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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  • L
  • Lucid_Lynx
  • 2I8
  • 08 Jun 2018

Speed Key on Key2 make me remember alt key on BBOS :D

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • YP9
    • 08 Jun 2018

    The silver looks nicer IMHO but it's a shame that they didn't get rid of the nav bar completely and reduce the the length of the device by that 1 or so centimeters. It's good to see the physical QWERTY going strong and evolving, but no non-alt dedicated period/fullstop key, along with full navbar control via the keyboard instead are disappointing. BB Android QWERTY's still feel like they are in their infancy period.. Maybe they'll get it right next time.. at least I hope!

      • D
      • AnonD-428442
      • sEx
      • 08 Jun 2018

      I hope they at least glue the screen properly now for an extra $100.

        • y
        • yugi1
        • j@k
        • 08 Jun 2018

        Screen too small, no OIS on the cameras, no Amoled, price is almost the same ($50 cheaper than PRIV), which was flagship model. I'll pass. Please bring PRIV 2, and I'll buy it!

          I'm in love with this Mobile

            It looks very premium. And i've always been a fan of the physical keyboard so it's great to see it here. If i had extra cash lying around id probably get one of these.

              • ?
              • Anonymous
              • 6Ps
              • 08 Jun 2018

              Key2 reminds me of Xperia p1

                • M
                • MrStonyway
                • nCv
                • 07 Jun 2018

                Peter, 07 Jun 2018It's a phone for a small group of fans who crave the old st... morenope, I disagree. There are, and will be People, who love the way the BB Key One and Key2 works. This is made for one handed use, this is for people spending most of their smartphone time typing and scrolling through text. If you need a mobile phone to produce content / take notes and for browsing / research, this whole form factor are quite compelling. With a half way decent camera, this phone has quite a lot to offer.

                If you are a consumer of media, games and pages, an S9 is light years ahead. But for those productivity nerds, this is a great phone for years to come.

                And I don't think, this is a niche device. Think Business, Social media geeks, etc.

                  • D
                  • AnonD-82756
                  • mX8
                  • 07 Jun 2018

                  I actually love it especially the silver model

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • LC8
                    • 07 Jun 2018

                    I think is a big ops with the new gestures coming on android p replacing the home key

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

                      I prefer silver finish on metal, because black tend to lose the meta look.
                      But perhaps they could have done silver + white instead of silver + black... I tend to prefer black on black over silver + black.

                        Yann, 07 Jun 2018@Rick: Aluminum 7000 have higher density than 6000, ergo is... more6000 series is alloyed with magnesium and silicon. 7000 is alloyed with zinc.

                        7000 is more rigid, doesn't require heat treatment, and easier to machine.

                        Actual weight difference is between .02 and .05 g/cm cubed. Not worth mentioning.

                        So 7000 is actually better for a phone frame due to making it more skeletonized, allowing more room, without compromising structural integrity.

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

                          Now turn that Logo in to pins for BB Mods =)
                          They could do a full touch with a Landscape keyboard Mod, to take on the Motorola Z offering. Giving the users the option of full touch or landscape qwerty....
                          Possibly they could do a Mod with a slide out portrait keyboard as an alternative as well.
                          Or even a keyboard cover with back-lit keys that could partly cover the display to offer KeyOne/Key2 experience as an option for the touch device should the users want.

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

                            Yann, 07 Jun 2018@Rick: Aluminum 7000 have higher density than 6000, ergo is... moreIt might be because of it, as it makes the frame more stable and thus less of a support-frame is needed... then it would still be because even though it is not the material itself that is lighter.

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • 7A0
                              • 07 Jun 2018

                              I'm curious to know how flush the Q, A, ALT, P, Backspace and enter buttons are to the side. I had to send back 3 Keyones since they were slightly higher than the edge and buttons came off. BBMobile in Canada was super slow and terrible to deal with so I'm hoping not to have to deal with this for the Key2. My current device has been fine for 8 months but I'm sure the P button will get snagged off sooner or later.

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

                                Anonymous, 07 Jun 2018Android will be about gestures in android p but blackberry ... moreGestures rely on touch-sensitivity. In theory Key2 supports that on both the keyboard and on the touch keys.
                                The new design of the gesture system of android P still comes with markers, so it is not like they have removed the keys, just a different design compared to earlier on screen keys.

                                Still I'm let down by it. They have a physical key keyboard, but capacitive touch buttons?
                                It should be either physical keys or on-screen keys to fit more display estate on the unit.

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                                  • ~.~
                                  • nIH
                                  • 07 Jun 2018

                                  Ricky, your hands are so beautiful *_*

                                    sweaf, 07 Jun 2018I don't need physical keyboard on my phone. Physical keyboa... moreYou mean people who work, who are productive, who actually drive the economy? Right?

                                    Just checking.

                                      • H
                                      • Hoffmann
                                      • Srh
                                      • 07 Jun 2018

                                      I like this phone

                                        • P
                                        • Peter
                                        • mQB
                                        • 07 Jun 2018

                                        It's a phone for a small group of fans who crave the old style. And probably will die with them. It's like seeing an old classic model. Interesting, rare to see, but that the evolution left behind by more practical models, with higher benefits, etc.

                                        For business today with complex apps you prefer a bigger display to watch better every data without lose time making zoom. Phones that can be used instantly as a desktop PC. Etc. For outdoor workers is better a phone with IP rating. Being expensive it lacks of a flagship SoC or better cameras with OIS. The physical keyboard is not appropiated for people with huge finger or workers with gloves. The software keyboard on the other side can determine what key you are trying to push even if you are touching part of two.

                                        Aside that, foldable phones are near, phones with a single 8" display that you can easily fold and fit in your pocket. Phones that will be preferred in work environments and businessmen for their screen size facilitating interaction with applications and being able to display many more data on screen.