Back at the CES 2017 event, Blackberry, owned by TCL showcased a throwback-style keyboarded smartphone, which also runs Android.
Advertisement
TCL is the company that BlackBerry licensed its brand to for this model, and the KeyOne is the first fruit of that partnership that people can actually feel attracted to (as opposed to just being okay with having their employer issue them one). The device will be available in stores, starting April.
Instead, the KeyOne is positioned as a device for BlackBerry owners (and ex-owners) that just works in a “2017 smartphone” sort of way The KeyOne is four-carrier compatible in the US.
The KEYone’s keyboard features a fingerprint sensor built into the spacebar for security.
There’s another time-saver on the right side of the device. Even Windows phones. You have to admire its tenacity. TCL will start by taking the KEYone directly to BlackBerry customers, who number about 275 million globally.
“We’re committed, with TCL, to bring out monthly security updates”, said Thurber.
Battery: The device comes with a 3,505 mAh battery, now the largest one for a device with its screen size.
On the inside of the BlackBerry KEYone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core SoC along with Adreno 506 GPU. BlackBerry’s customized version of Android 7.1 Nougat, meanwhile, allows shortcuts to be mapped to each letter, too. The gorgeous and slender aluminum design also incorporates a headphone jack, the usual volume rocker and power key, plus a function key that can be configured as required.
The keyboard comes in 4 rows of keys, backlit and with a reader of traces hidden in the space bar.
The backlit keyboard, which is reminiscent to original BlackBerry devices, is now attached directly underneath the touch display. It also has a Convenience Key which can be customized for it to be used as a dedicated camera button or to simply put the phone to a do-not-disturb mode. BlackBerry stated that the image sensor behind the camera has large pixels, which should help the phone click good photos in low light.
Although a device that marks a new era for BlackBerry phones, the KEYOne will continue to grab attention for the same reason as its predecessors – that physical keyboard. For example, you can press the “I” key for quick access to your inbox, or the “m” key for a maps shortcut.
BlackBerry has officially launched the KEYone – its latest Android-powered device bearing the iconic Canadian smartphone manufacturer’s name. This includes a QWERTY keyboard and a host of security-focused features along with modern touch such as fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C port. The display sports a 1,620 x 1,080 resolution with a tough Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. And a textured back on the BlackBerry KEYone makes it easy to grip without feeling like the phone was about to slip out of my fingers.
Advertisement
Cistulli said TCT will manufacture and sell the smartphone in Canada and several other countries as part of its partnership with BlackBerry (TSX:BB).
