BlackBerry KEY2 LE hands-on review

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Introduction

Call it circumstance, an unnatural attraction towards stand-out design and functionality, or some of us, around the office simply showing our age and geeky nature. Regardless of the particular reasoning behind it, we kind of liked the BlackBerry KEY2 and judging by some of the responses, we have been reading in our review, we're definitely not the only ones.

Whether you need one out of necessity, are lusting after its retro coolness or dislike it altogether, for a plethora of what, we have recognized as pretty valid reasons, there seems to be one point practically everybody agrees on - the KEY2 is simply too expensive. Don't get us wrong, it's not prohibitively priced. Especially if your company is paying for one, in the first place. However, its just not a good value proposition as a 2018 smartphone. An MSRP of EUR 600 should, franky, get you more than a Snapdragon 660. Either that, or the price needs to be readjusted.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2 - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE next to the BlackBerry KEY2

TCL seems to have gone for the latter option - stripping away bells and whistles from the BlackBerry KEY2 to bring the price point down. All the while, hopefully, still delivering the unique, core, keyboard-centric experience.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE specs

  • Body: Polycarbonate body, 150.25 x 71.8 x 8.35mm, 156g, 35 key physical backlit QWERTY keyboard, soft touch grip on the back
  • Screen: 4.5-inch IPS-LCD (1080 x 1620 px), ~434 ppi, 3:2 aspect ratio, Gorilla Glass
  • Rear cameras: 13MP (f/2.2, FOV 79.8 degree, 1.12 micron pixel, PDAF) + 5MP (f/2.4, FOV 84 degree, 1.12 micron pixel), dual-tone flash, HDR; 4K @ 30 fps
  • Front camera: 8MP fixed focus, Selfie flash via LCD display, 1080p @ 30 fps
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 CPU, Octa-core (4x 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x 1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver); Adreno 509 GPU
  • Memory: 4GB RAM, 32/64 GB storage; microSD card slot up to 256GB
  • OS: Anndroid 8.1 Oreo with Secure BlackBerry App Suite
  • Battery: 3,000 mAh non-removable battery; Quick Charge 3.0 support
  • Connectivity: Single/Dual-SIM (hybrid slot), Qualcomm X12 modem - support for up to 3x LTE-A carrier aggregation. Cat. 12 (600 Mbps) down, Cat. 13 (150 Mbps) up, USB Type-C (v2.0) with OTG, 3.5mm headphone jack, GPS/A-GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, FM Radio, 802.11 b/g/n for 2.4GHz; 802.11 a/n/ac for 5GHz
  • Misc: Fingerprint scanner in Space key, Convenience and Keyboard shortcuts

The result is the newly unveiled KEY2 LE or Light Edition. At first glance, it seems almost identical to its higher-tier sibling - a pretty good initial impression for a LE. Still, certain corners had to be cut to bring costs down. If you are curious as to what exactly didn't make the cut and what the KEY2 LE has to offer, join us on the following pages.

Design

Like we already mentioned, the KEY2 LE has a footprint practically identical to its bigger brother's - 150.25 x 71.8 x 8.35mm. The overall look and design are identical, as well. Kudos to TCL for that. However, aluminum is expensive, especially the Series 7000 stuff, the regular KEY2 is made of.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Hence, the first in a list of cost saving measures for the LE was a switch over to a plastic frame and overall shell design. TCL is calling it a toughened polycarbonate blend. Sure, it doesn't feel nearly as premium as metal, but it's not all that bad either. We've defended some of the redeeming qualities of plastic compounds time and time again and the KEY2 LE is a perfect example of how plastic construction can be done right.

The phone feels very solid, with no notable flex. Yet, plastic makes for a lighter build. Although, we are pretty sure some of the weight-loss is due to the reduction in battery size - 3,000 mAh, down from 3,500 mAh. You also can't dent plastic. So, there's that as well. The KEY2 LE is available in a trio of colors - traditional Slate, Atomic and a rather interesting Champagne.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Slate is not exactly black, but rather a blue or grey hue. As per TCL reps, black was deliberately avoided for the LE edition. Atomic is a pretty vibrant red and clearly the color everyone was most excited about. It is also the only one of the three to include matching accent in the plastic separators, between the keyboard rows. A nice touch, which TCL apparently also tried to pull off for the Champagne, but then deemed too tacky. Champagne, we would liken to a copper, more than anything else.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

It seems like forever, since we've seen actual colors on a blackberry. Apparently the official statistic says this hasn't been the case since 2014.

BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides

Even though plastic is the prevailing material on the KEY2 LE, there is still some metal to be found, arguably, where it counts - on the side buttons. These are color-coded, as per every dye option and feature a small chamfer.

These buttons are exactly the same as the ones found on the regular KEY2 - volume rocker on the top right side and underneath it - the power button and the BlackBerry convenience key. These also feel just as good - clicky, responsive.

On the opposite side - a SIM card tray - also metal. It is a hybrid affair, so you either get two SIM cards in, or swap one out for a microSD.

BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 from all sides

Not much has changed on the top and bottom sides either. Well, the bottom speaker and microphone grills are wider, compared to the original KEY2. Other than that, the Type-C port is accounted for. So is the 3.5mm audio jack, on the top side.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Flipping the phone over, we find a familiar textured back. On the one hand, it's quite similar to the KEY2. Then again, after holding it for a bit, we quickly realized it is even gripper than before. Perhaps it has something to do with the different pattern, as well as the fact the grooves are much shallower. It's hard to say, really, but the bottom line is that once in your hand, the KEY2 LE isn't going anywhere. Plus, feeling something other than glass on your palm in 2018 is a pretty nice throwback to another bygone era of handset design.

As far as the logo, camera module and flash go - they appear practically unchanged. Position and relative size is the same, even for the dual camera module, which, we know, for a fact, houses a different setup.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

For the display on the KEY2 LE, TCL is sticking with the exact same, tiny by today's standards, 4.5-inch unit. The resolution is set at 1080 x 1620 pixels, giving away the odd 3:2 aspect ratio. Just because it's odd, doesn't mean it's bad, though. Sure, any sort of gaming or standard 16:9 video playback looks sub-par and black-boxed on the KEY2 LE. However, 3:2 is still great for reading, which is what BlackBerry is all about.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Using the new LE outdoors, along with the original KEY gave us the impression that the light edition is slightly dimmer than its sibling. This is likely due to a change in brightness management, perhaps even part of a battery saving policy, since we can't imagine TCL found another LCD panel in such odd dimensions. Other than that, colors look exactly the same. No complaints there.

BlackBerry KEY2 thickness - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 thickness - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 thickness

Since we touched upon it already, as a side note, TCL has stated that battery endurance is at the core of the KEY2 LE design. Apparently, the budget berry can last up to 22 hours of advertised mixed use and is promised to withstand "the heaviest usage you can imagine in a day." We'll definitely be sure to check that in the full review.

In the meantime, back to controls. And before we get to the keyboard, there is the matter of the static strip of capacitive navigation buttons, BlackBerry is still persisting with. We still believe extending the display downward and opting for optional on-screen navigation would have been a much better use for the space. Then again, we might be missing some ergonomic concern.

Keyboard

On the surface, the QWERTY keyboard on the KEY2 LE also looks mostly unchanged. Unfortunately, TCL had to cut one of the coolest features at its disposal - the touch-sensitive nature of the entire area. That means, so swipe typing, gestures or scrolling on the KEY2 LE. Bummer!

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Even so, it is still a good physical keyboard. A feature, which in itself, is practically extinct on the 2018 smartphone scene. TCL apparently took yet another shot at the ergonomics of its design. To give you a bit of a rundown - the original KEY One incorporated a rounded, sloping design for both the keys and the entire board. It made for a really clean and fluent look, but led to frequent complaints of crammed keys and unresponsive rounded key edges, near the bezels of the phone.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

The KEY2 addressed quite a few of these complaints - ditching most of the curves, making sharper and more tactile edges on the keys and spacing them out a bit more. The KEY2 LE doesn't use either of these boards directly. Instead, it borrows from both. The keys seem a bit rounder, a la original Key One, but about 10% larger, as per TCL's PR. However, the spacing is a bit more roomy and reminiscent of the KEY2. We can't definitively say if it's better or worse than the KEY2, but it does, personally, appeal to us more than the original Key One's board.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

One thing we really appreciate is the Speed Key, which users can leverage to map an outrageous number of quick shortcuts and commands, which can then be executed from anywhere in the UI. The Speed Key is complimented by 52 customizable shortcuts, so you can program each key to instantly bring up the contacts and apps you use most. With enough practice, you can probably hide every last icon from your launcher and still be able to use the KEY2 LE with keyboard shortcuts alone, like a wizard. Also intact is the fingerprint reader, in the space key.

