BlackBerry

BlackBerry KEYone (2017)

Android OS v7.1 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953
Adreno 506
3 GB / 32 GB
4.5 inch (1080 x 1620 px)
12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus

This phone comes equipped with a 4.5 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 chipset, and 3 GB of RAM.

Navigate through its features, both the gems and quirks!

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BlackBerry KEYone smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

BlackBerry KEYone / 1

BlackBerry KEYone specifications

BrandBlackBerry
NameKEYone
ModelKEYONE
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.35 oz
Dimensions5.88 x 2.85 x 0.37 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of BlackBerry KEYone is about 6.35 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

BlackBerry KEYone / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953
CPUOcta-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 506

The BlackBerry KEYone comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

BlackBerry KEYone / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1620 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 4.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

BlackBerry KEYone / 3

Memory, storage

RAM3 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The KEYone has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

BlackBerry KEYone / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of KEYone smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The KEYone smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The KEYone comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3505 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3505 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of KEYone isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsFast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The KEYone phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. The fast charging technology comes in handy when we need quick juice on our device.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BlackBerry phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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