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 In 2025, the DTEK50 is outdated, with no software updates beyond 2017, no 5G, and hardware that struggles with modern demands.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 |
To make a modern BlackBerry DTEK50 competitive in 2025, the following enhancements could address its shortcomings while maintaining its focus on security and affordability:
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 However, in 2025, the DTEK50 is outdated, with its Snapdragon 617 chipset, lack of software updates beyond Android 6.0.1, and no 5G support making it impractical for modern use.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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