BlackBerry KEY2

The KEY2 boasts a refined design compared to its predecessor․ Its aluminum frame and textured back provide a premium feel and enhanced grip․ The 4․5-inch IPS LCD display, with a resolution of 1620 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 3⁚2, is unconventional but well-suited for productivity tasks and keyboard usage․ The defining feature, of course, is the physical keyboard, which has been redesigned with larger keys and improved tactile feedback for a more comfortable and efficient typing experience;

Performance and Software

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and 6GB of RAM, the KEY2 offers a significant performance upgrade over the KEYone․ This combination ensures smooth multitasking and fluid navigation through applications․ The device runs on Android 8․1 Oreo with BlackBerry’s security enhancements and productivity-focused software suite, including the BlackBerry Hub, which aggregates notifications and communications into a single inbox․

Camera

The KEY2 features a dual rear camera setup, a first for a BlackBerry device․ This comprises two 12-megapixel sensors, one with an f/1․8 aperture and the other with an f/2․6 aperture, enabling 2x optical zoom․ While the camera performance is generally decent, it doesn’t quite match the quality offered by flagship smartphones of the same period․

Battery and Connectivity

Equipped with a 3500mAh battery, the KEY2 offers impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage․

The KEY2 supports 4G LTE but notably does not offer 5G compatibility․ It also lacks water resistance, a significant drawback considering its premium price point․

Strengths

• Physical Keyboard: The improved keyboard offers a tactile and efficient typing experience unmatched by on-screen keyboards․
• Productivity Software: BlackBerry’s software suite enhances productivity and streamlines communication․
• Long Battery Life: The KEY2 provides all-day battery life, even with demanding usage․
• Enhanced Security: BlackBerry’s focus on security provides an added layer of protection for sensitive data․

Weaknesses

• No 5G Support: The lack of 5G connectivity is a significant disadvantage in the current mobile landscape․
• Lack of Water Resistance: The absence of water resistance is a notable omission for a device in this price range․
• Camera Performance: While decent, the camera performance is not on par with other flagship devices․
• Unconventional Display Aspect Ratio: The 3⁚2 aspect ratio may not be ideal for media consumption․