Blackberry KEY2 Red Edition
+ Compare
Key Specs
Performance
-
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 -
Octa core (2.2 GHz, Quad Core + 1.8 GHz, Quad core) -
6 GB RAM
Display
-
4.5 inches (11.43 cm); IPS LCD -
1080x1620 px (FULL HD) -
Gorilla Glass 3 Protection
Rear Camera
-
Dual Camera Setup - 12 MP Primary Camera
- 12 MP Camera
-
Dual-color LED Flash -
4k @30fps Video Recording
Front Camera
-
8 MP -
Screen flash -
Full HD @30 fps Video Recording
Battery
-
3500 mAh -
Quick Charging v3.0; USB Type-C port
General
-
SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano (Hybrid) -
5G Not Supported -
64 GB / 128 GB Storage, Expandable upto 256 GB
Blackberry KEY2 Red Edition Expert Review Summary
Expert Rating:
![Nitansh Rastogi]()
Verdict
It`s clear that the KEY2 isn`t for everyone. While it scores well on all the hallmarks of a BlackBerry device – good build quality, a physical keyboard, software that focuses on security, and a great battery life, is that enough for a modern-day smartphone? Even for die-hard BB fans (or BlackBerry Boys, as the brand`s yesteryear`s ad used to refer to them), the answer isn`t as clear as black and white.Things become even more confusing when you bring the pricing into the mix. With a sticker price of Rs 42,990, the BlackBerry KEY2 is priced similar to some of the flagships, and yet, packs in m...
Read Full Verdict
Pros
- Solid build quality with a physical keyboard
- Smooth performance
- Versatile software with a focus on security
- Great battery life
Cons
- The keyboard isn`t for everyone
- Sub-par cameras
- Priced steeply
Specs at a glance
+
Design and display: stands out with its looks and build quality
+
The BlackBerry KEY2 is among the very few smartphones in the market that come with a 4.5-inch display. But that doesn't mean the handset is compact, as the touchscreen is accompanied by a physical keyboard. The design language isn't much different from its predecessor – the KEYone (review), released last year – as both phones feature similar dimensions and build quality. That also means that the phone skimps upon all the latest trends such as notch displays, taller screens, and bezel-less design, among others.
Read More
The key(board) to its success
+
There was a time when BlackBerry phones were all the rage. And one important reason for the same can be attributed to the full-sized QWERTY keyboards at a time when other handsets were simply offering T9 keypads. The keyboard made typing on the go a lot easier and quicker. But things are different now, as touchscreen keyboards let you type faster and accurately as well, along with being more versatile and disappearing when not needed.
Read More
Software: productivity-oriented and security-focused
+
The KEY2 runs Android 8.1 Oreo with its proprietary skin on top. While the interface looks like stock Android, it's filled with options. Some of the features have already been discussed above, but there's much more to the UI. BlackBerry pop-up widgets for example, let you swipe up on compatible app icons to access their widgets. Most apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, Calendar, and even Chrome can be accessed in this manner. Then there's BlackBerry Hub, which integrates all the notifications at one place, making it easier to view and reply to them, without worrying which app you might have received a notification from.
Read More
Imaging: jumping on to the dual-camera bandwagon
+
The BlackBerry KEY2 is the first smartphone from the brand to come with a pair of snappers at the back. The handset features dual 12-megapixel shooters, with the primary sensor offering an aperture of f/1.8. The dual cameras let you optically zoom in to the subject to get up to 2x closer or get the depth-of-field effect. There's also PDAF (phase detection autofocus) support for allowing the camera to lock focus on the desired object quickly. A dual-tone LED flash accompanies the snappers to assist in poor-lighting conditions.
Read More
Hardware: a dependable workhorse
+
The BlackBerry KEY2 isn't aiming for the flagship stature, and instead of the latest and greatest chipset from Qualcomm, it draws power from Qualcomm's most powerful SoC in the SD600 series – the Snapdragon 660. The octa-core chip is clocked at 2.2GHz for the high-performance cores and 1.8GHz for the power-efficient cores. The SoC is paired with 6 gigs of RAM. The combination works well to enable smooth performance while using multiple documents or switching between apps. At times, there's a split-second lag while opening apps, but overall, the device offers a buttery-smooth performance.
Read More
Read full Review
Verdict
It`s clear that the KEY2 isn`t for everyone. While it scores well on all the hallmarks of a BlackBerry device – good build quality, a physical keyboard, software that focuses on security, and a great battery life, is that enough for a modern-day smartphone? Even for die-hard BB fans (or BlackBerry Boys, as the brand`s yesteryear`s ad used to refer to them), the answer isn`t as clear as black and white.Things become even more confusing when you bring the pricing into the mix. With a sticker price of Rs 42,990, the BlackBerry KEY2 is priced similar to some of the flagships, and yet, packs in m... Read Full Verdict
- Solid build quality with a physical keyboard
- Smooth performance
- Versatile software with a focus on security
- Great battery life
Pros
- The keyboard isn`t for everyone
- Sub-par cameras
- Priced steeply
Cons
The BlackBerry KEY2 is among the very few smartphones in the market that come with a 4.5-inch display. But that doesn't mean the handset is compact, as the touchscreen is accompanied by a physical keyboard. The design language isn't much different from its predecessor – the KEYone (review), released last year – as both phones feature similar dimensions and build quality. That also means that the phone skimps upon all the latest trends such as notch displays, taller screens, and bezel-less design, among others.
