At the Mobile World Congress, BlackBerry made a stylish introduction of their latest Android-powered smartphone, the BlackBerry KEYone. While the device’s prototype was teased at CES, details regarding its specifications remained undisclosed. The focus of the KEYone is on ‘Strength, Speed, Security,’ emphasizing BlackBerry’s core values. Reintroducing classic features, such as a full QWERTY keyboard and the largest battery ever in a BlackBerry, the new device is positioned as a modern embodiment of the brand’s heritage.
Let’s delve into the specifications of the BlackBerry KEYone to understand how the company has reimagined the modern BlackBerry. The smartphone boasts a 4.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1620 x 1080. Fueling the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, offering enhanced processing power and faster charging capabilities with Quick Charge 3.0 support. With 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card, the KEYone ensures efficient performance and ample storage for users’ needs.
BlackBerry KEYone: ‘Distinctly Different’ Now Official – Overview
For photography enthusiasts, the BlackBerry KEYone features a 12MP main camera equipped with a Sony IMX378 sensor capable of capturing 4K content, similar to the sensor found in the Google Pixel smartphone. Complementing this is an 8MP front-facing camera for quality selfies and video calls. Running on Android 7.1 Nougat, the device prioritizes security at every development stage, earning the reputation of the most secure Android smartphone in BlackBerry’s lineup. Boasting a robust 3505mAh battery, the KEYone introduces innovative features like Boost and Quick Charge 3.0, ensuring swift charging speeds and efficient power management while prioritizing user convenience.
The prominent feature of the smartphone is its QWERTY Keyboard, which BlackBerry is leveraging alongside its secure platform to captivate consumers. Offering customizable keys that can be assigned different commands, users can personalize their keyboard for quick access to desired functions like opening Facebook with a single key press. Moreover, the versatile keyboard supports scrolling, swiping, and doodling functions, enhancing user interaction. Notably, the space bar key integrates a fingerprint scanner, distinguishing the BlackBerry KEYone as the sole modern smartphone to possess this advanced feature.
During the unveiling, BlackBerry emphasized the importance of secure smartphones, committing to regular monthly security updates to safeguard user data. The inclusion of the DTEK application enables users to tailor security settings and control data-sharing preferences. With the BlackBerry Hub acting as a centralized communication hub, bringing together messages, emails, and social media notifications, the KEYone streamlines user interactions and enhances productivity.
Embodying the tagline ‘Distinctly Different, Distinctly BlackBerry,’ the BlackBerry KEYone is set for global availability from April onward. Priced at $549 in the USA, £499 in the UK, and €599 in the rest of Europe, the KEYone presents a blend of distinctive features, robust security measures, and intuitive functionality for users worldwide.
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