It's time... to unbox... the BlackBerry KEYone!
April 27th marks a big day in BlackBerry KEYone history with the device officially going on sale in the UK. It also marks a day when you'll start to see more BlackBerry KEYone content popping up online and on social channels as UK customers buy the device and the tech review process begins.
Yes, the KEYone has now made its way into the hands of many tech reviewers around the globe and while the reviews will be coming soon, today I can share with you my unboxing. Hit play on the video above to watch! Keep in mind, this was a review unit and not a retail store unit, so I'd expect to see some differences in packaging when you're able to pick up a KEYone for yourself. Our friends at AndroidCentral made it to the Selfridges event in London, so they should be following up soon with a proper look at retail packaging.
As for my full KEYone review thoughts, you'll have to wait on those, but I think the photo below sums it up nicely :)
Reader comments
CrackBerry's BlackBerry KEYone Unboxing
I have experienced a major disappointment chasing the Keyone this week... I sent a colleague to London all the way from the Baltics - to Selfridge dept store in London on Oxford Street to buy the new Keyone. B/c it was stated everywhere (also on Crackberry) that this is the very exclusive place that is the first and only one where the item will be offered (before the internet sales would start to take orders). Well... yesterday the sale person at the store informed that they were out of stock! The store said that the new delivery will be today. When we came today to buy our phone, the store said that the delivery never came and is not anticipated now until next week!!! So do NOT rush to Selfridges this weekend - you will not find any Keyone units at that store.
Keep looking and good luck!
Nice
Posted via CB10
I don't think I have ever been so juiced to get my hands on the next blackberry. Man I can't wait. LOL. But I know I have to. Thank for all your updating and info. Keep up the fantastic work.
Icecube out.
Will it come in another color? Or just what we see.
This phone is cutting edge. It's going to make physical keyboards awesome again. Blackberry and Android together is perfect.
I would like the looks way more without those lack notches along the perimeter. I'm still a Passport devotee anyway but this design element really bugs me when I look at the phone. I wonder if there was a reason.
Posted via CB10
Black notches, not "lack" notches.
Posted via CB10
What a beaut'!....The KeyOne btw.
It'sa very nice !!!!
A video of something being taken out of a box. Sigh.
I'm really going to have to find a serious BlackBerry site.
Hey Kevin, waiting to get my hands on the phone. Would like to know if the keyone comes with quick charger.
Think I may have found my Passport replacement...
Posted via CB10
**** oh have I missed my crack addiction... I can't wait for it to be released in the states. I hope T-Mobile is picking it up!
Okay, I've got a question and I keep asking it frequently on here, I do not seem to find any threads on this topic either. So here I go again and @Crackberry Kevin maybe you could assist in this area? I've never had an Android device before, always Blackberry from 2006 onwards. On my BBPSE, I have Cobalt's old Google system running. The KEYone seems to be a good solution to my PPSE as it overheats randomly. So, how does one go about synching games and merging them onto an Android device, whether it's Blackberry or from another Android phone like the Priv? Would I have to first log in to my Google account and download the same games on the KEYone, then go back to my PPSE and delete Cobalt's Google setup and all the games? I am very confused and lost with moving over to the Android system.
Thank you to anyone who is able to help me understand this, and believe me, I've tried looking through Android Central on their threads too and have had no luck, so thank you to anyone who is more than able to clarify and help me with this. The KEYone is definitely something I want to try, not going to bash on it just because, so far I'm impressed.
THAT TUMI CASE
Can you confirm that it will actually be available to the public or is just a one time deal for the review units? Thanks!
on the road with my BlackBerry
Kevin,
Why do you edit and chop the videos that you do so heavily? Looks super odd. Is there some benefit that you see to chopping milliseconds out of the video?
I'm still not used to seeing CBK not using just one take for his videos. If I remember correctly, his videos during the OS 4 - OS 7 days were just one continuous video shot - no cuts, no edits. And they felt more, "raw" and more personal.
C'mon CBK, go back to one video take.
