was described as being "respectably well built and even sort of handsome (in an understated sort of way", and being thin and light yet not feeling "cheap". The DTEK50's display was considered to be "pretty damned good" for a mid-range device and only "fell short" in comparison to the similarly-positioned ZTE Axon 7 (which features a 1440p display). The convenience key was panned for not having as many supported features as the equivalent on the Idol 4. The lack of a fingerprint reader (especially given the device's wider focus on security) and inconsistent battery life was also panned. In conclusion, it was argued that the Moto G4 Plus was better value at the same price point due to its larger amount of storage and inclusion of a fingerprint reader, and that "as a ploy to appeal to those crucial business customers, it's brilliant. For them, the DTEK50 is a solid, not-very-expensive option with the security chops to put IT paranoiacs at ease. As a phone for regular people, though, the DTEK50 is a much a tougher sell."[9]

The Verge felt that the DTEK50's display was "pretty nice for a $300 phone", but the overall hardware was described as being of average specifications. The DTEK50's Android software was praised for maintaining the user experience introduced by the Priv, but with fewer bugs and additional refinements. The camera was appraised as being decent "under ideal conditions", and poor in low-light situations. The phone's performance and battery life was also criticized. In regards to security, it was noted that Android "Marshmallow" had already implemented security features such as mandatory device encryption and finer control of permission grants, but that the DTEK software helped to promote privacy best practices, and that BlackBerry had consistently delivered Android's monthly security patches to its devices. However, the DTEK50 was panned for not including a fingerprint reader despite this focus on security. In conclusion, it was argued that while BlackBerry had "identified a market need and theoretically could do a great job filling it" with its security-oriented focus, the DTEK50 "fails to stand out in a competitive field of midrange smartphones."[10][12]

CNET similarly pointed out that many of BlackBerry's claimed security enhancements "seem to either be placebos or functions already found on stock Android devices", such as device encryption (mandatory on Marshmallow) and boot verification (which is strictly enforced on Android Nougat, but with notifications on Marshmallow),[13][14] and that the device as shipped was vulnerable to the Quadrooter exploit (which was patched on unlocked models at the time of the review).[11]

After receiving the heavy backlash about the price of DTEK50 in emerging markets like India, the Indian distributor OPTIEMUS have dropped the price and make it inline with the desired price tag of $300.

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See also


References
  1. BLA1ZE (July 26, 2016). "Watch the BlackBerry DTEK50 launch webcast". Crackberry. Mobile Nations. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  2. "BlackBerry launching new smartphone with emphasis on beefed up security". CBC News. Canadian Press. July 26, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  3. Cheng, Roger (July 26, 2016). "BlackBerry's cheaper DTEK 50 skips the keyboard, but keeps Android". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  4. "BlackBerry rebrands Chinese smartphone, creates the $299 BlackBerry DTEK50". Ars Technica. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  5. "BlackBerry says its new Android smartphone is the 'world's most secure'". The Verge. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  6. O'Boyle, Britta (July 26, 2016). "BlackBerry DTEK50 vs BlackBerry Priv: What's the difference?". Pocket Lint. Pocket Lint Ltd. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  7. "BlackBerry touts its Android Priv phone in new video spots". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  8. "BlackBerry DTEK50 becomes official, runs Android and costs $299". GSMArena. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  9. "BlackBerry DTEK50 review: Cheap, secure and better than expected". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  10. "BlackBerry DTEK50 review: secure, but not special". The Verge. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  11. "BlackBerry DTEK50 review". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  12. Savov, Vlad (July 27, 2016). "Hands-on with BlackBerry's touchscreen phone". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  13. "Android Nougat won't boot your phone if its software is corrupt". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  14. "Android 7.0 devices could be harder to root, won't boot at all if the software is corrupt". PhoneArena. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
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