Smartphone review BlackBerry KEY2 LE

BlackBerry no longer makes smartphones, but has licensed the brand to the best manufacturers of popular modern phones with traditional physical keyboards. Users can only decide which company was the best to reproduce the gadget, estimate how much the required model costs and which one is better to buy. Fortunately, today there are a huge number of online stores where you can buy mobile phones at a bargain price.

The article will tell you about BlackBerry Key2 LE, how to choose a device, what to look for.

Smartphone BlackBerry Key2 LE

The 2018 model was created for users who do not want to part with their favorite device, but follow the rating of high-quality mobile devices. The average price of BlackBerry Key2 LE is 32,000 rubles. The cost of the device cannot be called inexpensive or budgetary, but high-quality productive software inside the model will undoubtedly become an important criterion for choosing a device. The phone runs on Android with settings that ensure the security of data and communication, which was famous for the operating system of the classic model of the device from BlackBerry. However, the device differs from a standard BlackBerry device in many ways. The gadget only provides an opportunity to replace the old phone for users who prefer not to change the brand.

Design

The appearance of the BlackBerry Key2 LE is classic, it has the standard proportions of a modern smartphone. However, the keyboard at the bottom of the 4.5-inch screen indicates a non-standard device. Also, the bezels at the top and bottom of the display are rather thick by modern standards. Three-dimensional Android navigation buttons are integrated between the screen and the keyboard, and their arrangement seems irrational.

The body of the phone is also non-standard, with rounded corners at the bottom and pointed at the top. Due to its slim body, the Key2 LE is comfortable to hold and type on the keyboard. The device also has good overall performance. The radius of the screen allows you to easily cover all corners with one thumb. However, when using the device in full screen mode, especially in games, thumb control is not very convenient. Therefore, the phone is hardly suitable for active games.

The texture of the back cover of the BlackBerry Key2 is designed for better grip, but doesn't add to aesthetics. In fact, the phone looks rather strange, like a toy. It is also worth noting the large BlackBerry logo, which glitters in the sun and attracts the attention of others.

On the back of the body there are 2 cameras with dual LED flash. The power and volume buttons are on the right. It's also home to the BlackBerry Convenience Key, which launches Google Assistant by default, but can be reconfigured for quick access to apps. Some programs are customized and run automatically, depending on the type of device being connected.

The device has a built-in hybrid slot for two SIM cards. The user will have to choose between a large internal storage and a second SIM card. The bottom of the case houses the USB-Type-C port and speaker grill. Despite the presence of 2 grilles, the sound is reproduced from only one, the second is placed for symmetry.A 3.5mm audio jack is integrated on top.

Keyboard

The main highlight of the device is the standard four-line keyboard, which has undergone a number of changes:

1. The creators have replaced the right Shift key with a key with a symbol of nine dots. It's called Speed ​​Key, and it lets you use your home screen shortcuts and any of 52 customizable speed keys. Each key can be assigned a long or short press. The result is fixed on the main screen in the form of shortcuts. Removing the right Shift key is a rather odd decision given the free space on either side of the bottom row of the keyboard.
2. The fingerprint reader is built into the space bar, which no longer functions as a home button.
3. The keyboard is no longer touch sensitive. This feature was handy in the previous BlackBerry model. With its help, users can easily scroll and highlight information without pressing physical keys.
4. The keys are slightly tilted and rounded on the sides. This allows the thumbs to rest naturally on them when typing. The problem with the earlier KeyOne model was that the keys at the ends of each line had sharp edges and were easy to catch. Key2 LE developers have corrected this flaw.
5. The system navigation touch buttons are located between the keyboard and the display. There is a high probability that the user will accidentally exit the application in which they are working. Also, when you press the Sym button, a full touch keyboard appears on the screen and this option cannot be disabled.

The phone is not too heavy, its weight is only 156 g, so when typing with two thumbs it's easy to keep balance. As for the convenience of entering text, the keyboard functionality is very good. Despite the fact that another company was working on the release of the device, the excellent quality of the keyboard is not lost, at least compared to the hardware.

Equipment

BlackBerry phones have been similar in performance over the past few years, and this model is no different. The device has an integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, which is quite smart, but completely surpassed by the powerful Snapdragon 845. A 3000 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy, and fast charging is also supported.

The gadget has 4 GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of internal storage. It is also possible to expand the memory capacity up to 256 GB by purchasing a microSD flash drive, but the user will have to sacrifice a second SIM card.

The device supports Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi connectivity. Also, the gadget integrates NFC, GPS and FM radio functions. Besides the fingerprint scanner, the phone includes a magnetometer, gyroscope, Hall sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer and compass.

Display

The aspect ratio of the 4.5-inch screen is 3: 2. Display resolution 1080 × 1620 pixels. The pixel density is 434 ppi. The phone's screen performance is not bad, however, reviews showed that the colors of the displayed image are a little washed out.

Camera

The primary rear camera is equipped with a 13 MP sensor, the secondary one is integrated with a 5 MP sensor. The phone supports phase detection autofocus (PDAF), which is responsible for sharpness and shoots in portrait mode. The device records 4K video at up to 30 frames per second without OIS. The focusing of the front camera at 8 MP is fixed, there is a backlight function.

Indoor example photo:

Here's how to take pictures during the day:

How to photograph at night:

Software

Key2 LE runs on Android 8.1. The operating system context menu has gotten big shortcuts. Customization of BlackBerry devices covers a variety of functions.

With 52 speed keys, you can launch applications and go to certain sections or functions, switch to the message window with an already entered address or number of a specific person, filter the type of mailbox.
The BlackBerry Hub is not tightly integrated into the device. The app integrates email and instant messenger accounts (including BBM).With the help of the add-on, you can easily parse and filter messages, as well as respond using keyboard shortcuts. It takes a little time and patience to get used to the functions. People receiving a large number of emails every day will benefit from the app.

BlackBerry also has programs such as Calendar, Tasks, Contacts, and Find Devices, and Password Keeper for saving passwords.

Safety

The popularity of BlackBerry phone models guarantees quality security. The DTEK app is a security dashboard that reproduces standard Android functions. It demonstrates application access and software version. DTEK only monitors the phone's operation, but does not perform any of the functions on its own.

Power Center does the same for power settings. It shows screen lock options and adaptive brightness control, and also displays the apps that are using the most power.

The blocking app is more useful as it allows private access to the photo gallery, file storage locations, web browser, and apps at the user's discretion. The data can be locked with a strong user password and use a fingerprint to unlock.

Privacy Shade allows you to darken the interface, except for a small movable area controlled by the user's finger. This will make it difficult for those who like to look into other people's phones. Redactor is a similar tool that allows you to darken parts of screenshots before sending.

Equipment

• user manual;
• a clip for removing a SIM card;
• headphones;
• USB cable;
• Charger.

Specifications

Pros and cons of BlackBerry Key2 LE

• dual camera with LED flash;
• useful and high-quality software;
• fast charging function;
• long battery life;
• fingerprint scanner built into the space bar.

• weak processor;
• hybrid slot for SIM-card and flash drive;
• heats up under load;
• the keyboard is not touch-sensitive;
• between the screen and the keyboard are the Android navigation buttons.

The creators of the gadget tried to combine the advantages of a physical keyboard and a touch screen, but the integration turned out to be rather sloppy. Although the phone is not the best option for watching videos and playing games, the screen and sound performance is sufficient for Internet access and simple entertainment. The device runs smoothly, no problem.The fingerprint sensor reads instantly, and Android's Trusted Face can be used for face recognition.