ATT Z30 10.3.2.2639
I love it that you're e just as enthusiastic about new blackberry stuff as me. Thank you for the nice unboxing, can't wait to see more
Posted via CB10
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is exciting. #Worththewait
Hey Kevin you should change your tagline to " KEVone by CrackBerry" . Just a thought.
By the way great unboxing video.
Hope you're doing better.
I'm ready!
Hey Kevin, did you notice any changes (for better or worse) between the engineering KEYone and the retail version? Perhaps material or fit and finish or even software?
I heard people complaining about the light coming from the keys showing gaps and stuff.
My priv is getting pretty squeaky when holding it. There were people with these issues on the priv when it first was released as well. The back panel and front screen are making a lot of noise. And some of the keys. Does the KEYone have these problems?
CrackBerry Kevin was getting overheated as he fondled the BlackBerry KEYone. Is this why he sent Bla1ze on vacation? LOL
Beautiful device, can't wait 👍😀
Nice very nice
Posted via CB10
Just 7.1?
Not 7.1.2? Which is the latest version of Android.
Cant wait to get mine ..
To heck with the KEYone......
.... I WANT THAT COFFEE CUP!!!!
Posted via CB10 / AT&T /Z10 STL100-3 /10.3.3.2205
Way to get down n dirty! Lol
Posted via CB10
your video keeps skipping and jumping every 2 seconds. you may want to check your recording device or editing software. it's super annoying
Darn 5/31 is a ways off and ohhhhhh that case! I need that!!
Hi There, when is that 10.3.3 Os update is going to happen in India.
Posted via CB10
My guess is never, but you can update with Blitz (non-destructive) or automatic (destructive).
Posted via CB10 / AT&T /Z10 STL100-3 /10.3.3.2205
Wow, nice piece
Posted via CB10
Great device... Hoping arrives soon to Amazon in Europe
It looks so tasty, so juicy, so classy!
---={////]--[ Dispensed on my BlackBerry Passport
Crackberry Kevin, I see two Blackberry Keyone devices there with you. How many have you got? Are they for the ongoing contest?
I mean, there are three of them there.
Need them for when I host CrackBerry Meetups!
#longLiveBlackBerry
Posted via CB10
Yay! Going to KEYone on Vodafone as soon as
Great video Kevin! There is nothing like a good out of box experience. I can't wait!
How does the KEYone keyboard compare to the Priv keyboard, size wise. Hoping the keys are more spacious, Priv keyboard is too crammed imo.
Sound works fine on my Z10 :)
Posted via CB10
And in true crackberry fashion, the sound don't work when played fro the app, using a REAL BlackBerry!
Posted via CB10
Ha..."so hot"... if it has overheating this will make BlackBerry a laughingstock (again?)...
Great vid, now let's get that review online asap please!
Posted via CB10
Hey kevin when keyone will lunch in dubai
Posted via CB10
Dubai please!
Posted via CB10
Yessssss!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted via CB10
How to spot a "sponsored review"... the "reviewer" tells you that in his future, unrecorded review he is going to tell you to go buy it.
I understand you have a pre-production unit for months and you obviously "love" every aspect of it. I mentioned it before.. this is super odd for a pre-production unit, there has to be something incomplete either on the software or the hardware side and you have mentioned NONE of that.
The most simplest thing is in the pre-production units the keyboard lighting was off, the first thing you could have pointed out was that to give it an air of somewhat professional overview of the unit before your real, in-depth review.
I hope I am not alone in hoping some other reviewers get these units so we can get a fresh overview of the device with all of its flaws and awesomeness.
Looks like you just joined CrackBerry in March 2017. You have a decade of CrackBerry reviews to go back and watch. I'm always going to tell you to guy buy the new BlackBerry! :)
Full review I'll definitely dive into the finer details. This was just an unboxing.
Looking forward to it Kevin, I've been a long time lurker, especially on the forums and I have no qualms about your excellent reviewing skills. It's just that this is the first review since the Blackberry Mobile/TCL sponsorship. I'm sure you can understand the hesitation of some of the users here.
