Not sure if you all were aware that BlackBerry has returned. I know what you're thinking, a BlackBerry device in 2018? What for? Stick around and we'll tell you all about it. Well, the folks over at TCL is behind this device: the Blackberry KeyOne.
The KeyOne is the perfect blend of BB nostalgia and modern tech within. You got a full physical QWERTY keyboard, a fingerprint scanner on the Spacebar, running the Android 7.1, and a battery that easily lasts over 24 hours. After playing w/ it for a few months I actually like it. Not only that but I think there is a niche market that exists that will love this as well. Let me explain.
Don't let the look of the KeyOne fool you, this isn't a cheap plastic phone. You can feel it when you hold it. This is built w/ an aluminum frame & a soft grip back so it's not a slippery piece slab while still being durable. You got a Power button, volume rocker, & a convenience button which can be used to open an app, a custom action, & mute incoming phone calls. We have the original LED notification w/ a variety of colors. Its 4.5inch LCD display is pretty good as well even though everyone is used to the larger screens. The KeyOne retains Blackberry's industrial design legacy while being a solid device.
Once a loyal BlackBerry fan, I never realized how much I missed a physical keyboard.
The physical keyboard is back & backlit. All 52 of the keys are actually programmable to shortcuts to direct apps, contacts, & more. You can also flick up on the keys to activate predictive text. It is the same plasticky buttons you remember but now w/ more features than you remember. Like the more recent Blackberry devices w/ keyboard that you missed, it doubles as a trackpad to help scrolling websites, emails, or long comment threads. Also, the spacebar doubles as a fingerprint scanner and is pretty good. Not as lightning fast as on the Pixel 2 but good though.
- 4.5inch LCD display w/ 1620 x 1080 resolution + 433ppi
- Snapdragon 625 CPU
- 3GB of RAM + 32GB of storage expandable via microSD
- touch sensitive physical keyboard w/ fingerprint sensor in the Spacebar
- f/2.0 12MP rear-facing camera
- f/2.2 8MP front-facing camera
- 3505 mAh battery w/ QuickCharge 3.0
- Android 7.1 Nougat
Now BlackBerry went w/ mid-range internals w/ a Snapdragon 625, 3GB of RAM, & 32GB of storage. More or less retaining the line of specs for the last BB devices like the Priv, Passport, & the Z30. The KeyOne is an absolute joy to use and handles just about everything w/ ease. Everything save for some intense & graphic-heavy gaming for the most part. So on paper, the KeyOne might just seem like a random mid-level Android device but gets a lot closer to flagship status in most real-world usage.
The KeyOne's battery will beat any flagship in the market.
For those of who haven't used a BlackBerry in several years, you might be curious to how their batteries might stand up on an Android device nowadays. The answer is really good. Even better than flagship devices. Inside you got a non-removable 3505 mAh battery w/ Quick Charge 3.0 + Boost Mode that gives you a 50% charge in 36 minutes. I was easily able to get close to 48 hours on a single charge w/ medium-to-heavy usage. Light-to-moderate got closer to several days before needing to charge up. Best battery on a phone we tested since the OG Moto Z Play.
Now to move in an area where Blackberry never got a chance to excel in: the cameras. That is definitely not the case this time. The rear shooter has a f/2.0 12MP that can produce some pretty sharp imagery. No surprise as it houses the same Sony sensor from the OG Pixel. Of course, w/o all of the software-enhanced HDR. Its phase-autofocus get help pick up the slack when trying to catch subjects in motion. It can be a it on the slow side but worth the patience for the most part.
The 8MP selfie camera is cool as it shines in the light but gets a bit noisy in low-to-no light. You can definitely put their shooters above Motorola but not quite measuring up to the Samsung/Pixel level. Its in a nice sweet spot.
The KeyOne runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat and looks like a stock Android phone at first glance. But once you start diving into the Recently opened apps & more, you start to see a bit of Blackberry's own flair within.
And lastly, you got the DTEK security app that constantly monitors your devices for any malicious activity like malware, sketchy apps, viruses, & check on permissions, & more. It is nice to have a feature like this built-in w/o having to grab an app from the Play Store. BlackBerry will also keep up w/ Google's monthly security updates as well.
The KeyOne will be perfect for those missing that physical keyboard, almost 2-day battery, & great performance.
TG 2 Cents
Back in the day, I was a huge BlackBerry fan as I had a few of the Curves & the Bold 9900 running leaked OSes & everything. So I'll always have a special place in my heart for the brand. With that being said, I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. Its not a game-changer but the perfect blend of the strengths of Blackberry inside of a modern Android smartphone. Although I did love it, I won't be running back to a QWERTY keyboard as a daily driver. But easily my secondary phone w/ ease.
You'd be surprised how many people I showed this device to and got excited about it. Of course, it won't be for the masses but good niche crowd that this device will sell well to. I think represents a nice pocket for the company to exist within. If you secretly always wanted to go back to a phone w/ a physical keyboard but don't want to feel like you're missing out on any current features, this should be your next phone. If not, you'll have to look elsewhere.
