BlackBerry Key2 hands-on review

07 June 2018
In a sea of smartphone sameness, there are very few outliers, that can still boast a unique angle of their own. Most of TCL's lineup still proudly fits into that category. Understandably, all the turbulence and leadership change in recent years did result in some plain devices, like the DTEK models. On the flip side, devices like the Keyone embody the classic BlackBerry spirit in full.

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  • D
  • AnonD-152638
  • mhB
  • 10 Jun 2018

Luxor, 10 Jun 2018We need it updated so that it feels new without buying a ne... moreDownload an alternative launcher, has the same effect.
Get a new case, makes it actually change its appearance something software can't do.

And it when it comes to blackberry phones, they typically don't follow the latest design trends, and in that way people that want that new feel, will always look jealously at the competition. If one doesn't feel that the Blackberry features compensate for that, one should not have gotten a BlackBerry in the first place. And even if it was updated with 3 new android versions after release, it would not change that the slightest.

    Very tempted I adored my blackberry classic which is blackberry's best design in my opinion.

      • L
      • Luxor
      • tue
      • 10 Jun 2018

      AnonD-152638, 09 Jun 2018I don't understand why everyone need their phone to get upd... moreWe need it updated so that it feels new without buying a new phone. Priv is so old and ancient without update even if its hardware is more than capable.

        • K
        • KMB877
        • B$G
        • 10 Jun 2018

        Cowyeap, 09 Jun 2018go buy one and you shall realize physical key is awesome. I... moreI had a Nokia E7 (side slider), exceptional phone. The phone was a touch screen, having also a screen keyboard (when the physical keyboard was "hided").
        If HDM or TCL will bring a 5.5"... 6.2" good quality side slider (metal made but not to heavy), with 2 SIMs, all US and EU LTE bands, I don't think I will hesitate!
        Believe me, a well build and large physical slide keyboard (101 keys) it's fantastic!

          • K
          • KMB877
          • B$G
          • 09 Jun 2018

          sweaf, 07 Jun 2018I don't need physical keyboard on my phone. Physical keyboa... moreSo, why did you read this article?!

            • D
            • AnonD-152638
            • mhB
            • 09 Jun 2018

            Luxor, 09 Jun 2018You might regret it. Do you ever remember Blackberry updati... moreI don't understand why everyone need their phone to get updated.
            I prefer my phones to be fully functional when they arrive...
            There was a time when Android was crippled, and new updates provided features the previous version should have had.
            But that has not been the case for some versions now.
            There has even been cases in the past where updates have removed good features that phones used to have. Sony had their stamina mode that was much more effective compared to Androids power saving, but with the new version it wasn't possible for sony to implement it anymore.

            It may be nice to get updates, but they aren't essential for the phone to work. Unless there are bugs, but then that has nothing to do with the android version, and the phone can be fixed without an actually update of android (even when there are new android versions out there).

              • L
              • Luxor
              • tue
              • 09 Jun 2018

              Trump Fan 1980, 09 Jun 2018 Me too. For those that aren't familiar with BlackBerry and... moreYou might regret it. Do you ever remember Blackberry updating their phones. Nope. Remember their last phone from last year, Blackberry Motion; still stuck on Nougat. Remember the original Keyone; stuck on Nougat. Remember their super expensive Blackberry Priv? Stuck on Marshmallow! Ok, im done here. Didnt say I didnt warn you guys.

                Dante Evans, 09 Jun 2018I like it a lot Me too. For those that aren't familiar with BlackBerry android's, as a previous owner, I can tell that there aren't half bad. If I did not own an s9, I would get this. Hell, I might get a Key3, especially if they go for the Snapdragon 730 system on a chip, keep the 3 and half millimeter hole, and increase loudspeaker volume, and don't notch it. The Key3 fully equipped with 8gb of ram anyone? Sign me up ;-) .

                  I like it a lot

                    • C
                    • Cowyeap
                    • IV8
                    • 09 Jun 2018

                    skyfly, 08 Jun 2018How I imagine the worst phone - has edges, has notch, has p... morego buy one and you shall realize physical key is awesome. If you don't like it, its also ok. keep using your virtual keyboard.

                      At least you can type on the physical one without watching, after learning the buttons positions.

                        How I imagine the worst phone - has edges, has notch, has physical keyboard.

                        Can some BB user explain what is the advantage of having a physical keyboard over software keyboard? I am just curios because I haven't use one since feature phones.

                          What about key2 lite!
                          I hope blackberry gonna release a low end version of key2.
                          Also bb should consider releasing blackberry torch 9810 and blackberry classic with oreo go.

                            • D
                            • AnonD-152638
                            • mhB
                            • 08 Jun 2018

                            I doubt it will take much effort to actually get used the the shortcut key.
                            It is just a matter of only mapping shortcuts for a limited number of uses that you need on a regular basis. One per key, would probably be a larger number than is easily remembered and will probably result in some less than logic use of letters for the particular feature.

                              • D
                              • AnonD-152638
                              • mhB
                              • 08 Jun 2018

                              Rico Garcia, 08 Jun 2018Nope no need for that hussle we have laptops for that That... moreA lot of the market is focused on all -touch devices.
                              So if BlackBerry devices could be used as either full touch, or with a Mod that can be attached, they could a model that could carter to many peoples different needs.

                              Some prefer landscape layout for the keyboard.
                              Some prefer slide outs portrait.
                              Some prefer having them constantly beneath the screen.
                              Most of the market prefer full touch.

                              Laptops and even ipads with keyboard accessories are very different thing from a mobile with built in keyboard.
                              On a landscape keyboard mobile, it is still possible to hold it in the hands, and type while walking. Same goes for portrait slide out keyboards and for the ones with the keyboard beneath the screen.

                                Great...Planning to buy.

                                  AnonD-152638, 07 Jun 2018Now turn that Logo in to pins for BB Mods =) They could do... moreNope no need for that hussle we have laptops for that
                                  That's y physical keypad is there

                                    • V
                                    • Vanish
                                    • mQB
                                    • 08 Jun 2018

                                    Yann, 08 Jun 2018I don't judge the quality of materials. My point is that 70... moreYes, it is logical, its composition will cause that after some chafing, here and there, those areas end up rusting, with corrosion expanding.

                                    It'll be funny to watch the rare exemplars out there using the old keyboard while we profit the gestures or even more funny, using gestures in that tiny display ignoring the keyboard. Sometimes the evolution is hard and capricious for someone....

                                      • B
                                      • BB Lover
                                      • rJG
                                      • 08 Jun 2018

                                      Please give an option to customers to choose between android and BB OS as BB OS is best in the world.....people buying iphone not because they are functional they buy them for IOS.

                                        • Y
                                        • Yann
                                        • stv
                                        • 08 Jun 2018

                                        Ghostwolf87, 07 Jun 20186000 series is alloyed with magnesium and silicon. 7000 is... moreI don't judge the quality of materials. My point is that 7000 aluminum is heavier, even slightly, than 6000 series and the lighter device is not because of the aluminum used to produce.
                                        And yes, 7000 is harder than 6000, but the Zinc inside 7000 will make it more susceptible to corrosion.
                                        Here is something for my words:
                                        http://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2009/ARL-TR-4937.pdf