In any case, looking forward to it. Thanks.
unboxing is not a review - its just gadget sizzle before the steak. CBK will have a full review soon and as history has shown it will be beyond detailed. I'm in no rush since I wont see it until 5/31 anyway!
What a phone!!!
Posted via CB10
Yay! Finally!
Love the peeling of the plastic Kevin! Can't wait for more news about this phone but get yourself well, your eyes look like ****...LoL
Posted via CB10
Want one!... gonna get one... I miss the keyboard, had Bold 9900, Z10, then Leap, now a Detek 50... touch screen keyboard nice, but physical keys much better accuracy and less auto-corrects. To all of those who won't let go of BlackBerry 10, let it go....let it go.... You will see that BlackBerry 's tweaks to Android have made the experience awesome. It does take some getting used to and yes there might be a couple small things you may miss but you will eventually forget about them. Move on.
bendiep1991
Never knew about that Tap feature to set up the new android phone! Can you/someone go into more detail on that? Will be upgrading from the PRIV.
This (above) please and thank you!
Older Androids had a feature to setup a nearby device via NFC (hence the "tap" part). However, Android has since update and baked in a feature baked into called "setup nearby devices," which no longer requires NFC
I am sooooo jealous!!! I want.. No, scratch that... I NEED my KEYone... It is so gorgeous...
Never knew about that Tap feature to set up the new android phone! Can you/someone go into more detail on that? Will be upgrading from the PRIV.
Older Androids had a feature to setup a nearby device via NFC (hence the "tap" part). However, Android has since update and baked in a feature baked into called "setup nearby devices," which no longer requires NFC.
Rocks....., CBK.
@@
Looking forward to being able to play with one. It'll be my first smartphone with a physical keyboard, as well as my first Android.
Can we get a demo of the 7.1.1 blackdroid software? Please and thank you in advance
You owe me a nickel.
Posted via CB10 / AT&T /Z10 STL100-3 /10.3.3.2205
Yes yes yes!!!!!!!! New BlackBerry!
Posted using a VeryBold BlackBerry Q10
Thanks Kevin! Eagerly await your full review even though I am certain I'll have the phone, can't get me enough KEYone hype and info.
Posted with my Classic
Thanks CBK!
Ooooooooooh. So shiny! Especially those keys. :)
@CrackBerryKevin does it have Lithuanian UI?
+ stereo speakers?
Nothing beats the Classic... the perfect size without compromising the screen.
Posted via Classic
Love my classic but pretty sure this beats it in every measurable way lol. Battery, camera, processor, ongoing/future support/updates, no app gap, etc etc.
Posted with my Classic
I know what you mean, but I remember the frustration from the 9900 to the Q10 (because of the trackpad) and the touch keyboard is not a solution, from a productivity perspective. I learn it from my Passport. They need to build the "KeyTwo" with the trackpad (and the another 4 keys)
Maybe a special version "KeyOne Classic"
Posted via Classic
And the worst part of this video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The clean up of the fun black stuff lol this phone is mine when it comes out
awesome phone sign me up for the next giveaway LOL
Sir kevin when it will b available in india
Posted via CB10
Wow keyone unboxing totally nailed the existence of phones with this design
Posted via CB10
Too narrow. How can you get used to that screen after the Passport?
Also, I need a 3 row keyboard.
Posted via BlackBerry Passport
Your opinions will likely be in the minority, but hey if this phone isn't for you then it isn't for you.
Posted with my Classic
Can't wait to have an u boxing of my own :)
Sweet! looking forward to the review in what 2, maybe 3 weeks?
This looks great! I love it. Would be a perfect match with my priv. Love those physical keyboards. Looking forward to the release in se asia.
(1) really appreciated your "sick review".
(2) wash your hands before handle the Merc. you got a smudge near the top of the display near the end. - need screen protector. (if you wash your hands more often, you might not get sick... just kidding).
