The BlackBerry Keyone has made a remarkable return to Pakistan’s mobile market, capturing the attention of smartphone users who value productivity, security, and a physical keyboard experience. With its unique combination of heritage BlackBerry craftsmanship and modern Android features, the Keyone is resonating well among professionals, business users, and those who appreciate a tactile typing experience. Since its launch in Pakistan, many consumers have grown curious about whether it lives up to the BlackBerry name and delivers real value in its price segment.
BlackBerry Keyone Full Specifications
Display
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.5 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1620 × 1080 pixels, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass |
The 4.5-inch display may seem compact compared to today’s large screens, but its 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical reading space, which is excellent for emails, documents, and messaging. The IPS panel offers good color and viewing angles, while Gorilla Glass adds toughness against everyday wear.
Camera
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12 MP, f/2.0, PDAF, Dual-LED flash |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
The 12 MP rear camera delivers sharp images with respectable detail in well-lit environments, while the dual-LED flash aids low-light shots. The 8 MP selfie camera is serviceable for video calls and casual selfies, though performance may drop in dim lighting conditions.
Battery
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 3505 mAh non-removable |
| Charging | Quick Charge 3.0 (up to 50 % in ~36 min) |
The 3505 mAh battery is robust for a phone with a small screen and a physical keyboard, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. Inclusion of Quick Charge 3.0 allows for fast top-ups, which is practical for on-the-go users.
Processor
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 |
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Adreno 506 |
The Snapdragon 625 is known for its power efficiency and reliable everyday performance. It handles productivity apps, browsing, and light gaming smoothly while also conserving battery life—an ideal balance for busy professionals.
RAM / Storage
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| RAM | 3 GB LPDDR3 |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB |
| Expandable | microSD up to 256 GB (uses SIM 2 slot) |
With 3 GB of RAM, multitasking is decent—for everyday apps and productivity tasks it’s generally fluid. The 32 GB internal storage may fill up quickly but can be augmented via microSD card (albeit by sacrificing the second SIM), making it more flexible for media and documents.
Operating System (OS)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS at Launch | Android 7.1 Nougat (upgradeable) |
The Keyone launched with Android 7.1 Nougat, with some potential for upgrades depending on regional support. BlackBerry’s focus on security enhancements and regular updates helps ensure user data remains protected.
Connectivity
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM, hybrid) |
| Network | 4G LTE, VoLTE support |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
Connectivity options are comprehensive and well-suited for modern usage. Full 4G LTE and VoLTE support ensures fast mobile data, while Wi-Fi ac and USB-C are future-ready. The rear fingerprint scanner adds quick and secure unlocking.
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Keyone embraces a distinctive design ethos that blends durable build with practical ergonomics. The front features a sturdy aluminum frame paired with BlackBerry’s iconic physical keyboard, which doubles as a trackpad—ideal for fast typing and navigation. The back panel is textured for grip and is made from soft-touch polycarbonate, offering both comfort and durability. At around 180 grams, the Keyone feels solid in the hand without being overly heavy, and the design conveys confidence and professionalism. The compact size makes it pocket-friendly while retaining overall robustness.
Key Features and Unique Selling Points
- Physical Keyboard with Touch Capabilities: The highlight of the Keyone is its physical keyboard. Beyond typing, each key can be customized as shortcuts to launch apps or actions, improving workflow.
- Secure Software Enhancements: With built-in BlackBerry DTEK security suite and regular security patches, the Keyone ensures better privacy and protection than the average Android phone.
- Long Battery Life: The combination of Snapdragon 625 and efficient display ensures prolonged battery performance, often lasting longer than similar-sized devices.
- Compact and Productivity-Focused Form Factor: Unlike most large smartphones, its size and keyboard make it ideal for users who spend much time on communication, typing, and emails.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Physical QWERTY keyboard ideal for typing | Small 4.5-inch screen may feel cramped for media consumption |
| Secure with BlackBerry’s DTEK and regular patches | 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage are limited by modern standards |
| Excellent battery life with Quick Charge support | Hybrid SIM slot reduces flexibility for dual-SIM plus microSD |
| Premium build with compact design | Android Nougat outdated; future OS updates may be limited |
Comparison with Similar Phones in the Same Price Range
| Phone | Display | Keyboard | Security | Battery | Approx. Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackBerry Keyone | 4.5″ IPS, 3:2 | Physical QWERTY | BlackBerry DTEK | 3505 mAh | PKR 49,999 |
| Nokia G50 | 6.39″ IPS, 20:9 | On-screen | Android One updates | 5000 mAh | PKR 44,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 | 6.6″ PLS LCD, 20:9 | On-screen | Samsung Knox | 5000 mAh | PKR 47,999 |
The Keyone stands out for its physical keyboard and enterprise-level security features, while the Nokia G50 and Galaxy A14 offer larger displays, bigger batteries, and more modern Android versions. If typing efficiency and security are priorities, Keyone excels; for media and battery, the others might appeal more.
Official Price in Pakistan and Availability
As of now, the BlackBerry Keyone is officially priced at PKR 49,999 in Pakistan. It’s available through select dealers in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, as well as reputable online stores. Availability may be limited, so interested buyers should check stock at authorized retailers or request delivery—always verifying warranty and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the BlackBerry Keyone still relevant in 2025?
Despite being released a few years ago, the Keyone’s physical keyboard, secure software, and solid performance continue to make it relevant, particularly for professionals who prioritize productivity and privacy. - Will it receive Android 10 or higher updates?
Official Android updates beyond Nougat were limited. Your device may be upgradable only via unofficial custom ROMs, if available—but proceed with caution, as they may affect warranty or stability. - Does the keyboard work in multiple languages including Urdu?
Mechanical keys work for typing, and you can set the on-screen keyboard to different languages, including Urdu. The physical keyboard, however, shows English characters by default. - Can I use two SIMs and a microSD card together?
No. The second slot is a hybrid SIM slot, which means you can either use a second SIM card or insert a microSD card—one or the other, not both. - How is the camera quality in low-light?
The rear camera performs reasonably well in low light if flash is used, but image quality and clarity tend to degrade compared to mid-range phones with night modes or bigger sensors.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It and Why
The BlackBerry Keyone is tailored for a niche but very discerning audience in Pakistan: professionals, business users, writers, and security-conscious individuals who value typing efficiency as much—or more—than multimedia experience. If your daily routine involves emails, documents, or communication, the physical QWERTY keyboard can greatly enhance speed and accuracy. The durable build, compact form factor, and BlackBerry’s security make it stand out in a sea of touch-only Android phones.
However, if you frequently watch videos, play games, or rely on a large display and long-term OS updates, you might prefer a phone like the Nokia G50 or Samsung Galaxy A14. But for those committed to productivity, confidentiality, and tactile typing—especially in Pakistan where availability is limited—the Keyone offers a unique, valuable experience.
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