BlackBerry KEYone

[Aneres11]

So it has been over a week now with the KEYone.

I'll list my good and bad points for those that are interested.

Good:
- Build quality. This thing is built really well. Feels amazing, feels solid and definitely nice and grippy due to that punched leather back. Really great.
- Form factor. It's the BB that BB fans have probably been hoping for. Those who aren't clinging onto BB10 anyway. Finally we've got the big (ish) screen and keypad combo which means apps don't have to be compromised too much.
- Keypad. The keypad is a winner. I have had no problems adjusting to it and am very speedy. I honestly believe I could type faster on this than all of these reviewers who say that VKB's are the better option. They use the phone for a week having not used a blackberry in years and say that the keypad is slower and still needs autocorrect. I completely disagree, but I am very very fast and accurate with BB keypads.
- Camera. I can't really go too in detail as I don't actually know fully what this camera is capable of yet. I've done a couple of test shots and a few low light samples and have been pretty impressed. It seems dependable and that I could get good results from it on dog walks and trips away, which is all I can ask of it really.
- Keypad shortcuts. Being able to press 'I' on my keypad and have Instagram open is a thing of beauty. Or press and hold the same key for a different action. Very good and a big bonus over these full touch phones.
- Processor and battery. I say processor, but it isn't what I'd necessarily class as a good point for the phone. But it's not bad either. The combo of this processor and battery though, is a total winner. Im still on 37 percent currently and my phone came off charge at 8am. It's had pretty heavy use today too and I really cannot praise the battery enough.
- Dtek. I like this because it honestly does make my phone feel secure. It is one concern I have with Android at times, but I do definitely think BB have done a good job making their Android devices the most secure.
- Finger print scanner. Where else would BB put it?! It is perfect. I'm going to say the best scanner I have ever used on a phone and I don't say it lightly. But it is brilliant. Placement is spot on and it just always works. Makes the S8 look like a joke toy in this department.
- Sound quality through headphones. Very good. Easily on par with my S8.
- BB Hub. I just love this. Lots of reviewers say it gets too messy or difficult to use. I disagree. Granted, I don't have loads of tweets and emails coming through all day like they likely have, but one place for them all to go surely makes sense? Anyway for me, it's a winner and always has been.

The not so good:
- Capacitive keys. Too easily pressed. The amount of times I have accidentally pressed one of them due to using the keypad to scroll is more than I care to remember. It's annoying. Really could have done with physical buttons in their place IMO but I don't know whether that would work well thinking on it.
- No BB browser. BB have moved a lot of thier BB10 stuff over to their Android powered devices but one thing sorely lacking is their own browser. That was one amazing browser. Pressing 'T' to go to the top of the page or 'B' to go to the bottom just worked. I've said it a lot, but I despise Chrome, even on a flagship phone like the S8. On this phone it's crap.
- Stutters. There are stutters. Not many and only really for me, Chrome related. Everything else is pretty much snappy as I need it to be. The phone handles stuff well and just goes along nicely. I did have some delays with the dark theme but on switching that has disappeared. I've also had a software update since then which apparently has got rid of some bugs, so may try that again and report back.
- Notification LED. I'll be on my own with this criticism I'm sure. But I think the LED is too small. Other BB devices my phone could be across the room and I'd see the light flash knowing I had a notification. With this, it's so small and its position in the top silver bar makes it more difficult to see. The Privs was spot on.
- Top heavy. Haven't dropped it yet, but do worry with its top heavy nature. Could be more evenly balanced.

I think that's all I have for now. They are my top thoughts that have made up my week with the phone. I do love the KEYone, but I guess part of me wishes there was just a bit more. I can't put my finger on it but I think I did spoil myself with the S8 that going from that to this did make some of the KEYone's shortcomings seem more obvious.

I also used a 7 Plus before both of those which I kind of miss in a strange way. Not enough to have my buy one again, but the dependability of that phone couldn't be questioned.
I don't think the S8 is a keeper for me, but I would potentially look into a Pixel XL or LG G6 if I wanted a full touch Android.