(3) thx, thx, thx. finally, we got something for real. hopefully, mass production is on going. can you tell us what is the country of origin sticker said? ("designed in Canada, MFG in china?").
(4) blow the other TCL phone out of water. that look like true BB (don't like the black fluffy stuff, white pop corn might be better, but it could be ESD issue, ok pink or black pop corn).
beautiful!
The smile that this video brought to me face :D Ah, so exciting. Hopefully one day i can have the same unboxing experience as Kevin had!! Looking forward to your review kevin!
Now it is time to collect info on how to move data (videos, pictures, SMS, Remember) and accounts for E-Mail, Whatsapp, linked in, facebook and all the others to Android....is there any device switch app for moving on to Android coming from BB10.3.3 including WA?
I'm sure those will be coming soon...normally when a new device comes out, there's a flurry off "how-to-do" articles that soon follow
Posted via CB10
is it true that the keyone was available in london selfridges on oxford street today?
Kev you're awesome brother. thanks for the video!!
Looking forward to May 31st!
Can we see the full review on the floor please? Heh :)... lying down wud b best
Posted via BB.PPSE@CB10.ca
I want that Tumi case.
Nice! Can't wait to get for wife so she can take advantage of Android and still have best of BlackBerry!
Yes that Tumi case looked nice.
Posted via CB10
I need one ASAP!!! Please let us know if it's a QC3.0 charger.
It is 3.0
Hope to hear about North America offering. Soon.
BlackBerry soon or real world soon? ;-)
I want one!
OMG, that's awesome, just can't wait to get my own....
Hi. Can you tell how the speakers compare to passport
Yeah! Maybe the passport is still the best lol
Posted via CB10
I hope not like. I want this to be good
Yeah man, the PPSE and those drilled holes at the bottom are THE BEST speakers I've had the pleasure of blasting music out of ^_^
Still enjoying the OG Passport. Yeah, I wish I had an SE. :-)
(wife, mortgage, you know...)
• Long live the SPARK! * ... the evil N shall not priv-ail...!!! •
Anyone knows the unlocked price in Canada? Is CB gonna sell it?
Waiting game sucks. I can't get it before my vacation trip on May 20th. I stuck with passport for the three weeks trip...
Posted via CB10
CrackBerry is not in the business of selling phones
Posted with my Classic
http://ca.crackberry.com/blackberry-smartphones.htm
Posted via CB10
Probably around $799 CAD
BlackBerry Since 2006. SE/Priv/DTEK50
How is being "stuck" with a Passport a bad thing??? If you've been rocking a Passport till now, I imagine it works well enough for you. The KEYOne isn't going to be faster for anything you do, you won't suddenly have fabulous camera pix, you're not going to get 2 week battery life, the Web isn't going to work any better.
The KEYOne isn't going to cure your cancer, make you lose 10 kg, suddenly turn you attractive, help you achieve enlightenment or any of those things.
...or maybe I'm wrong...
Can't wait
Posted via CB10
Now a full review please!
Posted via CB10
Is that a 3.0 charger?
Posted via CB10
The charger is USB-C 3.1.
The moment we have all been waiting for! Yeeeehawww
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
Nice, i already order one but i was out of stock. So waiting
Posted via CB10
And if you watched the video carefully enough, Kevin has 3 KeyOne
They stocked about 700pcs?
That was a low gamble. Shoulda bought more... :-D
• Long live the SPARK! * ... the evil N shall not priv-ail...!!! •
I'm confused on the photo. What is the KEYone laying in?
Maybe watch the video and your question will be answered :)
Haha, whoops, question answered!
Kevin, any reason why the BlackBerry Mobile website does not have video walk through for the Android experience on KEYone? Not only the android experience, but demos, Q&A etc?
Just curious. That win a KeyONE contest you got going on. Do people win the version that's out today or the one that's released on May 31st?
He pulled all the tape out of the cassette.
What's a cassette LoL
Posted via CB10
Too young...? ;-)
• Long live the SPARK! * ... the evil N shall not priv-ail...!!! •
What is young?
Posted via CB10