BlackBerry DTEK60
BlackBerry DTEK60

The BlackBerry DTEK60, launched in October 2016 by TCL Communications under the BlackBerry Mobile brand, is a mid-range Android smartphone marketed as a secure and elegant device for business users. Priced at $499/£475 at release, it features a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820 chipset, 4GB RAM, and a 3000 mAh battery, focusing on security with the DTEK app and full data encryption. It includes a 21MP camera and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable to 6.0.1). In 2025, the DTEK60 is outdated, with no software updates beyond 2017, no 5G, and hardware that struggles with modern demands. Its elegant design and security features still appeal to a niche of BlackBerry fans, available used for around $70-$110.

Feature

BlackBerry DTEK60

Release Date

October 2016

Display

5.5" AMOLED, 1440 x 2560, 16:9 aspect ratio, 534 ppi, scratch-resistant glass

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996, 2.15 GHz Quad-core

RAM

4GB

Storage

32GB, microSD support (up to 2TB)

Rear Camera

21MP (f/2.0, PDAF), LED flash, 4K video

Front Camera

8MP, f/2.2

Battery

3000 mAh, non-removable, 18W fast charging

OS

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

Build

Aluminum frame, plastic back, no IP rating

Connectivity

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

Price (Launch)

$499 / £475

  • Elegant Design: The 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display with 534 ppi and aluminum frame offers a premium look and feel.
  • Security Features: The DTEK app provides control over app permissions and security monitoring, appealing to business users.
  • Good Performance for Its Time: The Snapdragon 820 and 4GB RAM were flagship-grade in 2016, handling productivity tasks well.
  • Solid Camera: The 21MP camera with 4K video recording takes detailed images in good light, a strong point for its time.
  • Long Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery lasts over 14 hours of video playback, as noted in reviews, impressive for its era.
  • Outdated Software: Stuck on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with no updates since 2017, posing security risks and app compatibility issues.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.
  • No Water Resistance: Lacks an IP rating, a drawback compared to modern devices.
  • Finicky Fingerprint Sensor: The sensor is inconsistent, and low-light camera performance is poor, as noted in reviews.
  • Limited Availability: No longer in production, only available used, with no official repair support.

To make a modern BlackBerry DTEK60 competitive in 2025, the following enhancements could address its shortcomings while maintaining its focus on security and elegance:

  • 5G Connectivity with mmWave Support: Integrate a 5G modem supporting sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands for faster data speeds, low-latency streaming, and secure cloud-based workflows, ensuring the DTEK60 meets 2025’s connectivity standards for business users who need reliable internet for secure communication.
  • Upgraded Chipset to Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: Replace the Snapdragon 820 with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, featuring a 4nm process, up to 3 GHz clock speeds, and enhanced AI capabilities. This would provide a 50% performance boost, better power efficiency, and support for modern apps, making the DTEK60 a viable mid-range option.
  • 120Hz AMOLED Display: Upgrade the 5.5-inch AMOLED to a 5.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200). 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 triple 48MP (main, f/1.8, OIS) + 8MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 5MP (telephoto, f/2.4, 3x zoom) setup, adding night mode, AI enhancements, and 4K video at 60fps. This would improve low-light photography and video quality, addressing the DTEK60’s poor low-light performance.
  • Android 15 with Long-Term Support: Ship with Android 15 and commit to 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. This would ensure compatibility with modern apps, bolster security, and provide access to the latest Android features, addressing the DTEK60’s software limitations.
  • Improved Battery and Charging: Increase the battery to 4000 mAh, support 45W wired fast charging, and add 15W wireless charging with 5W reverse wireless charging. This would cater to power users needing all-day battery life and versatile charging options for accessories.
  • IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Add IP68 certification for water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes) and dust protection, addressing the DTEK60’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 an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster, more accurate unlocking. Include 3D facial recognition with infrared mapping for secure face unlock in all lighting conditions, 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 DTEK60.
  • Sustainable Design with Modular Components: Use recycled materials for the frame and back, and introduce a modular design allowing users to replace the battery, camera, or display without professional help. This would extend the device’s lifespan and appeal to eco-conscious consumers in 2025.

The BlackBerry DTEK60 was a stylish and secure Android smartphone in 2016, offering a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 820 chipset, and robust security features like the DTEK app, making it a solid choice for business users. Its elegant design and decent battery life were highlights, as noted in reviews. However, in 2025, the DTEK60 is outdated, with its lack of software updates beyond Android 6.0.1, no 5G support, and no water resistance making it impractical for modern use. The finicky fingerprint sensor and poor low-light camera performance further diminish its appeal. If you’re a BlackBerry fan who values its security features and can find a used DTEK60 for $70-$110, it might suffice for basic tasks like email and browsing. For most users, however, modern mid-range phones like the Samsung Galaxy A55 or Google Pixel 8a offer better performance, 5G support, and long-term software updates, making them far more practical choices.

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