Privacy-focused Blackphone 2 encrypts calls and messages by default

“The launch of Blackphone 2 is a game changer for the mobile sector and for the way we provide individual and enterprise privacy” said Bill Conner, president and CEO of Silent Circle. “Blackphone 2 combines an enhanced Android operating system with a suite of apps created to keep your enterprise and personal information separate”. Blackphone 2 is $800, which means you’ll pay more for this unexceptional-looking Android than you will for a 64 GB iPhone 6S.

The new phone comes with a new version of the firm’s Android-based SilentOS and also bundles the proprietary Silent Phone app, which offers encrypted voice calls, messages and file transfers all in order to cater to even the most paranoid of customers.

When BlackBerry Priv launches, it will certainly compete closely with the Blackphone 2.

The device runs on Google’s Android operating system, although it features a number of software tweaks that help boost your privacy.

This year’s follow-up marks the first component in Silent Circle’s Enterprise Privacy Platform (EPP)-a cloud-based mash-up of software, services, and devices that connect to the Internet for added privacy.

During the spring’s MWC, Silent Circle also announced the BlackPhone+, a 7-inch tablet that shares numerous same security and privacy-minded features found on the company’s smartphones. Plus, a remote-wipe setting protects content if the phone is lost or stolen.

The phone is also certified to work with some mobile data management systems like MobileIron, Citrix, Good and SOTI.

As for hardware, the Blackphone 2 packs in an octa-core Qualcomm processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB of internal storage plus a removable microSD card slot, a larger 5.5in Gorilla Glass display and a 13MP camera, meaning it should cope easily with everyday work usage.

Blackphone 2, the company’s second generation security phone, builds on the successes of its debut incarnation by bolstering privacy and security features, while not compromising on what many want in a modern smartphone.

Silent Circle’s privacy-savvy app store is also included on the Blackphone 2 (you still get access to the Google Play Store, though), as well as the Silent Meeting app, which is described as being the world’s first truly encrypted conference call platform.