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The BlackBerry DTEK50, launched in July 2016 by TCL Communications under the BlackBerry Mobile brand, is a mid-range Android smartphone marketed as “the world’s most secure Android smartphone.” Priced at $299/£275 at release, it features a 5.2-inch FHD IPS LCD, Snapdragon 617 chipset, 3GB RAM, and a 2610 mAh battery, focusing on security with the DTEK app and full data encryption. It includes a 13MP camera and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable to 6.0.1). In 2025, the DTEK50 is outdated, with no software updates beyond 2017, no 5G, and hardware that struggles with modern demands. Its affordability and security features still appeal to a niche of BlackBerry fans, available used for around $50-$90.

Feature

BlackBerry DTEK50

Release Date

July 2016

Display

5.2" IPS LCD, 1080 x 1920, 16:9 aspect ratio, 424 ppi, scratch-resistant glass

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 MSM8952, 1.5 GHz Octa-core

RAM

3GB

Storage

16GB, microSD support (up to 2TB)

Rear Camera

13MP (f/2.0, PDAF), LED flash, 1080p video

Front Camera

8MP, f/2.2

Battery

2610 mAh, non-removable, 18W fast charging

OS

Android 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable to 6.0.1, no further updates)

Build

Plastic frame, plastic back, no IP rating

Connectivity

4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 2.0, NFC

Price (Launch)

$299 / £275

  • Affordable Price: At $299, it was a budget-friendly option for a secure Android device in 2016.
  • Security Features: The DTEK app provides control over app permissions and security monitoring, appealing to privacy-conscious users.
  • Decent Display: The 5.2-inch FHD IPS LCD with 424 ppi is adequate for media and productivity tasks.
  • Android Ecosystem: Access to Google Play Store expanded app availability compared to BlackBerry 10 devices.
  • Lightweight Design: At 135g, it’s easy to handle with a grippy soft-touch plastic back.
  • Outdated Software: Stuck on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with no updates since 2017, posing security risks and app compatibility issues.
  • No 5G Support: Limited to 4G LTE, making it slow in 2025’s 5G market.
  • Underpowered Hardware: The Snapdragon 617 and 3GB RAM struggle with modern apps and multitasking.
  • No Water Resistance: Lacks an IP rating, a drawback compared to modern devices.
  • Limited Availability: No longer in production, only available used, with no official repair support.

To make a modern BlackBerry DTEK50 competitive in 2025, the following enhancements could address its shortcomings while maintaining its focus on security and affordability:

  • 5G Connectivity with Sub-6 GHz Support: Integrate a 5G modem supporting sub-6 GHz bands for faster data speeds and low-latency communication, ensuring the DTEK50 meets 2025’s connectivity standards for budget users who need reliable internet for secure communication.
  • Upgraded Chipset to Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Replace the Snapdragon 617 with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, featuring a 4nm process, up to 2.2 GHz clock speeds, and improved efficiency. This would provide a 50% performance boost, better power efficiency, and support for modern apps, making the DTEK50 a viable budget option.
  • 90Hz AMOLED Display: Upgrade the 5.2-inch IPS LCD to a 5.5-inch AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400). This would offer smoother scrolling, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, improving the viewing experience for media and productivity.
  • Enhanced Camera System with Night Mode: Upgrade to a dual 32MP (main, f/1.8) + 5MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) setup, adding night mode and 1080p video at 60fps. This would improve low-light photography and video quality, addressing the DTEK50’s outdated 13MP camera.
  • Android 15 with Long-Term Support: Ship with Android 15 and commit to 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches. This would ensure compatibility with modern apps, bolster security, and provide access to the latest Android features, addressing the DTEK50’s software limitations.
  • Improved Battery and Charging: Increase the battery to 3500 mAh and support 30W wired fast charging. This would cater to budget users needing all-day battery life and faster charging, improving on the DTEK50’s 2610 mAh battery.
  • IP67 Water and Dust Resistance: Add IP67 certification for water resistance (up to 1m for 30 minutes) and dust protection, addressing the DTEK50’s lack of ingress protection and enhancing durability for users in varied environments.
  • Advanced Security with Biometric Upgrades: Enhance DTEK with AI-driven threat detection and add a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for faster, more accurate unlocking. Include 2D facial recognition for additional security, reinforcing BlackBerry’s security-first ethos.
  • Global Availability and Repair Support: Expand availability to global markets, ensuring compatibility with regional 5G bands. Establish a repair network with official service centers and spare parts availability, addressing the current challenge of sourcing repairs for the DTEK50.
  • Sustainable Design with Recycled Materials: Use recycled materials for the frame and back, and design the battery to be user-replaceable. This would extend the device’s lifespan and appeal to eco-conscious consumers in 2025.

The BlackBerry DTEK50 was a budget-friendly Android smartphone in 2016, offering robust security features like the DTEK app, a decent 5.2-inch FHD display, and access to the Google Play Store, making it a step forward from BlackBerry 10 devices. Its lightweight design and affordability made it appealing for privacy-conscious users. However, in 2025, the DTEK50 is outdated, with its Snapdragon 617 chipset, lack of software updates beyond Android 6.0.1, and no 5G support making it impractical for modern use. The absence of water resistance and limited availability further diminish its appeal. If you’re a BlackBerry fan who values its security features and can find a used DTEK50 for $50-$90, it might suffice for basic tasks like email and browsing. For most users, however, modern budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Motorola Moto G Power (2025) offer better performance, 5G support, and long-term software updates, making them far more practical choices in 2025.

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  • Published: 4/16/2025
  • Company: BlackBerry
  • Category: Mobile