BlackBerry KEYone Release Date, Specs News: TCL Brings Back Brand's Signature Physical Keyboard
As expected, TCL released the latest BlackBerry smartphone that sports the brand's signature physical keyboard. The company had previously acquired the rights to manufacture new smartphones and devices under the BlackBerry brand.
Even before the Mobile World Congress 2017 kicked off, TCL took the stage to present the BlackBerry KEYone. According to reports, the Chinese company refers to the KEYone as the most secured BlackBerry device yet. The recently announced smartphone will run with the latest Android 7.1 Nougat but is coupled with a BlackBerry security tool.
Aside from the latest Android software and the classic physical keyboard, the KEYone also boasts ample specifications and can even take on the latest smartphones from other companies. Its 4.5-inch screen sports a 1,620 x 1,080 display resolution that is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
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The latest BlackBerry smartphone promises premium operation with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset that performs with an eight-core 2-gigahertz clock speed. The KEYone is packed with a 12-megapixel camera on the rear and an 8MP one for selfies. It also has a 3,505 milliampere hour battery pack.
While the manufacturing process is greatly in the hands of TCL, BlackBerry is still very much involved in putting the device together, especially in the security aspect. According to Computerworld, all documents related to KEYone's security software will be processed and certified in BlackBerry's homeland in Canada.
The same Computerworld report mentioned that according to TCL North America president Steve Cistulli, processing the security software and getting certification in Canada is a good move since the state origin of this aspect of the smartphone is a big deal nowadays considering international cybersecurity concerns.
It can be noticed that in several reports, the KEYone is considered a big chance for the BlackBerry brand's comeback. And for CNet, the KEYone's more considerate pricing is a step in the right direction.
CNet mentioned that it is a nice move for TCL to rectify the previous mistake of overpricing new releases from BlackBerry. The Priv raised some critics' eyebrows after it was introduced with a $699 price tag — $50 more than the latest iPhone. Now, the KEYone costs $549, or $100 less than Apple's standard smartphone.
The BlackBerry KEYone will be released around the globe sometime in April this year.
