BlackBerry's new Motion smartphone launches with no keyboard and a 4000mAh battery

[midian182]

Microsoft might have all but confirmed the death of Windows 10 Mobile, but BlackBerry, a company with an even smaller share of the smartphone market, keeps on releasing new devices. At GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, the security-focused firm launched its latest handset, the BlackBerry Motion.

It was only a few days ago when reliable leaker Even Blass tweeted out images of the BlackBerry Motion, which resembles this year’s BB KEYone, only without an important feature. We now have confirmation that the phone — previously codenamed “Krypton” — doesn’t have the company’s iconic physical keyboard.

The global launch of the all new @BlackBerry MOTION at #GITEX2017 pic.twitter.com/lZhuPeq5sU

— GITEXTechnologyWeek (@GITEXTechWeek) October 8, 2017

Like other BlackBerry handsets, Chinese firm TCL manufactures the Motion. It comes with some decidedly mid-range specs: a Snapdragon 625, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (expandable), a 12MP f/2.0 PDAF camera on the rear, an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 screen. A customized version of Android 7.1 will be pre-installed, but BlackBerry says it will update this to 8.0 Oreo in 2018, though it didn’t give any specific times.

One part of the Motion that stands out is its 4000mAh battery, which, given that the hardware isn’t exactly demanding, should mean the phone lasts a comparatively long time between charges. You can even juice it to 50 percent capacity in just 40 minutes with Quick Charge 3.0. It’s also got an IP67 rating for water-resistance, and, being BlackBerry, comes with plenty of security apps.

The Motion is getting a limited release and will only launch in Middle Eastern markets first, priced at the equivalent of around $460. BlackBerry said it would expand to other areas, but didn’t specify which ones.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/71308-blackberry-new-motion-smartphone-launches-no-keyboard-4000mah.html

 

[Theinsanegamer]

If it has an unlocked boot-loader, count me as interested. Wonder how long the battery will last?

Disappointed at the loss of the keyboard though. that was an actual unique feature. Now this will be just another mid-range handset.

 

[oldikes]

Man why does no one want to make decent ~4.5"-5" devices
I mean sony makes like 2 but thats it...ill probs just stick with an iphone SE next upgrade.

 

[hahahanoobs]

That chin alone is a deal breaker.

 

[Uncle Al]

Glad to see Blackberry is trying to catch up .... hopefully in another generation they will put together a more competitive unit ....

 

[Reehahs]

That chin alone is a deal breaker.

Shame this doesn't come in red, else we could have called it the 'Crimson Chin'.

 

[m4a4]

Microsoft might have all but confirmed the death of Windows 10 Mobile, but BlackBerry, a company with an even smaller share of the smartphone market, keeps on releasing new devices.

...I don't get what your point here is Rob. Last I checked Windows 10 Mobile was MS software and hardware, while BlackBerry is contracting another company to sell BB branded hardware with Android software. Not comparable and unnecessary.

 

[amghwk]

The Snapdragon 625 + 1920x1080 res + 4000mAh battery is a good combo for longevity. It's proven in other similar combination of hardware, like Xiaomi Note 4. (Though Xiaomi Note 4 has slightly larger 4100mAh battery.)

What we need now are phones like this which can last longer with a single charge.

 

[misor]

How do you break software hiccups in phones like that? ...just wait for battery to drain?

 

[dogofwars]

If they did not give away the 3DES key to the government I would recommend the phone but you can get better with the same price and since you buy blackberry for privacy well it is no good anymore.

 

[Lionvibez]

If it has an unlocked boot-loader, count me as interested. Wonder how long the battery will last?

Disappointed at the loss of the keyboard though. that was an actual unique feature. Now this will be just another mid-range handset.

I guarantee you this will not have an unlocked boot loader.

 

[fidgetwidget]

The batteries in all BB products have proven to be noteworthy of longevity. An unlocked boot loader would be rather unlikely. These are robust products.