I suppose I just haven't been utterly blown away like I fully expected to be and that's partly my own doing due to building it up as being perfect for my needs in the long, slow run up to release. It is still perfect for my use, but it isn't the perfect device. If that makes sense.

Also, strangely, I find it slower to get around on this phone than an all touch device. And I don't mean processor wise. I just mean the physical feeling of maneuvering around the handset. The keypad shortcuts do go some way to overcome this, but I think it comes down to positioning of your hand and thumb on all touch phones. You can just reach and swipe and tap quicker and more easy than you can on this. A strange but noticeable thing.

I will keep the KEYone but something tells me it may not have the lasting effect my PRIV did.
And that's not against the phone, but I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think I feel 'satisfied' and I can't put my finger on why.
Knowing me though, it'll be that device where I get rid of it and then want it back the next week...

I shall continue on and post as and when with updates of my time with it. For anyone on the fence it is a great phone and easily the best BB in years. I would wholeheartedly recommended it to anyone who is interested.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Pretty fair review, have one coming Tuesday so excited to try it out still.Surprised you liked the Priv so much, mine was unusable after a month, still try it every once in a while to remind myself how bad it is.

 

[akuma13]

Again, nice follow up review on the KeyOne @Aneres11. I'm sure the KeyOne isn't for everyone one and will get more use from people who want to GTD. I really like the appeal of it and i think i'll get a blast out of it for notes, messaging, and browsing the web.

 

[Aneres11]

We have adequate stock of the KEYone in store currently. Did a check on local stock and seems all stores have loads.

There's also over 700 to order online.

 

[Aneres11]

The more I'm using the phone the more I have this 'unsatisfied' feeling.
Like I say, I really can't put my finger on why.

I know I like the phone a lot but something isn't connecting with me? What the hell is wrong with me?!

Maybe I need to put it in a drawer, use my S8 for a bit and see what happens.
I think I'll do that tomorrow. Starting to get on my own nerves.

 

[downtherabbithole]

They should have made the bezel black instead of silver but props to BB for hanging in there, who's buying one in 2017 I'd love to know. The price point is reasonable which is surprising.

 

[MRU]

The more I'm using the phone the more I have this 'unsatisfied' feeling.
Like I say, I really can't put my finger on why.

I know I like the phone a lot but something isn't connecting with me? What the hell is wrong with me?!

Maybe I need to put it in a drawer, use my S8 for a bit and see what happens.
I think I'll do that tomorrow. Starting to get on my own nerves.

Spoiled for choice possibly.

 

[Aneres11]

Spoiled for choice possibly.

Potentially true. I think it might just be more down to the fact that I have a really great phone in the S8 sat in a drawer and before the KEYone came along I was pretty content with it

Maybe the Phone muddied the water a little bit and because it hasn't been as amazing in real world use as I possibly thought it would be, it's had me doubting.

 

[BrettApple]

Well heck I've been following this for months and now that it's finally out I still think I'd like to give it a try. And I'll be coming from an iPhone 7 too.

The #1 issue with my iPhone 7 that has significantly affected me today is it's reception. I've had so many "message failed to send" errors that I actually put my SIM card back into my iPhone 4S to make some calls and send some messages to my out of state fiancee. Kind of sad to say that, but the 4S is still king in the antenna department out here in the boonies (our WiFi has been hit and miss the last couple days, thus why it's more important since WiFi calling is a no go with 0.05 mbps upload speeds).

Anyway, I don't know where you live or if it's ever even an issue but do you have anything to say about the reception on the KEYone @Aneres11? Reason I ask is because I've read one review that said it was noticeably worse than the Priv in every circumstance. But I also have read that it doesn't have the "Paratek antenna" that the previous BB's have had like the Z30/Passport/Classic/Priv have had. The only other phone that has worked well out here was my 2014 Moto X. Everything else struggles pretty badly. This is on AT&T in the US but same goes for Verizon that we had previously and T-Mo/Sprint are nonexistent.

