Is another security-focused, Android-toting BlackBerry phone worth the money?
BlackBerry isn’t quite done yet. Today the Canadian brand unveiled the DTEK60, it’s latest Android phone and an upgrade to the decent DTEK50 from earlier in the year.
But it worth your cash, and can it top the Samsung Galaxy S7 or Google Pixel? Let’s have a look.
1. Obviously, it’s secure
Blackberry’s key selling point here is security, so the DTEK60 comes with a secure bootloader along with a few other software tweaks. There’s the DTEK app for judging how safe your phone is plus access to quick security updates, as well as a fingerprint scanner on the back, a first for a Blackberry, adding yet another layer of security.
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2. Blackberry’s software suite is actually really good
While the DTEK50 was a little boring, it had great software –and the DTEK60 is no different. Blackberry’s Android UI is based upon Marshmallow (a Nougat update is coming), and adds in the excellent Hub for managing all your messages from varying sources.
The BB keyboard has some of the best word recognition around, while the Calendar is also a step above Google’s efforts.
3. There’s plenty of power
If you glance at the spec-sheet for the DTEK60, you’d be forgiven for confusing it with any other Android phone this year. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 820 CPU, there’s a 21-megapixel camera on the back, 4GB RAM and a 3,000 mAh battery that’ll juice up quickly via QuickCharge 3.0. There’s a USB-C port too, another first for BlackBerry. And in terms of display, you’re looking at a 5.5-inch quad HD panel, which matches up with the Google Pixel XL.
4. This design is…..slightly dull
BlackBerry doesn’t make these phones; instead, the design is handled by Alcatel’s parent company TCL. The appearance here is similar to the Alcatel Idol 4S, with a glass body and metal rim. It’s classier than the DTEK50, but hardly mindblowing.
We do like the addition of shortcut button on the side though, which can programmed to do almost anything you fancy.
5. Price and release date
Eager to switch to a more secure Android phone? Well, you won’t be waiting too long. The BlackBerry DTEK60 ships today and will set you back £475/$499, but you’ll bag a free leather ‘Smart Pocket’ case to sweeten the deal. It’s available direct from BlackBerry.
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What do you think of the DTEK60? Let us know in the comments below
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
