If the idea of owning a BlackBerry KEY2 has been on your mind but you found it a bit too pricey, TCL Communications has just unveiled the more affordable BlackBerry KEY2 LE.
While the KEY2 launched with an MSRP of $649USD/€649/£579/$829CAD, the KEY2 LE starts at just $399USD/€399/£349/$519CAD for a 32GB version with a 64GB version also available for around $50USD more. Available in Slate, Champagne, and Atomic (red)
“The BlackBerry KEY2 LE brings a fresh new personality to TCL Communication’s BlackBerry KEY2 portfolio that includes all the security features that make BlackBerry phones the world’s most secure Android™ smartphones,” said Alex Thurber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry. “With this new addition
to their product lineup, the KEY2 LE keeps the iconic BlackBerry styling while offering an accessible entry point for our fans to enjoy a modern BlackBerry smartphone.”
Of course, the reduced price point also means a reduction in some of the specifications of the device. Some of the notable changes are a slightly slower chipset (Qualcomm’s SDM636 versus the 660), 4GB RAM instead of 6GB, 32/64GB storage variants instead of 64/128GB, a rear dual 13MP + 5MP camera (instead of dual 12MP + 12MP), and a smaller 3,000mAh (instead of 3,500mAh) battery.
Here’s a look at the specifications of the KEY2 LE:
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM636, 1.8 GHz + 1.2GHz, Kryo 260 Octa-Core
- Display: 4.5-inch (1620 x 1080); 434 PPI, IPS LCD; 3:2 aspect ratio; Corning Gorilla Glass
- Memory: Internal Memory: 4GB RAM + 32GB or 64GB ROM, microSD (up to 256GB)
- Keyboard: Touch-enabled 35 key backlit, physical Keyboard (QWERTY) with
integrated fingerprint sensor - Rear Camera
- Dual rear camera (13MP + 5MP) with Dual Tone LED Flash
- HDR, 4K video recording at 30 fps
- 13MP – 79.3° FOV, Pixel 1.28um, F2.2, Phase Detect Auto Focus
- 5MP – 84° FOV, Pixel-1.2um, F2.4
- Front Camera: 8MP Fixed Focus, Selfie Flash via LCD display, 1080p video recording at 30 fps
- Sound: 3.5mm jack, integrated speaker and dual microphones with active noise cancellation
- Sensors: GPS/A-GPS, Fingerprint (spacebar), Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light
- Battery: 3000mAh with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support
- Operating System: Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- BlackBerry Apps: BBM, BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Keyboard, BlackBerry Launcher, Calendar, Contacts, Convenience Key, Device Search, DTEK, Notable, Notes, Password Keeper, Power Center, Privacy Shade, Productivity Tab, Tasks
- Android Apps: Android WebView, Battery Boost, Calculator, Camera, Chrome, Clock, Content Transfer, Downloads, Drive, Duo, Files, FM Radio, Firefox Focus, Gmail, Google, Google Docs, Google News, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google TTS, Locker, Maps, Messages, Phone, Photos, Play Movies, Play Music, Play Services & Core Services, Play Store, Preview, Settings, Sound Recorder, Support Center, Talkback, Translate, Wallpaper, Widevine DRM, YouTube
- Dimensions: 5.96in x 2.82in x .33in (151.4mm x 71.8mm x 8.5mm)
What do you think about the BlackBerry KEY2 LE? Are you tempted to get one given the specifications and price point? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
