BlackBerry has officially announced the follow up to last year’s BlackBerry KeyOne smartphone -- meet the BlackBerry Key2, which sports the iconic BlackBerry physical keyboard and features Google’s Android 8.1 Oreo mobile operating system and the most advanced security and privacy improvements as delivered by BlackBerry Limited (the BlackBerry brand that specializes in developing enterprise software and building solutions for the Internet of Things).
According to the press release, the BlackBerry Key2 smartphone will start shipping across the globe some time this month, and will be made available at a starting retail price of $649.
TCL Communication (the Chinese phone maker that signed a deal to develop and launch smartphone devices carrying the BlackBerry brand) is quick to point out that the BlackBerry Key2 is the first ever BlackBerry phone to be equipped with a dual camera configuration on the rear side. The BlackBerry Key2 also debuts new capture modes such as Portrait Mode and Optical Superzoom. The device also offers Google Lens, the augmented reality powered software platform that can recognize and decipher words, and even detect real life objects, either from scanning them or by viewing them through the smartphone’s camera.
In terms of looks, the BlackBerry Key2 tries to marry a classic BlackBerry aesthetic with an overhauled intelligent keyboard. Even the back casing has been upgraded with a new diamond pattern that not only contributes elegance and style but also improves grip. Going back to the intelligent keyboard, it has been given a Speed Key, which provides shortcut access to several functionalities. Users are free to personalize 52 shortcuts to instantly launch mobile apps, see a phone contact, or access other tasks.
In terms of performance, the BlackBerry Key2 promises up to two days of battery life, 6 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), and at least 64 gigabytes of built in storage. The Snapdragon 660 chip is paired nicely with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge capabilities and BlackBerry’s own Smart Battery Experience, which fully leverages machine learning to help the user make the most of his unit’s battery power.
Of course, things would not be complete without the improved privacy and security features that the brand has been known for. For instance, the BlackBerry Key2 comes preinstalled with the DTEK mobile app, whose Proactive Health check feature allows users to scan their handset and then get instant information regarding possible vulnerabilities and security optimizations.
Want to compare the BlackBerry Key2 to other devices? Feel free to explore more BlackBerry phones and plans at Wirefly today.
