Are you looking for a smartphone that values privacy and security above all else? Well, look no further. The second iteration of last year's break-out hit from Silent Circle and Geeksphone is set to release next month.

Silent Circle has since purchased Geeksphone's share of the business. The company showcased the Blackphone 2 at the Mobile World Congress last March. However they were vague in mentioning the pro-privacy Android device's release date.

Now, the company has silently announced on their official website that the hack-free smartphone will be available starting this September, with pre-ordering currently going on.

Here's what you need to know about the Blackphone 2.

Appearance

The device will have a sleek glass design all throughout while boasting a 5.5-inch 1080p display. This is a far cry from its predecessor, which had a 4.7-inch 1280x720p display.

Hardware

Don't expect the Blackphone 2 to rival the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxies since phones from niche companies like Silent Circle rarely offer stellar specs.

The mid-range smartphone features the following specs:

  • 1.7GHz Octa-Core Processor
  • 3GB RAM
  • Micro SD Card Support
  • 13 Megapixel Camera
  • Quick Charge Battery

The smartphone's unknown 1.7GHz octa-core processor is rumored to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon.

Another improvement of the Blackphone 2 from its predecessor is its larger 3GB RAM. Its 32GB internal storage has twice the capacity of the first Blackphone.

Software

The first Blackphone ran on the Android KitKat-based PrivatOS. Yet things will be different for the Blackphone 2 as it will run on Silent Circle's new SilentOS, an Android Lollipop-based operating system that values privacy above all else.

To recall, PrivatOS did not support Google services. Silent Circle has apparently addressed that issue with the Blackphone 2 as SilentOS lets users access the same Google apps enjoyed by Android users such as Google Play, Google Chrome, Google Maps, Google's Android for Work program, and YouTube.

The Blackphone 2's software can also be updated faster than softwares from other Android devices.

"Recently, a new vulnerability called the Stagefright Hack was discovered, and Silent Circle patched the Blackphone faster than even Google was able to with Nexus phones," Digital Trends reported.

Security Features

The Blackphone 2's operating system will have built-in pro-privacy apps like Silent Circle's suite of secure messaging apps and "SpiderOak" secure cloud storage.

Users can also create multiple "virtual phones" on the Blackphone 2. This can be done via "Spaces." The none-data sharing feature lets users differentiate their "professional and personal lives" through compartmentalized calls and texts.