Read MoreThere was a time when BlackBerry phones were all the rage. And one important reason for the same can be attributed to the full-sized QWERTY keyboards at a time when other handsets were simply offering T9 keypads. The keyboard made typing on the go a lot easier and quicker. But things are different now, as touchscreen keyboards let you type faster and accurately as well, along with being more versatile and disappearing when not needed.
Read MoreThe KEY2 runs Android 8.1 Oreo with its proprietary skin on top. While the interface looks like stock Android, it's filled with options. Some of the features have already been discussed above, but there's much more to the UI. BlackBerry pop-up widgets for example, let you swipe up on compatible app icons to access their widgets. Most apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, Calendar, and even Chrome can be accessed in this manner. Then there's BlackBerry Hub, which integrates all the notifications at one place, making it easier to view and reply to them, without worrying which app you might have received a notification from.
Read MoreThe BlackBerry KEY2 is the first smartphone from the brand to come with a pair of snappers at the back. The handset features dual 12-megapixel shooters, with the primary sensor offering an aperture of f/1.8. The dual cameras let you optically zoom in to the subject to get up to 2x closer or get the depth-of-field effect. There's also PDAF (phase detection autofocus) support for allowing the camera to lock focus on the desired object quickly. A dual-tone LED flash accompanies the snappers to assist in poor-lighting conditions.
Read MoreThe BlackBerry KEY2 isn't aiming for the flagship stature, and instead of the latest and greatest chipset from Qualcomm, it draws power from Qualcomm's most powerful SoC in the SD600 series – the Snapdragon 660. The octa-core chip is clocked at 2.2GHz for the high-performance cores and 1.8GHz for the power-efficient cores. The SoC is paired with 6 gigs of RAM. The combination works well to enable smooth performance while using multiple documents or switching between apps. At times, there's a split-second lag while opening apps, but overall, the device offers a buttery-smooth performance.
Read MoreCompetitors For Blackberry KEY2 Red Edition
View Alternatives
Blackberry KEY2 Red Edition Specifications
General |
|
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android v8.1 (Oreo) |
Performance
(Good)
|
|
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8956 |
| Processor | Octa core (2.2 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Graphics (GPU) | Adreno 512 |
| RAM | 6 GB |
Benchmark Screenshots
AnTuTu Benchmark
Graphics Benchmark
Vellamo Metal Benchmark
Vellamo Multicore Benchmark
Vellamo Browser Benchmark
Quadrant Benchmark
Camera Speed Benchmark
Linpack Benchmark
Sunspider Benchmark
Geekbench4 Benchmark
|
Display
(Excellent)
|
|
|---|---|
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) |
| Resolution | 1080x1620 px (FULL HD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Pixel Density | 433 ppi |
| Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) | 55.57 % |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass v3 |
UI Screenshots
Lock Screen
Home Screen
Screen With Widgets
Dialer Screen
App Drawer
Notification Panel
Quick Settings Panel
Settings Screen
OS Version
Storage
Battery
Camera On
Camera Options
Camera Modes
Camera Settings
Picture Size Options
Video Size Options
|
Design |
|
|---|---|
| Height | 151.4 mm |
| Width | 71.8 mm |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 168 grams |
|
Click to View
|
Rear Camera
(Good)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Autofocus | Yes, Phase Detection autofocus | |||||||||||
| OIS | No | |||||||||||
| Flash | Yes, Dual-color LED Flash | |||||||||||
| Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 Pixels | |||||||||||
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |||||||||||
| Shooting Modes |
Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|||||||||||
| Camera Features |
Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|||||||||||
| Video Recording | 3840x2160 @ 30 fps | |||||||||||
Rear Camera Samples
Close Up
Low Light
Low Light With Flash
Colour Variance
Long Shot
HDR Off
HDR On
Front Shot
|
Front Camera
(Very Good)
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ||||
|
||||
| Flash | Yes, Screen flash | |||
| Camera Features | Fixed Focus | |||
| Video Recording | 1920x1080 @ 30 fps |
Battery
(Very Good)
|
|
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3500 mAh |
| Battery Type | Li-ion |
| Quick Charging | Yes Quick Charging v3.0 |
Storage |
|
|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes, Up to 256 GB |
Network & Connectivity |
|
|---|---|
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM |
| SIM Type | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano (Hybrid) |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported, 4G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G bands
Expand
|
| SIM 2 |
4G bands
Expand
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) 5GHz |
| Wi-Fi Features | Wi-Fi Direct, Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.0 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
Multimedia |
|
|---|---|
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm, USB Type-C |
Sensors |
|
|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Blackberry KEY2 Red Edition Key Highlights
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 MSM8956 |
| RAM & Storage | 6 GB RAM + 64 GB 6 GB RAM + 128 GB |
| Display | 4.5", 1080 x 1620 Resolution |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh |
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