With the increasing popularity for touch screen phones over the last decade you would be forgiven to thinking that a keyboard phone is something that belongs very much in the past.
That’s certainly not the case with the new Blackberry Key2 device.
It manages to combine the functionality you would expect from a high-end handset, all wrapped in a stunning design whilst still managing to look modern.And, if you’ve been using Blackberry devices with a physical keyboard since they were first launched in 1999, we understand that you might not want to let go of this particular style of smartphone.
If you like the touch and feeling that a physical keyboard gives you, then it’s an excellent choice.But it is really worth the upgrade cost?
Here are just some of our reasons why we believe the Blackberry Key2 is worth it, highlighting just some of the new features at play.
6 Reasons to Buy the Key2
#1: Stunning Design
Many phones that carry a keyboard can look chunky, with the keys often taking up at least a third of the front unit.The Key2 keyboard still does take up that amount of space, but it manages to look a lot more aesthetically pleasing than the KeyOne.It has a sleek and light feel, with a rear side designed to literally stick into your hand due to the quality plastic casing.In an age where smartphones are increasingly morphing into what can sometimes appear to be a similar design, the Key2 goes against that trend.It also weighs less than the Blackberry KeyOne.
#2: Improved Keyboard
Key2 on the left has a much improved keyboard.
#3: Faster than the KeyOne
#4: Impressive Dual-Lens Camera
#5: Security Features
Blackberry phones have always been high on security features, but the Key2 takes that even further with some improved software features that come with Android Oreo.
Secure Locker has also been improved.
In addition to being able to store private folders, files, and photos you can also now password-protect applications (or even via a fingerprint scan).
As you would expect, it has private browsing mode included with the Firefox Focus browser.
#6: Quick Charge Functionality
Is the Blackberry Key2 Worth Buying?
Based on those new features, we believe that the Blackberry Key2 is an essential upgrade for those already used to and using the Blackberry brand of phones.But what about those people who haven’t used a Blackberry device before?Will it be worth buying and going through the learning curve of adapting to a physical keyboard-based handset?As with any change, there will be some adjustment required if you are used to a touch screen keyboard.However, the keys are positioned in roughly the same place so from an ergonomic perspective it won’t be massively different.In fact, there’s something strangely satisfying about using real keys versus a touch screen.From a business use angle, it has excellent connectivity and an amazing email client that will also sync up with your enterprise server.We believe that the Blackberry Key2 is the best keyboard phone currently on the market, and here are some of the features you can expect.-
Android 8.1 (Oreo) with BlackBerry Hub and productivity apps
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Physical QWERTY keyboard with integrated touchpad and fingerprint sensor
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Octa-core Snapdragon 660 processor with Adreno 512 GPU
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64GB storage and 6GB RAM
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5″ Full HD 1080 x 1620 screen with Corning Gorilla Glass
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DUAL 12MP rear cameras with PDAF & dual LED flash
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4 x 71.8 x 8.5 mm / 168 grams
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5mm audio jack
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3,500 mAh battery
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USB Type-C with QuickCharge 3.0