The BlackBerry KEY2 is a solid update to the previous generation BlackBerry KEY1. Last year BlackBerry had a complete smartphone reboot when it introduced the the KEY1, which was an Android phone with a physical keyboard to capture that BlackBerry feeling that some people might still miss. We quite enjoyed our time with KEY1 as it had solid camera, clean Android software, great design and not to mention a great physical Keyboard. The BlackBerry KEY2 upgrades almost all of these features and it is a refinement over the previous generation. The price is higher at $649 USD or $829 CAD, which is almost $100 more than last years model. Let’s find out if the additional cost is worth the upgrade?
The Design
In terms of Design, the BlackBerry KEY2 has been more squared off, while still being more comfortable and keeping the metal frame. The KEY2 is quite light compared to the KEY1 and it still has the same 4.5″ LCD display screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The back of the phone looks different with grippy layer coating and blackberry logo. The dual cameras are situated on the back. The right side of the device holds the volume rocker, power button, and action key. The KEY2 comes in a silver option as well, which absolutely looks stunning. There is also a black variant if you prefer a stealth black look instead. At the top, the phone still has the headphone jack, which is just great. The phone also has USB 3.0 (Type-C 1.0) but doesn’t come with wireless charging or waterproofing, which is a disappointment for a smartphone in 2018.
The Keyboard
The keyboard has been redesigned from glossy to matte plastic with a larger key travel, which feels just as good as the KEY1. The four row physical QWERTY keyboard now has 20 per cent larger keys. The physical keyboard has great travel to the keys and the typing experience is top notch. The space-bar on the keyboard also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. The keyboard still functions the same as the KEY1, where it allows the user to open any of the applications as a shortcut from the homescreen. However, the keyboard also has a brand new key that was in the teaser video, which is actually called the “Speed Key”. The speed key changes the functionality of shortcut keys. Once the speed key is pressed along side the key that has a shortcut mapped, it will allow you to open an application without leaving the current application. This speed key feature is very convenient and quick, it works great! The keyboard still has the cool capacitive track pad feature, which allows you to scroll like a touchpad with your finger.
The Performance
Inside the BlackBerry KEY2, there is a mid-range Snapdragon 660 Octa-Core processor, Adreno 512 GPU with 6 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of internal storage. There is also support for microSD card for expandable storage up to 256 GB. There is a 3500 mAh non-removable battery as well as quick charge 3.0, which is able to charge the battery up to 50% in 36 min. With the smaller screen, you can expect to get a very solid battery life with close to 2 days of usage.
The Software
The software runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo) with BlackBerry applications and user interface, which offers a very clean design and experience. BlackBerry suite of apps also offer a great set of security features including DTek, which allows you to update security permissions and privacy settings. The phone will also send you notifications if a random app tries to access your camera/microphone or any other service. There is also a brand new upgraded BlackBerry Locker where you can store apps, files, browse web security, take pictures using the fingerprint scanner. The phone also tracks your battery and charging habbits to optimize your usage time throughout the day. You are able to turn these features off if you desire but the security featureas are quite useful. The phone felt very quick during the time I spent with it but only time will tell how the processor keeps up with the future demands of the software.
The Camera
The BlackBerry KEY2 features a dual 12MP camera setup on the rear with main camera having f/1.8 aperture and second camera with f/2.6 aperture. The dual camera system works great as the second camera doubles as a telephoto lens, which allows you to zoom (2x) in from far away without losing any quality.
Pricing and Release
The BlackBerry KEY2 will be available for preorder in June 2018 with availability later in the month. The KEY2 64 GB variant is expected to be on sale around the end of June. If you want the higher storage option, the 128 GB dual-SIM model will be available some time in July.
The BlackBerry KEY2 smartphone will be available in multiple countries at launch (including US, Canada, UK). You’ll be able to buy it SIM-free for $649 USD or $829 CAD.
The conclusion
The BlackBerry KEY2 is very solid as it takes the aspects of KEY1 and makes them even better. The $650 BlackBerry KEY2 smartphone has a small 4.5″ screen but the new dual cameras on the back offer better photos in a thinner and smaller package. We are impressed with the BlackBerry KEY2 but the competition is very tough as there are many options available at the same or cheaper price point like the newly released Oneplus 6, If you need the physical keyboard with BlackBerry experience and privacy options, then the BlackBerry KEY2 is the phone for you as it still remains the king of physical keyboard.
Technical Specifications
| Features | BlackBerry Key2 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 4.5" IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1620 px (434 ppi) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 660 |
| CPU | Octa-core 4x2.2 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 512 |
| Memory | 64/128 GB, 6 GB RAM |
| Storage Option | microSD, up to 256 GB |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP (f/1.8) 12 MP (f/2.6) PDAF |
| Video Recording | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Front Camera | 8 MP (f/2.0), 1080p |
| Dimentions | 151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 168 g |
| Security | Fingerprint (front) |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Waterproof | No |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| NFC | Yes |
| Infrared port | No |
| Radio | FM Radio |
| USB | 3.0, Type-C 1.0 |
| Cost | $649 (USD) |
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav