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Johannesburg - Canadian smartphone manufacturer, BlackBerry recently announced its own-produced swansong to the South African market – the DTEK50 – touted as the “most secure Android device in the world”.
The DTEK50 is a humble device with brute security, while still maintaining an authentic “BlackBerry” look and feel.
The device enters the market in the entry level segment available at MTN on contract for R299 per month or at a retail price of R6 899.
READ: BlackBerry unveils new Android device
On the exterior the device feels strong and has a textured backing for a more comfortable grip.
It features a 5.2” scratch resistant display, 13 megapixel rear camera and 8 megapixel facing camera - with a flash on the face of the device as well as the rear – for better selfies even in low-light conditions.
Under the hood, the device features a Snapdragon 617 processor, 3GB RAM and 2610mAh battery.
While the device is only the second BlackBerry to feature the Android operating system after the Priv, the aesthetic appeal is maintained through the software.
READ: BlackBerry's swansong coming to SA
With BlackBerry’s layering atop Android Marshmallow, the DTEK50 is able old-lovers of the brand a nostalgic feeling when using the device.
Icons, wallpapers and other subtle hints indicate that the Android-powered device is still a BlackBerry at heart.
The company also managed to stay to true words of being a “secure Android device”. The DTEK50 features security patching that offers patch management to protect the device from malicious threats through the he DTEK App, which comes preloaded with the device
The app also enables users to monitor their device and notifies users when their privacy could be at risk and to take action to improve it.
READ: BlackBerry's latest Android phone packs powerful security
The app also allows the user to deny permissions to the devices functions.
The DTEK50 is the Fort Knox of smartphones, offering its users the peace of mind of having a device that will keep private and business information safe.
However, the device does not follow the trend of new releases from other manufacturers that pump high-end features into cheaper-priced devices. The DTEK50 offers standard smartphone features with powerful security.
The handset will become available through other networks and retailers in the weeks to come.
Martin Fick, head of product for BlackBerry SA, said the company would partner with other manufacturers to continue the brand and recently announced a newly formed joint venture with Indonesian company, PT BB Merah Putih, to license BlackBerry software and services for the production of handsets for the Indonesian market specifically.
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