Blackphone 2 from Silent Circle – Specs and Price

Despite a few observed lapses, Silent Circle’s first-generation Blackphone was hailed as a very solid device, especially in terms of security. Its sequel, Blackphone 2, is designed to plug all those lapses with improved security features, a faster processor, and a bigger screen.

Display and Camera

The display of Blackphone 2 has been upgraded from the 4.7-inch screen used on its predecessor to a more spacious 5.5-inch screen. 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 has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage space, which can be expanded via a microSD slot.

Silent Circle uses the latest version of its Android-based PrivatOS software on the device. PrivatOS version 1.1 has been tweaked to provide better security for users’ information and to put users in control of information being transmitted on the 4G phone.

Security

Blackphone’s security-focused design was probably its greatest appeal. Blackphone 2 takes security to the next level, with more capabilities to keep hackers at bay.

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The Silent Circle apps allow users to automatically encrypt peer-to-peer calls on a VoIP service, messages, and address book information. Blackphone 2 can even be used to make calls to people using unencrypted devices.

Another unique security feature of the Blackphone 2 is Spaces, which allows virtualization of different compartments. This feature is important because you can create distinct spaces for different accounts by virtualizing a unique operating system for each, making it appear as if you are using a different phone when switching between these accounts.

Each account can have unique passcodes, and you can wipe a compartment without disturbing the others. If you misplace your Blackphone 2, you can 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.

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Pricing and 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.

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