Internals and performance

TCL's efforts to keep costs down for the KEY2 LE inevitable led to some internal downgrades, as well as the already mentioned external changes. The Snapdragon 660 chipset, from the vanilla KEY2, has been swapped for a Snapdragon 636 chip and 6GB of RAM, have been brought down to 4GB. Frankly speaking, this doesn't worry us too much. The camera downgrade is likely to be noticed by more users. But, more on that, in a bit.

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The thing is, the original KEY2 is not a powerhouse, to begin with. The new, substitution Snapdragon 636 is definitely slower and the Adreno 509 GPU is clearly worse, but given BlackBerry's productivity-oriented product line, the bump down in performance is hardly noticeable with real-world tasks.

We did manage to run a few quick benchmarks on the KEY2 LE. Of course, you have to keep in mind we are still dealing with early software. We'll have a clearer picture for you in the full review. Anyway, as far as CPU goes, you still get eight Kryo 260 cores from the Snapdragon 636, just like on the KEY2, only clocked slightly lower. No big deal.

GeekBench 4.1 (multi-core)

Higher is better

  • Samsung Galaxy S8
    6656
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SD 835)
    6301
  • BlackBerry KEY2
    5830
  • BlackBerry KEY2 LE
    4965
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera
    4918
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 3
    4907

GeekBench 4.1 (single-core)

Higher is better

  • Samsung Galaxy S8
    1991
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SD 835)
    1832
  • BlackBerry KEY2
    1628
  • BlackBerry KEY2 LE
    1343
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 3
    1331
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera
    1329

Early software or not, as far as hardware utilization goes, TCL has apparently done a pretty good job, squeezing performance out of the Snapdragon 636. It clearly outperforms both Xiaomi devices, based on the same platform, which we recently tested.

AnTuTu seems to think a bit highly of the Mi Max 3, but the difference is minor and well within the margin of error.

AnTuTu 7

Higher is better

  • Samsung Galaxy S8
    199022
  • BlackBerry KEY2
    140984
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 3
    119229
  • BlackBerry KEY2 LE
    116764
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera
    115195

Our justification for throwing the Samsung Galaxy S8 in the mix, in both its Snapdragon and Exynos variants is the existence of a keyboard case for the pair. That's about as close as you can get on a relatively current and mainstream smartphone, with a physical keyboard. Unfortunately, Samsung is yet to introduce a keyboard accessory for the S9 pair, cementing BlackBerry's unique position in this regard even further.

GFX 3.0 Manhattan (1080p offscreen)

Higher is better

  • Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SD 835)
    57
  • Samsung Galaxy S8
    50
  • BlackBerry KEY2
    22
  • BlackBerry KEY2 LE
    16
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera
    16
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 3
    16
  • BlackBerry Priv
    12
  • BlackBerry KEYone "Pre-production" hardware
    9.8

GFX 3.0 Manhattan (onscreen)

Higher is better

  • Samsung Galaxy S8
    36
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SD 835)
    34
  • BlackBerry KEY2
    26
  • BlackBerry KEY2 LE
    18
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera
    15
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 3
    15
  • BlackBerry KEYone "Pre-production" hardware
    11
  • BlackBerry Priv
    7.6

GPU tests show basically the same. With the slower Adreno 509 you are losing a few frames compared to the vanilla KEY2. However, let's be real here, you're not really going to do much hardcore gaming on this particular display, not to mention the keyboard, getting in the way in landscape mode.

Camera

Hopefully, BlackBerry fans, or at least the budget-conscious ones aren't too fond of the optical zooming feature on the original KEY2, since, it has been axed on the KEY2 LE. It was definitely nice to have, but again, not really essential to the core BlackBerry productivity experience. At least, that seems to be TCL's justification.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

The KEY2 LE still has a dual camera setup, only a much simpler one. The main snapper is a 13MP, 1.12 µm sensor, complete with PDAF. Just the regular kind, no Dual Pixel tech. It sits behind a quite dark f/2.2, 79.8-degree lens, which has to be our biggest concern with the snapper. It is complemented by a basic 5MP, fixed focus, f/2.4, 1.12µm depth-sensing camera. The latter takes fairly decent Portrait mode shots.

