BlackBerry has launched the 'KeyOne' keyboard phone, the brand's big comeback device, the one you have been hearing about for the last few months. BlackBerry KeyOne is based on Android and running BlackBerry software on top.

Here's all you need to know about BlackBerry KeyOne release date, specs, features, price and more:

The new BlackBerry smartphone comes with some unique characteristics that you can't find on any other Android phone for 2017, like a physical keyboard that can launch up to 52 shortcuts.

The KeyOne impresses with its feature set so far. The smartphone is positioned on the high-end and will face tough competition from more established players, like Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S8, LG's G6 and Google's new Pixel phones.

That physical keyboard is a BlackBerry trademark. On the KeyOne, typing feels a little cramped even for smaller-size fingers. On the other hand, the short keyboard height is a trade-off that helps maximize the touchscreen's size. A taller keyboard might mean you don't get that 4.5-inch screen.

In addition to tapping out text, the KeyOne keyboard's capacitive sensors mean you can swipe left and right over the top of the buttons to, say, flip among home screens. You can also map a long or short press of any key to launch an app or shortcut -- up to 52 of them in total. The phone will even suggest apps to pair, like "I" for "Instagram" and "Y" for "Yelp".

The fingerprint reader is built right into the home button and works quite well.

Convenience key

We all like a good convenience key for launching any app we pair with it. On the KeyOne, the button on the phone's right edge can open Google Voice Search, the camera or any other app you use a lot.

On-screen tab

Taking a cue from Samsung's Edge phones, the KeyOne has a little tab you can pull over on any screen. This opens a module that shows you upcoming appointments and tasks, and lets you view some recent messages. There's also a Settings menu you can access to customize the tab's size, placement and transparency.

Shortcuts screen

Ever focused on productivity, the phone groups shortcut icons on one of its home screens to help you launch the one you want, like a new note or calendar appointment.

BlackBerry software

BlackBerry fans will be happy to see BlackBerry Hub, which is a universal message inbox and BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), as well as the Dtek app for peering into your phone's security protocols. The KeyOne will work with the BES server. In addition to everyday buyers, BlackBerry brand is also reaching out to businesses and government agencies to support the phone.

BlackBerry KeyOne Price and Release Date

The phone will go on sale in April for $549.

It'll work on all four major US carriers, but will initially sell from BlackBerryMobile.com and other online retailers. In Canada, it'll roll out through carriers first.

Hardware specs

4.5-inch; 1,620x1,080-pixel resolution

Android 7.1

12-megapixel rear camera

8-megapixel front-facing camera

2GHz octacore Qualcomm Snapdragon 625

32GB internal storage

3GB RAM

Up to 2TB expandable storage (microSD card)

3,505mAh battery (nonremovable)

USB-C