The newest BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) smartphone, the Key One, was manufactured in China by TCL Communications. A licensing deal between the Canadian firm and the Chinese company was signed in 2016 as BlackBerry embraced a strategy of moving away from hardware to software. Though the Key One is based on the Android operating system, the physical keyboard differentiates itself from the rest of the pack.
Despite the fact the size of the Key One is similar to that of Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Pixel XL and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone Plus, it has a smaller screen space due to the presence of the physical keyboard. The screen size measures 4.5 inches. During the launch of the phone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, TCL said that the phone possessed larger screen space in comparison to other phones of similar size when the virtual keyboard is on display.
Security and privacy
According to BlackBerry, most of the emphasis on the Key One has been placed on security and privacy. Though it is running the newest version of Android, the Key One has security software from BlackBerry installed in it called DTEK.
“We have worked closely with TCL to build security and the BlackBerry experience into every layer of KEYone, so the BlackBerry DNA remains very much in place,” the general manager of the Mobility Solutions unit of BlackBerry, Alex Thurber said.
The fingerprint sensor of the latest BlackBerry smartphone is located on the spacebar. It also features a rear camera as well as a selfie camera. The Key One’s battery can be charged to a half-full capacity in about half an hour as it uses a fast charging mechanism.
Starting In April
The Key One will be available for sale around the globe beginning in April. It is expected to cost $549 in the United States, which will make it cheaper than other smartphones with similar features and specs.
Despite the fact that there is a fan base that might appreciate the physical keyboard it might not be enough to make the phone a hit especially in the face of stiff competition from Samsung and Apple.
On Friday shares of BlackBerry fell by 1.12% to close the day at $7.08.
