First look: BlackBerry KEYone

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The first true BlackBerry handset from TCL Corporation is the BlackBerry Mobile KEYOne and it isn't just true to its heritage, it is a remarkably well conceived and executed communicator's smartphone. Built atop Android 7 but bolstered by BlackBerry's secure software systems and appls, the KEYone's build quality is beyond reproach and remind us of truly great handsets from the past.

The KEYone is more than a nostalgia play. Sure the QWERTY keyboard is back and with all the tricks (capacitive touchpad, shortcuts, a stunning 'space' key which is also a fingerprint sensor and a camera button). The body is a mix of satin finished alumunum, dimpled rubber and glass. This is one device that's tall but which isn't slippery.

Shot on KEYone

A 4.5-inch 1080p HD display allows generous interaction with apps. Being able to use the keyboard to scroll means that you can enjoy endless scrolling without smudging up your display.

The BlackBerry KEYone comes with the same great long battery and sensible processor (a Snapdragon 625, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage) as the Moto Z Play, which means this device is good for around two days of use on a fully battery charge. 

Even better, there's USB Type C with QuickCharge 3 on tap, which means hours of use in minutes. The BlackBerry KEYone also has the best camera on any BlackBerry device. it is the same 12 megapixel shooter that's on the highly touted Google Pixel.

This is a capable Sony IMX378 powered camera has a larger 1.55μm size and does a great job shooting scenes accurately.

This isn't the fastest camera though, nor is the HD or 4K video shooting that great (no OIS) but it will make great photos if you're a bit patient with it.

That's remarkable for a device that's clearly designed for productivity and communication.

Since I transferred my SIM card from my iPhone SE to the KEYone as my daily driver, I've been impressed at how easily I've slipped back into a QWERTY keyboard focused workflow. Of course, it helps that this BlackBerry is running Android and not BB10.

Unlike every other Android OEM, the inclusion of BlackBerry apps on the KEYone is actually useful and necessary. The DTEK app ensures the system is running safely and that it is optimized and the BlackBerry Hub triages all the messaging apps, mail and social media into one cohesive and easy to use front end. Most Android apps are there and work just fine. 

The BlackBerry KEYone is the key to productivity and security

I've only had a few days with the BlackBerry KEYone but I already know it is a smartphone I'd consider over many other flagships out there because it has a delicate balance of features to help me get my work done.

Long battery life, quick charging functionality, a cracking camera and hardened security features do resonate well with me and I believe many mature smartphone users might see the benefit of this latest device to carry on the best that BlackBerry hardware has to offer. Stay tuned for a full review right here in the coming weeks. BlackBerry KEYone is available for preorder from Rogers and comes to Canada on May 31.