Silent Circle’s first-generation Blackphone was hailed as a very solid device, especially in terms of security – in spite of few observed lapses. Its sequel, Blackphone 2, is designed to plug all those lapses with improved security features, a faster processor and bigger screen.
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Display and Camera
The display of Blackphone 2 has received upgrade from the 4.7 inches used on its predecessor to a more spacious one of 5.5 inches. The screen has a full-HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 – a significant improvement on the first device.
Blackphone 2 packs a 13 megapixels rear camera and 5 megapixels front-facing camera.
Processor, Memory and OS
Blackphone 2 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, which is expected to deliver faster performance than the chipset on the device’s predecessor. The large smartphone is provided with 3GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage space, expandable via a microSD slot.
Silent Circle uses the latest version of its own Android-based PrivatOS software on the device. The latest PrivatOS version 1.1 has been tweaked to provide better security for users’ information. It puts you in control of information being transmitted on the phone.
Security
The security-focused design of Blackphone was probably its greatest appeal. Blackphone 2 takes security to the next level with more capabilities to keep hackers at bay.
The Silent Circle apps make it possible for users to automatically encrypt peer-to-peer calls on a VoIP service as well as encrypt messages and address book information. Blackphone 2 can be used to even make calls to people using unencrypted devices.
Another unique security feature of the Blackphone 2 is called Spaces, which makes virtualization of different compartments possible. The import of this feature is that you can create distinct spaces for different accounts by virtualizing a unique operating system for each, making it appear as if you are making use of a different phone when switching between these accounts.
Each of the accounts can have unique pass codes and you can wipe a compartment without disturbing the others. If you misplace your Blackphone 2, you could easily have it wiped remotely.
Silent Circle promises to pay anyone who can hack Blackphone 2, which is expected to sell for $629, and will ensure responsible bugs are fixed within 72 hours.
Pricing & Availability
Blackphone 2 is expected in the second half of 2015 and is not available in Nigeria and since the first generation Blackphone was never sold in the country. If and when available, we expect Blackphone 2 price in Nigeria to range from N125,000 to N200,000 depending on your location in the country.
Blackphone 2 Specs
Here are a few preliminary specs of the Blackphone 2:
General Features
- Platform: PrivateOS 1.1 based on Android
- Processor: 64-bit, octa-core Processor (Snapdragon 615)
- GPU: –
- Memory: 3GB RAM
- Colours: –
- Dimension: –
- Weight: –
- SIM Type: –
- SIM Count: Single SIM
Display
- Display: 5.5-inch IPS Display, 1080 x 1920 pixels (400ppi)
- Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Camera
- Rear Camera: 13 MP Camera, 1080p HD Video
- Rear Camera Features: Geo-tagging, Autofocus, Face Detection, LED Flash, Panorama
- Front Camera: 5 MP Camera
Storage
- Built-in Storage: 32GB Storage
- Memory Card Support: Yes
- Bundled Cloud Storage: –
Network Support
- 2G GSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz
- 2G CDMA 1X: No
- 3G WCDMA: 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100MHz
- 3G CDMA EVDO: No
- 4G LTE: Yes
Internet & Connectivity
- GPRS: Yes, up to 48kbps
- EDGE: Yes
- 3G/WCDMA/HSPA: Yes
- HSPA+: Yes, up to 42.2 Mbps
- CDMA EVDO: No
- 4G LTE: Yes, up to 150 Mbps
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, LE
- NFC: No
- Infrared Blaster: No
- USB Port: Yes, microUSB 2.0
Messaging
- SMS/MMS: Yes
- Instant Messaging: Yes
- Push Emails: Yes
- Email Protocol: –
Entertainment
- Music Player: Yes, mp3, WAV, FLAC, eACC+
- Video Player: Yes, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, XviD
- FM Radio: Yes
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Navigation
- Navigation: Yes, GPS with A-GPS
- Maps: Yes, Google Maps
Sensors & Control
- Digital Compass: Yes
- Accelerometer: Yes
- Proximity Sensor: Yes
- Light Sensor: Yes
- Barometer: No
- Pedometer: No
- Gyroscope: No
- Fingerprint Scanner: No
- Iris Scanner: No
- Intelligent Digital Assistant: –
- Motion Sensing / Gesture Control: –
- Voice Control: –
Other Features
- Video Streaming: Yes
- Active Noise Cancellation: –
- Wireless Charging: No
- Water Resistant: No
- Dust Resistant: –
- Image Editor: Yes
- Video Editor: Yes
- Document Viewer: Yes
- Document Editor: No (download at store)
Battery
- Battery: 3060 mAh Battery
- Talktime: –
- Standby Time: –
- Fast Charging: Yes, Quick Charge 2.0
