Blackberry KEYone with Snapdragon 625 launched at MWC 2017

Just like classic BlackBerry devices, the KeyOne’s keyboard is always there and ready to go, and it can be used for a number of things outside of just typing.

Having already given a hardware teaser at CES earlier in the year, BlackBerry has now officially outed its next smartphone, the KeyOne, created to tempt the hard-core BlackBerry fans to switch to Android, and invoke serious nostalgia in a serious phone.

“The new BlackBerry portfolio has a chance of success, because few companies now offer BlackBerry-style design and features, and the productivity-focused smartphone segment is underserved”.

We surely haven’t got our hands on the device yet, but here are the interesting and best features of the Blackberry KEYone smartphone based on what the company has showcased.

Regarding specifications, BlackBerry has included a 4.5-inch IPS LCD 1620×1080 display with a 3:2 aspect ratio.

The Blackberry KEYone runs Android 7.1 Nougat straight out-of-the-box with several Blackberry’ security additions. It comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. Shortcuts can also be assigned to each key; I for access the email inbox or M for maps. BlackBerry has been known for their hardware keys and the BlackBerry KeyOne continues the legacy.

The BlackBerry KEYOne has finally been officially revealed at Mobile World Congress 2017.

Staple BlackBerry features on the device include the BlackBerry Hub repository for all your various communications, and DTEK security software. BlackBerry claims you can get to 50 percent charge in 36 minutes. In typical BlackBerry style it has a physical keyboard, though this one is touch-sensitive, meaning you can swipe between letters.

# Has an iconic physical keyboard and will be available beginning April 2017 in select markets.

Rear camera: The KEYone uses a 12-megapixel camera.

“Imagine, F for Facebook or U for Uber”, said Logan Bell, senior product manager for BlackBerry Mobile. As expected, one of the highlight features of the KeyOne is its physical keyboard, which is something we don’t see much of in the smartphone world anymore.

Processor: Although KEYone is a high-end phone and looks very premium, it uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, which is usually meant for mainstream phones. The price difference between the two is $150 as Priv costs $699 and the KEYone costs $549. The device also brings along an 8MP front camera with support for image and video stabilization.