Other than that, this thing looks good! If I can get enough out of my iP7 and Air 2 I'm selling I'd love to pick one up! Haven't used a PKB since 2009 on an LG Voyager! Though I did buy a Q10 used it ended up having a bad IMEI and being sent back to the seller so it wasn't ever activated for use. Mostly iPhones and various HTC/Moto/Google/LG android devices.

And thanks for all the input you've contributed to this thread!

 

[Lloydbm41]

If TMobile sold this phone and it was under $400 (like it should be based on the hardware), I'd get one.

 

[Aneres11]

Anyway, I don't know where you live or if it's ever even an issue but do you have anything to say about the reception on the KEYone @Aneres11? Reason I ask is because I've read one review that said it was noticeably worse than the Priv in every circumstance. But I also have read that it doesn't have the "Paratek antenna" that the previous BB's have had like the Z30/Passport/Classic/Priv have had. The only other phone that has worked well out here was my 2014 Moto X. Everything else struggles pretty badly. This is on AT&T in the US but same goes for Verizon that we had previously and T-Mo/Sprint are nonexistent.

Other than that, this thing looks good! If I can get enough out of my iP7 and Air 2 I'm selling I'd love to pick one up! Haven't used a PKB since 2009 on an LG Voyager! Though I did buy a Q10 used it ended up having a bad IMEI and being sent back to the seller so it wasn't ever activated for use. Mostly iPhones and various HTC/Moto/Google/LG android devices.

And thanks for all the input you've contributed to this thread!

Hey, my pleasure. I have enjoyed contributing, even if most of it has been me moaning about the battle I'm having in my head with it haha.

Regarding reception, I'm in the UK and the phone reception is no different to what it is with my other phones usage. iPhone 7 Plus, S8 and the KEYone.

Call quality is great, but that's something I've always found with BB devices to be honest.

I had the Priv a while ago now, so wouldn't be able to give you any comparisons to that with signal strength etc, as I used that on a different network anyway.

Sorry couldn't be more helpful.

_________

Did some more test shots with the KEYone and S8 today.
Just around shops whilst my sister bought stuff haha.

These were not so favourable towards the KEYone. Just point and shoot but the S8 did seem to pick up more detail but that's just looking at them on the respective screens.
Uploaded the may be different.

Also, you American's - don't laugh at our take on an American diner...! It may look terrible to you lot but this is the best we get over here and I needed pancakes and coffee so it was quite welcome.

KEYone

S8

KEYone

S8

KEYone

S8

KEYone

S8

KEYone

S8

What do we think?
Looking at them now, the KEYone's colours seem a little more vibrant in some cases, but it seems it does blow out sections with artificial light which the S8 handles a little better.

One thing I am not a fan of with the KEYone is the bluetooth connectivity in the car. I use GooglePlay music, which is not my favourite app, but when I start my car the music does not continue to play until I go into the app and press play.
All my other phones just continue where it left off, so maybe I need to tinker with the settings or something.

 

[sk1wbw]

I see no difference in those shots from the KEYone.

 

[MRU]

I see no difference in those shots from the KEYone.

I couldn't see too much difference with slightly over-exposed areas in both shots being about the same regardless of device.

 

[Aneres11]

I couldn't see too much difference with slightly over-exposed areas in both shots being about the same regardless of device.

That'll be more my photography 'skills' than the phones ...

 

[MRU]

So ... Keeper or still left feeling somewhat perplexingly unsatisfied ?

 

[sk1wbw]

Here's a very good video on the camera.

 

[Aneres11]

So ... Keeper or still left feeling somewhat perplexingly unsatisfied ?

Still undecided...
Started a new job on Monday (well, I'm training for 3 days there before I finish my current role officially end of may and go over) and I've just used the phone normally and haven't sat thinking (or over thinking ha...) what my thoughts are on the phone. Unlike last week when I was ill and had all day to torture myself lol.

