In the middle of this year, there was a new BlackBerry release: the BlackBerry Key2. Well, it seems that IFA 2018 has certainly thrown a few surprises in our way, as TCL Communication, the company known as a BlackBerry-branded licensing partner, has revealed its latest BlackBerry device: the BlackBerry Key2 LE. This is the latest addition to the BlackBerry Key range of smartphones that will arrive in Slate, Champagne and Atomic colors, all the while maintaining the BlackBerry Key2 design evolution that comprises of minimized screen bezels as well as a redesigned chassis in order to deliver a more modern look and feel. Apart from that, it will also be accompanied by the recently introduced Speed Key in order to deliver a more customized universal shortcut experience, all the while running on the hugely popular Android platform.
The BlackBerry Key2 LE will be a globally available handset that will surely expand its range and appeal, with starting prices of $399 USD, €399, £349, $519 CAD for the 32GB storage variant and $449 USD, €429, £399, and $579CAD for the 64GB storage variant, depending on which region you’re at.
While the BlackBerry Key2 LE runs on Android, this does not mean that it has ditched its traditional strength: which would be security. Boasting of a lightweight polycarbonate frame as well as a newly designed soft textured back, other hardware specifications include a Full HD, 2.5D display, a redesigned keyboard with keys that is close to 10 percent larger compared to the BlackBerry KEYone, and the Speed Key that is is complemented by 52 customizable shortcuts in order to provide unprecedented flexibility in programming each key to instantly bring up the contacts and apps you most frequently use.
At the back lies a dual rear camera (13MP+5MP), offering the much vaunted Portrait mode that many higher end smartphones feature these days. The front-facing camera is an 8MP shooter complete with a LCD flash. This seems to be the perfect BlackBerry smartphone for beginners at a highly attractive price point.
