Blackberry Announces Its Latest Android Device

After many weeks of anticipation, BlackBerry has finally announced its latest Android-running smartphone, the DTEK60. In the press release, the company states that the hardware inside the DTEK60 is manufactured by TCL, as part of “BlackBerry’s transition towards a device software licensing strategy” which allows it to focus on putting “the smart in the phone.” 

The DTEK60 doesn’t seem to bring any major design changes to the DTEK series, it has roughly the same design elements as the DTEK50, which seems to be based on Alcatel Idol 4S.

The DTEK60 is already available on ShopBlackBerry in North America and Europe and will roll out to other regions in the coming weeks. It’s the second device in the DTEK series of Android smartphones, providing organizations with access to high-end specs and Android productivity tools. In addition, it comes with the DTEK by BlackBerry app which allows users to monitor and control their privacy on the phone.

DTEK60 is focused on providing consumers with the latest security solutions

Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry, stated that “With the DTEK60, BlackBerry continues to focus on our strengths: state-of-the-art software and security solutions. When you see our logo it means security, from our class-leading enterprise software to devices secured by BlackBerry software.”

The DTEK60 comes with full disk encryption tools for protecting information and BlackBerry will be providing the phone with additional Android security patches.

DTEK60 comes with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution and 534ppi. The screen is scratch resistant and houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC underneath, coupled with Adreno 530 graphics processing unit.

BlackBerry offers free accessories for DTEK60 orders on its store

RAM capacity reaches 4GB, with 32GB of internal storage and the option to add up to 2TB using a microSD card. It has a 21MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, PDAF, dual-tone LED flash and HDR. Front camera capacity reaches 8MP with f/2.2 aperture and selfie flash.

The smartphone draws power from a 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0, has USB Type C port, and runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box. It also comes with a fingerprint sensor and BlackBerry Hub, as well as a whole suite of security and privacy options.

The DTEK60 carries a price tag of about $499, depending on the country, and customers who place orders on ShopBlackBerry.com until November 8 will receive a free accessory bundle. BlackBerry is offering a DTEK60 Soft Shell and Rapid Charger for orders placed in the US and Canada and a Pocket Case and Rapid Charger for orders placed in Europe.