BlackBerry

BlackBerry Key2: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus
Adreno 512
6 GB / 64 GB
4.5 inch (1080 x 1620 px)
12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus

BlackBerry announced the launch of the Key2 smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus SoC, and 6 GB of RAM. The Key2 series was launched with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 4.5 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (1080 x 1620 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BlackBerry Key2 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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BlackBerry Key2 specifications

BrandBlackBerry
NameKey2
ModelKEYTWO
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.93 oz
Dimensions5.96 x 2.83 x 0.33 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of BlackBerry Key2 is about 5.93 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

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System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8976 Plus
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.2 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.84 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 512

The BlackBerry Key2 comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1620 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 4.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The BlackBerry Key2 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Key2 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Key2 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Key2 comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3360 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3360 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Key2 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The Key2 phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BlackBerry phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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