BlackBerry is a smartphone maker that became obsolete as soon as the iPhone came out. Still trying to be relevant, the Canadian company has a plan to achieve its goal. Enlisting TCL Corporation’s help, it has now come out with the KEYone smartphone. In a world full of touchscreen slabs, this phone stands out by virtue of having a physical keyboard. BlackBerry has launched its much-awaited KEYone handset in India today. But does this phone have what it takes to make BlackBerry relevant? Read more to find about BlackBerry KEYone Price in India, Specifications, and Features
BlackBerry KEYone Price in India
| Price (expected) | Rs 39,990 |
The BlackBerry KEYone was first announced at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in February. Now, it is hitting the Indian shores. The smartphone will be exclusively available from August 8 via Amazon India. The BlackBerry KEYone price in India has been set as Rs 39,990. It was launched in the US at a price tag of $549.
The new BlackBerry smartphone offers more than older smartphone devices. It has a nice window to win users before the bigger flagship devices like the iPhone 8, Pixel 2, and Galaxy Note 8 hit the market.
Also Read: LG Launches G6 in India
BlackBerry KEYone Specifications
| Processor | 2.0GHz octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB (expandable up to 2TB) |
| Display | 4.5-inch Full HD (1620 x 1080 pixels) resolution, LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| OS | Android 7.1 Nougat |
| Primary (rear) Camera | 12-megapixel with flash |
| Front Camera | 8-megapixel |
| Battery | 3505mAh with Fast Charging |
| Dual SIM | No |
The BlackBerry KEYone features a 4.5-inch display with Full HD (1080p) resolution and a pixel density of 433ppi. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and 3GB RAM. The 32GB internal storage can be further expandable up to 2TB via a MicroSD card.
On the camera front, the BlackBerry smartphone features a 12-megapixel camera and an 8-megapixel front camera with f/2.2 aperture. It is backed by a 3,505 mAh non-removable battery with quick charging support. A ‘boost’ feature puts the handset in battery saving mode while charging so that it charges even faster.
Also read: Apple iPhone 8 – All You Need To Know
BlackBerry KEYone Features
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Smart Keyboard functionality
- Android 7.1 Nougat OS
- Pre-loaded Blackberry security apps
- Pre-loaded Blackberry productivity apps
- Fast Charging
- 3500mAh battery
- Fingerprint scanner in space bar
- 4G
- Wi-Fi
- GPS
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- FM Radio
- USB 3.0
- USB Type-C
- Compass Magnetometer
- Proximity sensor
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Gyroscope
The Blackberry KEYone comes with the physical QWERTY keypad, which BlackBerry phones are famous for. The new handset runs Android 7.1 Nougat operating system customized with BlackBerry’s security tweaks. Sensors on the device include Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.
Security aspects of the device include apps like DTEK by BlackBerry and BlackBerry Password Keeper. Users will also get productivity apps such as BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Calendar, BlackBerry Productivity Edge, and BlackBerry Workspaces. Additionally, the Smart Keyboard functionality offers contextual auto-correction, next-word prediction, and flick typing (adapts to user’s language style).
The BlackBerry KEYone measures 149.30 x 72.50 x 9.40mm and weighs 180 grams. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, FM, 3G, 4G and USB Type-C.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 – Here’s All We Know
Conclusion
There is no doubt that BlackBerry is doubling down on its brand name with KEYone. There are few phones in the market that have a feature list such as this one. Yes, this phone is a productivity device and is made to be so. But it can be used for media consumption too. The Snapdragon 625 is not the fastest processor out there. Will it be able to connect with users in India? The BlackBerry KEYone smartphone offers mid-range specs at a slightly higher price. Despite unique security options, this might not work in its favor. Let’s wait and see.
