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Review: BlackBerry DTEK50

The DTEK50 from BlackBerry delivers a very good experience for the money. At $299, it's less than half the cost of the BlackBerry Priv and comes in a more aesthetically appealing package. The DTEK50 is slim, light, and easy on the eyes. Originally designed by Alcatel as the Idol 4, BlackBerry made the device its own thanks in part to the polycarbonate rear shell and BlackBerry software.

You'll find the DTEK50 nails most of the basics. It features a good screen, solid wireless performance, and excellent battery life. Some may dislike the sealed battery, but support for memory cards is a bonus. Phone calls are a weak point. The speakerphone — an important business tool for some — is particularly bad. The Android user interface is easy to manage, and BlackBerry's additions make the DTEK50 feel more like an enterprise-grade device.

The camera app is a step up from the Priv's and delivers more consistent results. The stereo speakers are nice to have, but some may complain about the lack of fingerprint reader.

BlackBerry is selling this phone unlocked for just three Benjamins. The DTEK50 is an excellent value for all the phone offers. It may not be the BlackBerry of yore, but it could be the BlackBerry for your corps.

Our Ratings

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Related

Hands-On with the BlackBerry DTEK50

BlackBerry's DTEK50 may be a rebadge of the Alcatel Idol 4, but it still manages to look and feel like a BlackBerry. This slim slab should appeal most to those who need enterprise-class security for their business smartphone.

BlackBerry Overhauls Productivity Tab for Android

Mar 30, 2017
BlackBerry today pushed out a brand new version of the Productivity Tab application for Android handsets, including the Priv, DTEK50, and DTEK60. BlackBerry says the Productivity Tab is now cleaner and more user friendly thanks to the addition of features such as Quick Triage for items in the Hub.

BlackBerry Expands Hub+ to More Android Phones

Sep 8, 2016
BlackBerry today made its BlackBerry Hub+ suite of enterprise applications available to a wider range of devices. At the same time, it added five more apps to the suite.

BlackBerry Delivers Significant Update to Priv and DTEK50

Aug 3, 2016
BlackBerry today began rolling out a series of software updates to its Android-based handsets, the Priv and DTEK50. The upgraded software adds new features and improves functionality across various apps.

BlackBerry DTEK50 Is A Secured, Rebadged Alcatel Idol 4

Jul 26, 2016
BlackBerry today announced the DTEK50 smartphone, a slab-style handset that runs Android and features BlackBerry's signature communications and security software. BlackBerry says the DTEK50 features FIPS-2 hardware encryption, rapid security patching, secure boot process, and a hardened Android OS core.

BlackBerry DTEK50

5.2" display FHD+ resolution
Snapdragon 617 processor 3 GB RAM
2,610 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm), NFC

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