While similar in appearance to the KeyOne, the Key2 has a thinner design, improved keyboard with larger more ergonomic matte keys, better cameras and Android Oreo 8.1 out the box. Here’s all the info you need on the Key2. You can find our hands-on review here.
When is the BlackBerry Key2 release date?
The Key2 will go on sale soon (date TBC) and will ship at the end of June 2018.
How much is the BlackBerry Key2?
In the UK, the Key2 starts at £579. Over in the US it’s $649 while in Europe it is €649
Where to buy the BlackBerry Key2
The Key2 will be available to buy soon from BlackBerry Mobile.
You can read our hands-on review of the BlackBerry Key2 here.
What features and specs does the BlackBerry Key2 have?
The BlackBerry Key2 comes with a Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB RAM, 64 or 128GB storage depending on your region, and microSD expansion. The 128GB version is also dual SIM. It’s available in silver or black from launch, and the former looks a lot like the BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition. BlackBerry uses strong series 7 aluminium for the frame that attractively runs around the device and between the keys as frets. The display is a 1080p 3:2 4.5in LCD, with the physical keyboard underneath acting also as a trackpad thanks to touch sensitivity. The keys themselves are 20% larger than on the KeyOne and are now matte. BlackBerry says it modelled the clicky feel from the now legendary 2011 BlackBerry Bold 9900, the phone widely accepted as the pinnacle of BlackBerry form and function. There are dual cameras for the first time on a BlackBerry, with two 12Mp sensors capable of bokeh and 2x zoom. Google Lens is built into the Gallery, and there’s improved image stabilisation. An efficiently set up 3500mAh battery is a headline feature here; BlackBerry claims every user will comfortably make it into a second day of use, and perhaps beyond. Android Oreo 8.1 on board helps to manage background app processes.
There’s a new key on the keyboard too – the speed key. You can assign keyboard shortcuts (eg. Short press T for Twitter), and they used to only work from the home screen. Now, hold the speed key like a shift key, and tapping a letter will app switch anywhere in the OS. Niche, but impossible on a touchscreen phone and a genuinely innovative new feature. Also included is Quick Charge 3.0 charging via USB-C, a headphone jack, dual down facing speakers and a new soft texture to the back of the phone. It’s thinner and lighter too, at 8.5mm thick and 168g. Software perks include the now familiar DTEK security app and the Locker, a private app where you can fully hide entire apps and files. Naughty. While clearly a business-minded phone, the addition of dual cameras and a better keyboard make the Key2 an interesting proposition if you want a smartphone that does things very differently from all the black glass slabs out there. The full specs of the Key2:
Android 8.1 Oreo;4.5in 3:2 1620 x 1080 IPS LCD (Gorilla Glass 3);2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 660;6GB RAM;64 or 128GB storage, microSD up to 256GB;Dual 12Mp rear cameras, main f/1.8, second f/2.6;4K video at 30fps;8Mp front camera;Bluetooth 5.0;4G;Nano SIM;GPS;NFC;3500mAh battery;Quick Charge 3.0;151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5mm;168g
Read next: Best new phones coming in 2018 and beyond Henry is Tech Advisor’s Phones Editor, ensuring he and the team covers and reviews every smartphone worth knowing about for readers and viewers all over the world. He spends a lot of time moving between different handsets and shouting at WhatsApp to support multiple devices at once.
