Will Oz Carriers Miss Out By Not Offering BlackBerry’s “Highly Secure” KEYone?

BlackBerry’s security-conscious ‘KEYone’ smartphone [Black Edition] has officially launched in Australia – question is, whether Aussie carriers are missing out by not offering the “highly secure” device, in an environment plagued with cybersecurity threats?

Considered a smartphone ‘brand of old’ by many consumers, BlackBerry affirmed its security-conscious smartphones were once the device of choice for “criminals”, politicians (e.g. Barack Obama) and celebrities.

BlackBerry states the KEYone offers the “world’s most secure Android smartphone experience”.

It includes a built-in ‘DTEK’ privacy monitoring app, in addition to a suite of “enhanced security features”.

Following its launch party in Sydney last night, BlackBerry has made its new KEYone device available at JB Hi-Fi stores around Australia.

The 64GB ‘Black Edition’ handset is set to retail for A$899 and is available to purchase both in-store and online.

The smartphone features a built-in “Smart Keyboard” which includes functionality for 52 programmable shortcuts, pertaining to each alphabetical letter.

BlackBerry states it also includes the “world’s first keyboard-embedded fingerprint sensor” – located in the spacebar – which provides users with added device security and convenience.

The device runs on Android™ 7.1 Nougat and features a 12MP rear camera and 8MP front camera.

The company claims its new KEYone features the longest battery life ever provided by a BlackBerry smartphone.

The 3505mAh battery runs Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 3.0 technology, claimed to provide up to a 50% charge in about 36 minutes.

The smartphone utilises a Snapdragon 625 processor.

Aesthetically, the KEYone features a sleek aluminium frame and textured back, encompassing a 4.5-inch touch display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4.

Once heralded for its security-rich features, time will tell whether Australian consumers will fall in love with the BlackBerry brand once again and whether Australian carriers are missing out by not stocking the “security first” device.