Just the other day, BlackBerry unveiled their second Android device, the DTEK50. While the name isn’t great, or even memorable, the device tackles a couple of important areas for Android users: affordability and security. The “problem”? The DTEK50 is identical to Alcatel’s Idol 4.
But it makes sense that the DTEK50 looks just like the Idol 4 because both are manufactured by TCL. And while both devices look identical, and have nearly identical specs, there’s still one defining factor going for the DTEK50 that make this a winner for some: BlackBerry’s enhanced security features.
As I mentioned, spec-wise the Idol 4 and the DTEK50 are almost identical. Both feature the same 5.2-inch 1080 x 1920 display, Snapdragon 617 processor, 3GB of RAM, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, 8-megapixel front-facing camera, and 16GB of internal storage. The DTEK50 supports up to 1TB of additional storage, while the Idol 4 will only support up to 512GB. At the moment, though, these aren’t really an issue seeing as 256GB is currently the highest SD cards will go. This is more about how future-proof the phone is. Another difference is that apparently the Idol 4’s processor is clocked at 1.7GHz, while the DTEK50’s runs at 1.5GHz.
Arguably the biggest differentiator is that the DTEK50 has BlackBerry’s security keys embedded in the processor, as well as full-disk encryption enabled right out of the box. For some, BlackBerry’s dedication to smartphone security is reason enough to choose the DTEK50 over the Alcatel Idol 4.
Another bonus is that, for a BlackBerry-branded device, it’s surprisingly affordable at $299. For years I have been stunned by the absolute premium price that BlackBerry requested for their devices, even when their popularity began declining due to Apple’s iPhone and the rise of Android. When the BlackBerry Bold 9930 released on Sprint in 2011, it cost over $249 with a 2-year contract. I would watch people walk past the flagship Android and iPhones, which sold for $199 (base price) max, get to the BlackBerry, scoff, and walk the other way. BlackBerry was still the pinnacle of security in smartphones, but security seemed less important compared to the perks of having a huge selection of popular apps.
But now BlackBerry, paired with Android, has it all. It has security, Android’s massive selection of apps, and an affordable price tag. I think it’s a good, competitive move from BlackBerry. The DTEK50 complements BlackBerry’s Android flagship, the PRIV. Really, the only thing wrong with it is that the name “DTEK50” is strange. And I suppose a fingerprint sensor would have been nice, as the PRIV also doesn’t have this feature.
As for the phone looking identical to the Alcatel Idol 4 rather than being its own unique design, it feels like a non-issue. Each seem to be aimed at different audiences – the DTEK50 aimed towards business users, and the Idol 4 aimed towards personal use.
Either way, I could care less if BlackBerry didn’t design the hardware. I think BlackBerry’s most important aspect is and always has been security. I suspect a big reason that it’s able to be so affordable is due to its borrowed design. For people who have a strong interest in having a secure phone, the DTEK50 is a great affordable option.
Readers, what are your thoughts on BlackBerry’s DTEK50? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!