BlackBerry DTEK50: The World's Most Secure Smartphone Launched; Will It Be BlackBerry's Path To Redemption?

BlackBerry took the wraps off its second Android smartphone, the DTEK50 on Tuesday, July 26 during a press conference. Unlike the BlackBerry Priv, the DTEK50 will omit the physical keyboard - a feature that characterizes BlackBerry phones - and replace it will an on-screen one. However, the feature is slated to return on another smartphone that will be unveiled soon.

Although it doesn't exactly boast an addictive name, the BlackBerry DTEK 50 might be the Canadian smartphone maker's path to redemption.

Once renowned for its exclusive, eminently secure devices apt for the cream of society, BlackBerry lost significant ground to competitors and has been unable to make a solid comeback for quite a long time.

While the smartphone domain continues to get more and more competitive, BlackBerry's attempts to revive its image haven't paid off yet. The BB10 devices did not quite blow away smartphone users, despite the initial interest the Passport garnered or the slew of promotions the company had in place, TechTimes reported.

Breaking from the tradition, BlackBerry then decided to shift to the Android OS replacing its own, and launched the BlackBerry Priv as the company's first Android handset. Though the device managed to grab a lot of attention upon its debut, but still failed to emerge as a top seller.

The arduous price tag of the BlackBerry Priv was considered to be one of the reasons the smartphone didn't become a top seller.

The recently-announced BlackBerry DTEK50, however is a midrange, all-touchscreen smartphone that shares design and hardware specs with the Alcatel Idol 4, TheVerge reported.

BlackBerry is give a boost to the security features of the DTEK50, dubbing it as the "world's most secure smartphone."

In terms of other specs, the DTEK50 comes with a 5.2-inch, 1080p display and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor. It packs 3 GB of RAM, and 2,610mAh battery. The DTEK50 features a 13 MP camera; the front camera is 8 MP and boasts a flash for taking selfies. The device runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow coupled with BlackBerry's software features, including the Hub. The software is akin to the software on the BlackBerry Priv released last year.

The security features are accentuated in the device's name as it comes with BlackBerry's DTEK software that safeguards users from an array of security problems common on Android smartphones including malware. The DTEK app gives users a quick overview of their smartphone's security helping them take an apt action on any potential issues.

The Canadian smartphone maker claims it has revamped Android with its own technology originally developed for the BB10 platform in a bid to make it more secure. BlackBerry is also assuring security patches shortly after they are rolled out.

Not too long ago, BlackBerry divulged it will be releasing three smartphones in the near future and it looks like the DTEK50 is the first of the lot.

The device is up for preorder directly from BlackBerry for $299.99 and will be up for grabs on August 8. The device is sold unlocked and will be compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T in the United States.

Do you think BlackBerry DTEK50 can help the company regain its position in the competitive smartphone domain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!