We managed to snap a few stills with the BlackBerry KEY2 LE. Some using the default 3:2 aspect ratio.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3: 2 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 161, 1/1102s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3: 2 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 181, 1/120s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3: 2 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 316, 1/120s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3: 2 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 282, 1/577s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3: 2 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 298, 1/264s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE 3:2 camera samples

Followed by another proper 4:3 set. As per usual in a hands-on setting, we will refrain from passing any quality judgment until the full review.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4: 3 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 142, 1/1066s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4: 3 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 283, 1/729s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4: 3 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 127, 1/120s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4: 3 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 235, 1/120s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4: 3 camera samples - f/2.2, ISO 283, 1/630s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE 4:3 camera samples

One thing we will note about the otherwise quite familiar camera UI is the integration of Google Lens. The powerful AI object and landmark recognition can be used to seamlessly bring up more information on your surroundings.

Selfies on the KEY2 LE are handled by an 8MP, fixed-focus snapper. It's really nothing special. Then again, upon first inspection, not really any worse than the selfie cam on the original KEY2.

BlackBerry KEY2 LE selfie samples - f/2.0, ISO 100, 1/164s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review BlackBerry KEY2 LE selfie samples - f/2.0, ISO 100, 1/174s - Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review
BlackBerry KEY2 LE selfie samples

Software

There's really not much to say about BlackBerry's legendary software suite, enterprise, and custom security solutions that hasn't already been said. Chances are that if you are currently using a BlackBerry as a company phone, there are not that many choices. This, alone, might be a good reason to get acquainted with the KEY2 LE.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

If you are not familiar with the BlackBerry app suite, there are a few important highlights. Worth pointing out. Nothing not already available on the vanilla KEY2, just to be clear.

In no particular order, there is DTEK - BlackBerry's proprietary security platform. It is a far-reaching, low-level platform that allows TCL to claim their devices offer the most secure Android experience, currently out there. The DTEK app, itself, also offers proactive scanning features and tools to identify potential security risks, such as unwanted data access by third-party apps.

Building on top of the DTEK security layer, there is the Locker app, which allows you to hide away apps, documents and photos. It also includes Firefox Focus - a security-focused browser that leaves little traces of our online activity behind.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Other notable software features, include extensive dual App support, including support for apps that require a unique phone number, on a dualSIM device. There is also the BlackBerry HUB - a central location for all your communication, including instant messenger.

Battery management has been infused with some extra smarts on the KEY3. Boost mode charging is now a thing. Also, BlackBerry has created a contextual battery reminder, which learns your daily charging cycle and monitors your upcoming activities and calendar appointments, so that it can remind you to charge at the most opportune time.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

Another small, but nifty new addition is the ability to map Google apps to the BlackBerry Convenience key. Singe press can be used to bring up the assistant, while long-pressing the button enters a sort of walkie-talkie mode, so you can talk to the Google Assistant, without using any wakeup words. Double pressing the button opens Google Lens.

To top It all off, BlackBerry has promised strict and timely, monthly Android security updates. Frankly, we would expect nothing less, given the lofty security claims.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry KEY2 LE will be available for purchase in markets globally - including Germany, the U.K., France, UAE, Canada and the U.S. - beginning next month, with a suggested retail price starting at $399 USD / €399 EUR / £349 GBP/ $519 CAD, for the 32GB storage variant and $449 USD / €429 EUR /£ 399 GBP / $579CAD, for the 64GB storage variant.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

BlackBerry phones have always been a niche product. In fact, it's in their DNA and at the core of the particular business model. Aside from the odd nostalgia-driven end-user, the bulk of these phones also live solely within enterprise environments. A place where a different set of problems, requirement, and corresponding solutions are the norm.

Hence, judging devices like the KEY2 LE from the same standpoint and pre-disposition as any other end-user smartphone out there is a flawed approach. Still, realistically, that's the only approach we can objectively have here. As such, even with its slashed price tag and what we think are reasonable downgrades, to go along, it is still a bad fit and value proposition for most regular users.

Blackberry KEY2 LE hands-on review

That being said, the faith of the KEY2 LE will surely depend on the enterprise consumer. If TCL has done its homework right and a toned-down, yet still proper BlackBerry experience is what business craves, then we have little doubt that the KEY2 LE will be successful within the comfy little niche BlackBerry has carved out for itself.

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