The BlackBerry DTEK50, also known as BlackBerry Neon, was launched in August 2016. The DTEK50 was marketed as one of the most secure Android smartphones at the time, offering BlackBerry’s DTEK security suite for enhanced privacy protection. With a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset, and 13 MP rear camera, the DTEK50 combines decent hardware with BlackBerry’s robust security measures. Though it has since been discontinued, it remains a reliable option for users who prioritize privacy and require a solid mid-range phone with a focus on security.
BlackBerry DTEK50 Specifications
Here’s a responsive table detailing the key specifications of the BlackBerry DTEK50:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 – USA HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 – EMEA |
| 4G Bands | USA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, 29, 30 EMEA: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE |
| Dimensions | 147 x 72.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 135 g |
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 1080 x 1920 pixels (~424 ppi density) |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 (28 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 |
| Internal Memory | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, 1080p@30fps video |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | Li-Ion 2610 mAh, 18W fast charging (Quick Charge 2.0) |
| Colors | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR |
BlackBerry DTEK50 Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry DTEK50 has a sleek and lightweight design, weighing only 135 grams and measuring 7.4 mm in thickness. Its compact size and textured plastic back make it easy to grip and handle. Although the build is predominantly plastic, the scratch-resistant glass front and oleophobic coating give it a premium touch. The phone’s design is minimalistic yet functional, catering to users who value simplicity and practicality over flashy aesthetics.
Display Quality
The 5.2-inch IPS LCD display offers a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, delivering a crisp viewing experience with a pixel density of ~424 ppi. The display is sharp, vibrant, and suitable for daily tasks such as browsing, reading, and media consumption. The 16:9 aspect ratio provides a familiar screen layout for watching videos and multitasking. While it doesn’t feature AMOLED-level deep blacks, the DTEK50 offers a decent display with good color reproduction and viewing angles for its price range.
Performance and OS
Under the hood, the DTEK50 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset, an octa-core processor (4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) that delivers reliable performance for daily tasks. Paired with 3GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking, web browsing, and light app usage without any major issues. The Adreno 405 GPU is sufficient for casual gaming and video playback, though heavy games may cause some lag. Running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the phone offers access to the full Google Play ecosystem with the added benefit of BlackBerry’s DTEK security suite, ensuring that your personal data remains protected.
Security Features
The BlackBerry DTEK50 is equipped with BlackBerry’s DTEK security suite, which continuously monitors your phone’s security status, notifying you if your data or privacy is at risk. It tracks apps and services that have access to sensitive data, such as your camera, microphone, and location, giving users more control over their privacy.
Camera Quality
The 13 MP rear camera on the DTEK50 is capable of capturing good-quality images, particularly in well-lit conditions. The PDAF (phase detection autofocus) ensures that subjects are focused quickly and accurately. Features like HDR and panorama allow for more dynamic and versatile photography. The camera can also record video at 1080p@30fps, producing decent video quality for its price range. The 8 MP front-facing camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, supporting 1080p video recording as well.
Battery Life
The 2610 mAh battery on the DTEK50 offers average battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of light to moderate use. The phone supports Quick Charge 2.0, allowing users to charge the battery up to 50% in just 51 minutes, making it convenient for users on the go. While the battery size is relatively small compared to modern smartphones, its efficiency and fast-charging capability make up for it.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry DTEK50 supports multiple LTE bands, ensuring reliable connectivity in various regions, including the USA and EMEA. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support. The phone also includes an FM radio for offline entertainment. While it lacks a fingerprint sensor, the phone compensates with BlackBerry’s advanced security features.
Storage and Expansion
The DTEK50 comes with 16GB of internal storage, which may be limiting for users with large media libraries. However, the microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage, providing users with the flexibility to increase storage space for apps, photos, and media.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry DTEK50 is a solid choice for users who prioritize security and privacy in a smartphone. With its DTEK security suite, decent camera, and affordable price, the DTEK50 offers good value for money. While it may not have the most powerful specs or the latest Android version, it is a great device for users who require a secure, reliable smartphone for everyday use.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
