Review of the smartphone BlackBerry KEY2 LE

BlackBerry no longer produces smartphones, but has licensed the brand to the best manufacturers of popular models of modern phones with a traditional physical keyboard. Users can only decide which company is best able to reproduce the gadget, evaluate 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 profitably 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 is based 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 the 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

Appearance BlackBerry Key2 LE classic, it has the standard proportions of a modern smartphone. However, the keyboard at the bottom of the 4.5-inch screen speaks of a non-standard device. Also, the bezels at the top and bottom of the display are quite thick by modern standards. Volumetric Android navigation buttons are integrated between the screen and the keyboard, their location seems irrational.

The body of the phone is also non-standard, with rounded corners at the bottom and pointed at the top. Due to the slim design, Key2 LE is comfortable to hold and type on the keyboard. Also, the device has a good overall performance. The radius of the screen makes it easy to 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 on the back of the BlackBerry Key2 is designed for better grip, but doesn't add to the 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 case are 2 cameras with dual LED flash. The power and volume buttons are on the right. There's also a BlackBerry Convenience Key button that launches Google Assistant by default, but can be reconfigured to quickly launch apps. Some programs are customized and run automatically, depending on the type of connected device.

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. At the bottom of the case are a USB-Type-C port and a speaker grille. Despite the presence of 2 gratings, the sound is reproduced only from 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 replaced the right Shift button with a key with a symbol of nine dots. It's called the Speed ​​Key, and it lets you use shortcuts on the home screen and any of the 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 strange decision, given the free space on both sides of the bottom row of the keyboard.
2. The fingerprint scanner is built into the spacebar, which no longer doubles as a home button.
3. The new keyboard is no longer touch-sensitive. This feature was handy in the previous BlackBerry model. With its help, users easily scrolled and selected information without pressing physical keys.
4. The keys are located at a slight slope 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 row had sharp edges and were easy to get caught on. Key2 LE developers have corrected this shortcoming.
5. The system navigation touch buttons are located between the keyboard and the display. There is a high chance that the user will accidentally log out of the application they are working in. Also, when you press the Sym button, a full touch keyboard appears on the screen and this option cannot be turned off.

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

Equipment

BlackBerry phones have not been known for performance over the past few years, and this model is no exception. The device is integrated with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, which is quite fast, but completely surpassed by the powerful Snapdragon 845. A 3000 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy, and the fast charging function 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 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. The gadget also integrates NFC, GPS and FM radio functions.In addition to the fingerprint scanner, the phone includes a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a Hall sensor, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, and a 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 screen performance of the phone is not bad, however, reviews have shown that the colors of the displayed picture are a bit washed out.

Camera

The primary rear camera is equipped with a 13 MP sensor, and a 5 MP sensor is integrated into the secondary one. The phone supports Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), which is responsible for sharpness and shooting in portrait mode. The device records 4K video at up to 30 frames per second without optical image stabilization. The focus of the front camera is 8 MP fixed, there is a screen backlight function.

Sample indoor photo:

Here's how he takes pictures during the day:

How to photograph at night:

Software

Key2 LE runs on Android 8.1. The context menu of the operating system has received large labels. Customization of devices from BlackBerry covers a variety of functions.

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

BlackBerry also has apps like Calendar, Tasks, Contacts, and Find My Devices, and Password Keeper for saving passwords.

Safety

The popularity of BlackBerry phone models guarantees high-quality security. The DTEK app is a security control panel that mimics standard Android features. It shows application access and software version. DTEK only monitors the operation of the phone, but will not perform any of the functions on their own.

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

The lock app is more useful because it gives you private access to your photo gallery, file storage locations, web browser, and apps of your choice. Data can be locked with a strong user password and a fingerprint can be used to unlock.

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

Equipment

• user manual;
• a clip to remove the SIM card;
• headphones;
• USB cable;
• Charger.

Characteristics

Pros and cons of BlackBerry Key2 LE

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

• weak processor;
• hybrid slot for SIM card and flash drive;
• heats up under load;
• the keyboard is not touch;
• 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 enough for Internet access and simple entertainment. The device works smoothly without problems. The fingerprint sensor reads instantly, for face recognition, you can use Android's Trusted Face feature.