The new BlackBerry Key2 smartphone is seen at a product launch event for the device in Manhattan in New York, U.S., June 7, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Segar
BlackBerry has launched the Key2, the successor to last year’s BlackBerry KeyOne.
The Key2 has a much-improved keyboard, twin rear cameras – a first for a BlackBerry device – and a Speed Key button for quickly accessing apps, contacts and functions you frequently use.
The smartphone runs on a more powerful Snapdragon 660 processor and has 6GB RAM and 64GB internal storage and you can add up to 256GB more via the microSD card expansion slot.
“Although there are many different smartphones for consumers to choose from today, most tend to offer very similar experiences without much distinction from one to the next,” said Alain Lejeune, senior vice president of TCL Communication and president of BlackBerry Mobile.
The Key2 has a 4.5in touchscreen with a resolution of 1,620 x 1,080 pixels and the keyboard – BlackBerry’s main attraction for many – has been improved with keys that are 20% taller and better spacing.
It comes preloaded with Dtek which shows the overall security rating of the device, and provides a simple way to view how apps are accessing your data.
The smartphone also includes the Proactive Health, which allows you to scan your device for potential vulnerabilities and it also offers security optimisations.
The dual 12-megapixel cameras are claimed to have been improved in several areas, including white balance, faster autofocus and improved image stabilisation.
It is also claimed to have a Smart Battery Experience feature that will learn from your daily charging habits and recommend when to charge up so you have enough battery life to make it through that next meeting, flight or event.
The Key2, priced at RM2,599, goes on sale on July 12 and will be available from Shopee and authorised Brightstar retailers.
If you get the phone on July 12 (9am onwards) from Shopee, you will be entitled to a RM100 discount and a free Bluetooth headset worth RM109.
