Silent Circle launched its anticipated Blackphone 2, which the company said offers a security-focused device “without compromising on the powerful functionality and seamless usability of today’s most cutting-edge smartphones”.

The $799 device is described as “the first component of Silent Circle’s Enterprise Privacy Platform”, a cloud-based combination of software, services and devices.

“Blackphone 2 combines an enhanced Android operating system with a suite of apps designed to keep your enterprise and personal information separate and private,” said Bill Conner, president and CEO of Silent Circle.

BlackPhone 2 has a built-in security centre, which enables users to manage privacy and security settings in one place. This includes fine-tuning the app permissions and data apps have access to, “while ensuring they need not compromise on the device’s cutting edge smartphone functionality”.

Through the ‘Spaces’ function of Silent OS, Blackphone 2 also provides users with the ability to build separate, secure environments for business data, personal information and social applications within the same device.

It also supports Google’s Android For Work, with seamless integration with Google’s application suite.

Blackphone 2 is powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage (with microSD slot). It has a 5.5-inch touch screen, 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras.

Watch our recent interview with the company’s chief scientist here.