BlackBerry’s back and this time it’s finally got a winner with the QWERTY keyboard-equipped KEYone.
With a physical keyboard, a handsome aluminum design, and the latest version of Android, the KEYone is the BlackBerry that should have been released years ago.
Another plus: Its $549.99 unlocked price is much more affordable than the $699 BlackBerry Priv was at launch.
I’ve been testing the KEYone for a little over a week and as with every phone phone, there’s a lot I like and dislike. Yes, the KEYone is a BlackBerry and has a keyboard in an era of touchscreen-only phones, but it’s also running Android, and that makes all the difference. The apps problem that plagued BlackBerry’s old phones is no longer an issue with the KEYone.
Is the KEYone perfect? Of course not, but with all phones now just glass slabs, the KEYone’s somewhat throwback keyboard and industrial design is kind of refreshing. So here’s why you should consider dumping your iPhone or Android for the KEYone. (To learn why the KEYone isn’t worth it, click here.)
1. It’s got a physical keyboard
Let’s be real: The No. 1 reason why anyone should consider buying the KEYone is for the keyboard. It’s a good keyboard… if you embrace it. The glossy transparent buttons are a little mushy in my opinion, but if you liked the BlackBerry Passport or Priv’s keyboard, you’ll like the KEYone’s.
2. Screen is pretty nice
At a time when phones are getting taller, the KEYone’s squat 4.5-inch display with 3:2 aspect ratio is quite unusual. Despite having fewer pixels (1,620 x 1,080 resolution) than most Android phones, the KEYone’s screen is still quite bright and sharp. It doesn’t have any fancy curved edges or rounded corners, and that’s A-OK with me.
3. Scroll with keyboard gestures
It’s no classic BlackBerry trackball or trackpad, but the KEYone’s QWERTY keyboard does support limited gestures like on the BlackBerry Priv. You can swipe up and down on anywhere on the keyboard to scroll up and down through apps and websites, and you can swipe left and right to switch between homescreens. It’s nice not having to smudge up the screen with your fingerprints. You can also swipe up to quickly select suggested words when you’re typing and swipe left to delete words.
4. Space bar doubles as fingerprint sensor
Image: LILI SAMS/MASHABLE
Unlike most Android phones that have fingerprint…
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