BlackBerry Mobile (TCL) recently unveiled the much anticipated BlackBerry KEY2, successor to last year’s KeyOne. As expected, the KEY2 is more powerful than its predecessor and brings solid improvements such as the dual rear cameras and better software.
The BlackBerry KEY2 is the first ever device from the brand with dual rear cameras. This setup, similar to that of the HTC U12+, include 12MP (f/1.8, 1.14µm) and secondary 12MP (f/2.6, 1.0µm) sensors. The second supports 2x optical zoom and both combine for bokeh/portrait mode shots.
It retains the same 4.5-inch (1080 x 1620 pixels) IPS display with 3:2 aspect ratio, sitting above the 4-row physical QWERTY back-lit keyboard. The front houses the 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12μm) FF camera and Gorilla Glass 3 panel protecting the display.
The keyboard keys are now properly spaced, 20-percent larger and the new ‘Speed Key’ addition allows the user launch apps from anywhere using the assigned shortcut key. Also, the Fingerprint sensor remains embedded into the Space Bar button.
On the inside, the BlackBerry KEY2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core SoC paired with 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB built-in storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD). It charges via a USB-C port and power is supplied by a 3,500mAh battery with support for fast charging (QC 3.0). There is a new intelligent battery saving feature and private locker function to lock apps, photos video and more with password or Fingerprint.
The KEY2 boots Android Oreo OS (with promised upgrade to Android P) and key Blackberry products such as BlackBerry Hub, DTEK and BBM along with those from Google.
The BlackBerry KEY2 is priced at $649 USD / €649 EUR / £579 GBP / $829 CAD for the 64GB model. No word on pricing for the 128GB model. It will go on sale before the end of June in Canada, Germany, France, China and the U.S. It will be available globally in July.
.
