The BlackBerry KEY2, announced in June 2018, continues the legacy of BlackBerry’s signature QWERTY keyboard while incorporating modern smartphone features. With its 4.5-inch display, dual-camera setup, and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, the KEY2 is designed for productivity-focused users. Built for durability with an aluminum frame, the KEY2 is also equipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, delivering a blend of BlackBerry’s renowned security features with the flexibility of the Android ecosystem. Supporting a wide range of LTE bands, the BlackBerry KEY2 is an excellent option for global professionals looking for a phone that offers both style and substance.
BlackBerry KEY2 Specifications
Here is a detailed responsive table outlining the key specifications of the BlackBerry KEY2:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (SIM 1 & SIM 2 for BBF100-6 model) |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G Bands | BBF100-1 (EU, Africa, AU): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 BBF100-2 (Canada, US, LATAM): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 BBF100-6 (ME, APAC, India): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 BBF100-4 (China): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps |
| Dimensions | 151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 168 g |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 front, plastic back, aluminum frame (7000 series) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by for BBF100-6) |
| Keyboard | Capacitive touch 4-row BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 1080 x 1620 pixels (~434 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 |
| Internal Memory | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | Dual: 12 MP f/1.8 + 12 MP f/2.6 (2x optical zoom) |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, 18W wired fast charging (Quick Charge 3.0) |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red |
| Price | About 500 EUR |
BlackBerry KEY2 Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry KEY2 combines BlackBerry’s iconic QWERTY keyboard with a modern touch, wrapped in a 7000-series aluminum frame and protected by Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. Weighing 168 grams and measuring 151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm, the phone feels durable yet lightweight. The textured plastic back ensures a firm grip, adding to the premium feel. The keyboard includes capacitive touch functionality, allowing users to swipe across the keys to scroll through web pages or emails, adding a touch of modern functionality to a classic design.
Display Quality
The 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1620 pixels delivers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, thanks to a high pixel density of ~434 ppi. While smaller than most modern smartphones, the screen is optimized for productivity, perfect for reading emails, editing documents, and browsing the web. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures durability against everyday scratches and drops, while the 3:2 aspect ratio is designed to maximize content on the screen without compromising usability.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, the BlackBerry KEY2 delivers smooth performance for multitasking, browsing, and productivity apps. The octa-core CPU (split between 4×2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) and the Adreno 512 GPU handle most tasks with ease. While not intended for heavy gaming, the KEY2 excels in handling business apps and productivity tools. Running Android 8.1 Oreo, the phone provides access to Google’s ecosystem while incorporating BlackBerry’s renowned DTEK security suite, ensuring that privacy and security are top-notch.
Camera Quality
The dual-camera setup on the KEY2 includes a 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for detailed shots and a 12 MP secondary telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom for close-up shots. The camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and features HDR and panorama modes for better photo quality. The 8 MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, offering decent image quality with support for 1080p video at 30fps.
Battery Life
The 3500 mAh battery on the BlackBerry KEY2 provides excellent endurance, allowing for up to 86 hours of use on a single charge. The phone supports Quick Charge 3.0, which enables the device to charge up to 50% in just 36 minutes, making it convenient for users who need to top up their battery quickly. The combination of a power-efficient chipset and large battery makes the KEY2 a reliable device for heavy daily use.
Keyboard and Productivity
The QWERTY keyboard remains the standout feature of the KEY2. The keys are slightly larger than its predecessor, improving the typing experience, and the capacitive touch functionality adds an extra layer of usability, allowing for swipe gestures. The keyboard also integrates a fingerprint sensor for secure and quick unlocking. For professionals who prefer physical keyboards over touchscreens, the KEY2 delivers a tactile and satisfying experience.
Connectivity and Storage
The BlackBerry KEY2 supports a wide range of LTE bands, making it ideal for users who travel frequently. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for seamless connectivity. The USB Type-C 3.0 port supports OTG, allowing users to connect external devices like USB drives. The phone is available in 64GB and 128GB storage variants, both with 6GB of RAM. The storage is expandable via microSDXC (using the shared SIM slot on dual-SIM models).
Conclusion
The BlackBerry KEY2 stands out as one of the few modern smartphones with a physical keyboard, making it ideal for business professionals and productivity-focused users. Its durable design, long battery life, and enhanced security features make it a perfect choice for those who prioritize privacy and efficiency. While it may not be a device for heavy gamers or media consumers, it excels in its niche as a productivity powerhouse.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