At the end of the day, it works. It does everything I need it to do and the keypad is as great as I need it to be. Also the battery, as I've already mentioned really is incredible.

I can't use Android Pay here as Barclays don't support it, but they have their own mobile contact less payment system which just works like my contact less card, just through NFC. It's brilliant. Been using that in the works coffee shops, and canteen. It's better than Apple Pay IMO. Obviously this isn't a KEYone thing, as all phones will do it if you bank with Barclays, but it's one thing that I previously really missed in an Android device. The fact it's now available to me is great news.

In terms of keeping it, well I don't want to get rid of it. But I do still have a niggling unsatisfied feeling.

I was thinking on it last night a bit and part of me wonders if I am missing iOS. Which I think could be part of the issue... never thought I'd hear myself say that.

 

[AppleRobert]

Still undecided...
Started a new job on Monday (well, I'm training for 3 days there before I finish my current role officially end of may and go over) and I've just used the phone normally and haven't sat thinking (or over thinking ha...) what my thoughts are on the phone. Unlike last week when I was ill and had all day to torture myself lol.

At the end of the day, it works. It does everything I need it to do and the keypad is as great as I need it to be. Also the battery, as I've already mentioned really is incredible.

I can't use Android Pay here as Barclays don't support it, but they have their own mobile contact less payment system which just works like my contact less card, just through NFC. It's brilliant. Been using that in the works coffee shops, and canteen. It's better than Apple Pay IMO. Obviously this isn't a KEYone thing, as all phones will do it if you bank with Barclays, but it's one thing that I previously really missed in an Android device. The fact it's now available to me is great news.

In terms of keeping it, well I don't want to get rid of it. But I do still have a niggling unsatisfied feeling.

I was thinking on it last night a bit and part of me wonders if I am missing iOS. Which I think could be part of the issue... never thought I'd hear myself say that.

I do not recall the price you paid. If it was a good one I'd say keep it, if not then return it. You can always revisit later down the road if you are missing the g6.

 

[Aneres11]

I do not recall the price you paid. If it was a good one I'd say keep it, if not then return it. You can always revisit later down the road if you are missing the g6.

? I have never had the G6?

And I paid 499. I don't begrudge paying that for the phone to be honest. It's worth that price I think. Sure, processor could be better and many would expect a cheaper price given that it's the same as what is in the much cheaper Moto G5.

But as the only phone on the market with a PKB, I can understand why it is priced up there, especially considering the keypad capabilities and the build quality / materials used which make it feel very premium.

Took some more photos today in very bright sunny conditions. Phone performed very well (as most would) but really let me down again with focus due to the strong light source.
It makes it an unreliable camera for me, which I find really disappointing. I know BB updated the PRIV camera a lot, so I'm hoping we see the same kind of support with KEYone.

 

[Aneres11]

Last night I took the sim out of my KEYone and put it into my S8.
Thought I'd take a break from it and go back to a full touch to see if it could help make my decision for me.

By 11am, I was clamouring for the KEYone's physical keyboard again.
I enjoyed using the S8 during my work breaks, browsing the internet is a joy as it is so fast and fluid, and I do love that Samsung browser.
But as previously stated in the S8 thread, the phone is just a little too narrow to have a keyboard that is easy to type on.
I put the sim back into the KEYone when I got home and haven't looked back.

Replying to messages and whatsapps on this thing is just so so much better than it is on the S8 for me. I love the PKB.

Took the phone with me on a dog walk this evening, a couple of pics attached:

Tiniest bit of post editing on 2, nothing major at all. More like a filter.

The phone is reliable enough to take snaps, although a few did come out pretty crap because of the time it takes to snap.
There is no doubt in my mind that the S8, Pixel, iPhone etc are all far far more reliable as a camera to snap those momentary pictures than this is.
I also haven't been blown away by any picture I have taken so far on the KEYone. Sure, I'm no photographer, so I'm never gonna be blown away by what I produce , but the S8 continually surprised me with how often it took great photographs.
Same with Pixel, and the iPhone 7 Plus really wowed me with the odd photo.

It doesn't really help my decision, but I know the S8 is not the one for me. That's going on eBay tomorrow night.

I honestly think I am missing my iPhone. Or just iOS in general.
Won't go into the reasons here, as lord knows I've waffled enough in this thread (sorry!)
But it seems like whatever Android device I am using, there is some form of trade off somewhere.
With iOS and iPhone, there is a lot less to have to give up for my preferences.

I'd rather have the KEYone than any other Android device at the moment, but I'm not a huge fan of the camera in its current state, along with lots of little niggles like screen brightness, outdoor visibility and slight lag when using the likes of Chrome etc.

I think I'm going to keep hold of my KEYone regardless, as I like it enough to not want to part with it. But the thought of making an iPhone my primary device is looking to be the likely outcome at the moment.

 

[MRU]

Great pics

I totally empathise with the iPhone situation. I like my iPhone to be my work phone. It's reliable for me and always consistent and for the lambasting iOS gets in this sub fora I personally find it great for what I want it to do and in a persistent reliable manner. (And yes many of my clients and friends use iMessage).
Also PUSH email for .Mac works so much better on Apple Mail over outlook, Gmail or any other stock android mail client.


As much as I love my other devices and often use them for media content or snapping photos at times over the iPhone, I still can not foresee me getting rid of the iPhone, I prefer to have access to both platforms.

 

[Aneres11]

Made an amazing discovery with the KEYone tonight.

Discovered that the space bar acts as a way to page down on a website. But the best part is, hold shift and press the space bar and it pages up!
If you hold them both, it shoots back up to the top.

Amazing. Exactly what I've been missing with a browser on this phone.
It doesn't always seem to work, but most of the time it's perfect.

Since having a day with the S8 and moving back to the KEYone, I have a new found appreciation all over again.
It's now starting to feel like the phone I wanted it to feel like when I got it. Don't know why it's taken so long, but I was likely searching for a feeling or something that was likely there all along. And that's a phone that just works with a great keyboard. Camera samples are decent enough, some of the ones I didn't upload that I took an a walk last night actually look great on closer detail today.

Definitely a keeper for me for the time being anyway.

 

[MRU]

Made an amazing discovery with the KEYone tonight.

Discovered that the space bar acts as a way to page down on a website. But the best part is, hold shift and press the space bar and it pages up!
If you hold them both, it shoots back up to the top.

Amazing. Exactly what I've been missing with a browser on this phone.
It doesn't always seem to work, but most of the time it's perfect.

Since having a day with the S8 and moving back to the KEYone, I have a new found appreciation all over again.
It's now starting to feel like the phone I wanted it to feel like when I got it. Don't know why it's taken so long, but I was likely searching for a feeling or something that was likely there all along. And that's a phone that just works with a great keyboard. Camera samples are decent enough, some of the ones I didn't upload that I took an a walk last night actually look great on closer detail today.

Definitely a keeper for me for the time being anyway.

Good stuff.

It's still on my radar and when I go away in on the 22nd I'm going to see I can get to see it in the flesh and tempt myself even more

 

[Aneres11]

Good stuff.

It's still on my radar and when I go away in on the 22nd I'm going to see I can get to see it in the flesh and tempt myself even more

Hopefully it does tempt you enough to purchase, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the device.

It's definitely a phone you have to get used to. That's not really something you ever have to do unless you move from android to iOS these days, but the screen ratio and keyboard definitely add a different feel and user experience which takes a bit of time to bed in.

I'm sure you could get some terrific results from the camera to. In the right hands I think it could be great.

 

[Aneres11]

Nice article on battery life of the KEYone. Definitely one of its selling points.

Almost twice as good as the battery found in iPhone and Samsung devices!

Can confirm it's a beastly battery!

http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-KEYone-battery-life-test-results-are-out_id93989