BlackBerry claims its DTEK50 is the 'world's most secure Android phone'

BlackBerry has recently announced the DTEK50 , an Android-based device that BlackBerry claims is the “world’s most secure Android smartphone.”

Android and security are two words that don’t really go well together, but BlackBerry claims to have done their best to make the device as secure as humanly possible. Pointing to the recent glut of fake apps, the rise in ransomware and various cyberattacks, BlackBerry say that people need to recognise that their private life is at risk on a personal device. To that end, BlackBerry’s modified and tweaked the Android OS, boot-up procedures and added a whole bunch of apps to enhance the security. What is the DTEK50 though? Reports indicate that the BlackBery DTEK50 is nothing more than a rebranded, underclocked Alcatel Idol 4. Both devices feature a 5.2 inch, 1080p display, Snapdragon 617 (8-cores), 16GB onboard storage (expandable via microSD to 2TB), 3GB RAM, 2,610 mAh battery, 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera. The only real difference between the two devices, other than the OS, is that the Idol 4 clocks the Snapdragon 617 at 1.7GHz while BlackBerry clocks it at 1.5GHz. Oh, and the phone has a new backplate. So why would you buy an underclocked, rebranded Android device? BlackBerry hopes that their security features will entice you to take the plunge. These security features are as follows: BlackBerry thinks that one of the biggest hurdles to Android security is security updates and BlackBerry claims to have set the bar “in incident response and patch management.” DTEK by BlackBerry App is a feature that apparently monitors your OS and apps and notifies you of any privacy risks associated with the same. The app will also notify you if someone accesses your microphone, camera, location, etc. without your permission. Enterprise level disk encryption means that all your data, including contacts, photos, videos, etc. will be encrypted. Secure Boot and Hardware Root of Trust systems, as BlackBerry calls them, are in place to ensure two things. The first is that your hardware hasn’t been tampered with and the second “adds security from the start, allowing for the tracking, verification and provisioning of DTEK50.” Android’s enterprise management solutions, including Android for Work and Google Play for Work will be fully supported. BlackBerry’s own Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions will be included as well. As expected, the BlackBerry Hub and BlackBerry keyboard come as part of the package. This isn’t BlackBerry’s first Android phone however. That title goes to the Priv. In our review of the device we found it to be a fairly competent Android device in its own right, but it was plagued with severe overheating issues. The asking price was also much too high. We were also not big fans of the Hub, which was nowhere near as useful as the BlackBerry Hub on BlackBerry OS 10. The device can be purchased from ShopBlackBerry.com, but is only available in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. The device will also be available in retail stores. The expected retail price is $299 (around Rs 20,100) and those who pre-order the device by August 8 will receive a power bank.