BlackBerry KEY2

The BlackBerry KEY2: A Classic Reinvented

When it comes to smartphones, the market is flooded with options - from the latest flashy models to affordable budget options. But for those looking for something unique, classic, and reliable, the BlackBerry KEY2 may just be the perfect choice.

Announced in June 2018 and released the same month, the BlackBerry KEY2 continues the legacy of the iconic Canadian brand, catering to a niche market of individuals who prioritize security, productivity, and an unmatched typing experience. What sets this phone apart from its competitors is its distinct physical QWERTY keyboard, a feature that has become synonymous with BlackBerry.

On the platform front, the KEY2 operates on Android 8.1 (Oreo) and is powered by a Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) chipset, octa-core CPU (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver), and Adreno 512 GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking, making it a suitable device for both personal and professional use.

When it comes to memory, the KEY2 offers two variants - 64GB 6GB RAM and 128GB 6GB RAM, with the option to expand storage through a microSDXC card. This feature is especially important for those who need to store large amounts of data, such as documents, presentations, or media files.

The display of the KEY2 is a 4.5-inch IPS LCD, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 55.2%. While some may find this size small compared to the average smartphone, it has the perfect dimensions for easy one-handed use and fits comfortably in your pocket. The screen has a resolution of 1080 x 1620 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, translating into a pixel density of 434 ppi (pixels per inch). Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing some level of durability against scratches and accidental drops.

In terms of design, the KEY2 maintains the classic BlackBerry look with a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, and an aluminum frame (7000 series). The physical keyboard retains its famous four-row layout and is touch-sensitive, allowing users to swipe up and navigate through the interface, making it a modern twist to the traditional QWERTY keyboard.

The dual-camera setup on the KEY2 features 12MP lenses with an f/1.8 aperture and a secondary f/2.6 aperture. This allows users to capture stunning photographs with depth and clarity. The dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR mode, and panorama feature further enhance the camera's capabilities, while the 4K@30fps and 1080p@30fps video recording options allow users to capture memorable moments in high-resolution.

The front-facing camera of 8MP is perfect for selfies or video calls, and it also supports 1080p@30fps video recording. The internal battery of 3500 mAh is long-lasting and non-removable, providing enough power to last through a busy day. Additionally, the KEY2 supports fast charging (18W wired, QC3), boasting the ability to charge up to 50% in just 36 minutes.

On the network front, the KEY2 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, with speeds of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE-A (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps. This ensures a reliable connection for all your communication needs.

When it comes to sound, the KEY2 has a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in newer smartphones. This allows users to listen to their favorite music or watch videos without the need for additional adapters or wireless headphones.

The KEY2 also comes equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR, GPS, GLONASS, BDS2, NFC, FM radio, and a USB Type-C 3.0 port with USB On-The-Go support. These features provide users with various connectivity options and the ability to transfer data quickly and securely.

On the sensors front, the KEY2 has a front-mounted fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, adding an extra layer of security to the device. This feature is especially important for those who use their smartphones for work and need to protect confidential information.

The KEY2 comes in three colors - Black, Silver, and Red, catering to different preferences. It is available in several models, including BBF100-6, BBF100-1, BBF100-2, and BBF100-4, with slight variations in specifications. The phone also meets the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) EU guidelines with a rating of 0.72 W/kg (head) and 1.68 W/kg (body).

Priced at around 500 EUR, the BlackBerry KEY2 may seem like a premium device, but it offers a unique experience that is hard to find in other smartphones. It is ideal for individuals who value productivity, security, and a physical keyboard and are willing to invest in a device that delivers on all these fronts. In a world of ever-evolving technology, the BlackBerry KEY2 stands out as a classic reinvented, providing a refreshing change to the smartphone market.

Latest BlackBerry KEY2 Specs and Prices

LAUNCH

• Announced:  2018, June
• Status:  Available. Released 2018, June

PLATFORM

• Operating System:  Android 8.1 (Oreo)
• Chipset:  Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
• CPU:  Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
• GPU:  Adreno 512

MEMORY

• Card slot:  microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
• Internal:  64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM - eMMC 5.1

DISPLAY

• Type:  IPS LCD
• Size:  4.5 inches, 60.0 cm2 (~55.2% screen-to-body ratio)
• Resolution:  1080 x 1620 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~434 ppi density)
• Protection:  Corning Gorilla Glass 3

BODY

• Dimensions:  151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm (5.96 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)
• Weight:  168 g (5.93 oz)
• Keyboard:  QWERTY
• Build:  Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame (7000 series)
• SIM:  Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) - - BBF100-6 only - Capacitive touch 4-row BlackBerry keyboard

MAIN CAMERA

• Dual:  12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.3", 1.28µm, dual pixel PDAF 12 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF
• Features:  Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
• Video:  4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

SELFIE CAMERA

• Single:  8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm
• Video:  1080p@30fps

BATTERY

• Type:  Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable
• Charging:  18W wired, QC3, 50% in 36 min (advertised)

CELLPHONE NETWORK

• Technology:  GSM / HSPA / LTE
• 2G bands:  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (BBF100-6 model only)
• 3G bands:  HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
• 4G bands:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - - EU, Africa, AU (BBF100-1) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - - Canada, US, LATAM (BBF100-2) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - - ME, APAC, India (BBF100-6) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - - China (BBF100-4)
• Speed:  HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps

SOUND

• Loudspeaker :  Yes
• 3.5mm jack :  Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

• WLAN:  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth:  5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
• Positioning:  GPS, GLONASS, BDS2
• NFC:  Yes
• Radio:  FM radio
• USB:  USB Type-C 3.0, USB On-The-Go

FEATURES

• Sensors:  Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

MISCELLANEOUS

• Colors:  Black, Silver, Red
• Models:  BBF100-6, BBF100-1, BBF100-2, BBF100-4
• SAR EU:  0.72 W/kg (head) & & 1.68 W/kg (body) & &
• Price:  About 500 EUR

Disclaimer: Specifications shown may be different from the actual product. We cannot guarantee that the information provided on this page is 100% correct. This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice.