BlackBerry Key2 LE

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Reviews for the BlackBerry Key2 LE

70% BlackBerry Key2 LE review: A cheaper way to get the keyboard in your pocket
Source: PC World Archive.org version
BlackBerry is trying to keep the experience similar across the different price points, and at $250 cheaper the Key2 LE doesn’t cut as many corners as I thought it would. Unfortunately the cut corners were in processing power, which did affect my day-to-day usage.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/26/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%

70% BlackBerry Key2 LE review: A cheaper way to get the keyboard in your pocket
Source: PC World Archive.org version
BlackBerry is trying to keep the experience similar across the different price points, and at $250 cheaper the Key2 LE doesn’t cut as many corners as I thought it would. Unfortunately the cut corners were in processing power, which did affect my day-to-day usage.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/26/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%

BlackBerry Key2 LE review: A cheaper way to get the keyboard in your pocket
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
BlackBerry is trying to keep the experience similar across the different price points, and at $250 cheaper the Key2 LE doesn’t cut as many corners as I thought it would. Unfortunately the cut corners were in processing power, which did affect my day-to-day usage.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/26/2019

91% BlackBerry KEY2 LE review: Physical keyboards aren’t for everyone anymore
Source: Techaeris Archive.org version
It’s been a very long time since I’ve used a BlackBerry. I think the last one I used for any period of time was the BlackBerry 8700C. So reading several other reviews will certainly help give you a more rounded idea about what to expect with the KEY2 LE. I don’t hate the phone, but I didn’t find the physical keyboard experience as good as I thought it would have been. This may be entirely different for you and you might actually love it. The best I can say is, buy it and try it. Or maybe find someone with a KEY2 or KEY2 LE and give it a go for a few minutes just to get an idea. It’s a fine mid-range device, but it’s my opinion that physical keyboards are just not for everyone anymore.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/02/2019
Rating: Total score: 91% price: 90% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 100% workmanship: 90%

BlackBerry Key2 LE review: For the frugal BlackBerry loyalist
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
If you’re looking for alternatives, the Nokia 7.1 and Huawei Mate 10 Pro are good choices. They both cost less than $500 unlocked, with the Nokia 7.1 getting points for its clean and up-to-date build of Android 9 Pie. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro features the still-powerful Kirin 970 processor and a 1080p AMOLED display.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/15/2019

80% BlackBerry Key2 LE review: A welcome key-change
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
While we're still not sold on the utility of a physical keyboard in this day and age, the sensible cuts TCL has made to the BlackBerry Key2 LE make it a much more attractive proposition - particularly for security-conscious businesses.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/05/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%

BlackBerry Key2 LE
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is a productivity powerhouse that offers better value for your money than its pricier sibling.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/01/2019

BlackBerry KEY2 LE Review: Cost Effective But with Compromises
Source: G Style Magazine Archive.org version
Going from the KEY2 to the KEY2 LE resulted in mixed results. The LE is suited for those that want a KEY2 but not pay the $649.99 price tag so of course you are compromising with a lower processor that can affect performance, no capacitive keyboard and significant change in build quality. On the plus side you the phone does feel lighter and easier to grip and I like typing on the LE keyboard more even with its omissions. Also, what will gear a decent amount of folks to the LE over the KEY2 is its inclusion of Verizon phone services. Its been wanted for awhile now and Big Red has flipped the switch for this device. That and the $200 price difference making it $449.99 doesn’t hurt either.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/31/2019

79% BlackBerry KEY2 LE review: Retro productivity with modern security and an affordable price
Source: Zdnet.com Archive.org version
Retro phones are making a comeback and the BlackBerry KEY2 LE may be just what you are looking for while all of your other friends rock similar glass sandwiches. Today's smartphones have very similar form factors and have trends that go in waves, such as the notch, pinhole camera, and under display fingerprint scanner. TCL Communication bucks the trends and continues to release BlackBerry devices with physical QWERTY keyboards.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/17/2019
Rating: Total score: 79%

66% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review: The Budget Throwback We Could Have Skipped
Source: Android Guys Archive.org version
I think BlackBerry is correct in that they need a phone hitting the price point below the $700 Key2 proper. However, I don’t know if the Key2 LE is that device. The keyboard and overall build materials make me feel the Key2 model needs to stay at the premium level. At $450 unlocked, I’d be more pressed to point a buyer towards a more polished product from Motorola or Nokia. They have much better hardware at even cheaper prices. If you can afford another $100, I’d also totally recommend the OnePlus 6T.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 66% price: 60% performance: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 50%

66% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review: The Budget Throwback We Could Have Skipped
Source: Android Guys Archive.org version
I think BlackBerry is correct in that they need a phone hitting the price point below the $700 Key2 proper. However, I don’t know if the Key2 LE is that device. The keyboard and overall build materials make me feel the Key2 model needs to stay at the premium level. At $450 unlocked, I’d be more pressed to point a buyer towards a more polished product from Motorola or Nokia. They have much better hardware at even cheaper prices. If you can afford another $100, I’d also totally recommend the OnePlus 6T.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 66% price: 60% performance: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 50%

80% BlackBerry Key2 LE review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
A 'light' version of the Key2, the Key2 LE offers the classic BlackBerry keyboard in a less pricey package. It's not a mainstream proposition, but its target audience will love it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/29/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review
Source: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org version
By this point in 2018, even hardcore BlackBerry fans and enthusiasts will have at least tried out a touchscreen phone. Unless you're utterly and completely certain by now that you need a physical keyboard, the Key2 LE is not the best use of your money. The most obvious competitors around this price are the Asus ZenFone 5z (Review) and Poco F1 ₹ 19,999 (Review), both of which have flagship-class specifications and cost less than Rs. 30,000. You could also look at several good options at lower prices that would save you some money, and subscribe to BlackBerry's Android app suite for a small amount each month.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/26/2018
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 70% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%

Review: BlackBerry Key2 LE
Source: Phone Scoop Archive.org version
The Key2 LE shares the same basic size, shape, and appearance of the pricier Key2, but downshifts materials and components to make it less costly. If you're a keyboard die-hard, the Key2 LE is an intriguing and affordable option thanks to the solid Android platform and productivity-boosting software from BlackBerry. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/26/2018

60% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review: The Keyboard You Can Afford
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Key2 LE makes BlackBerry's physical keyboard phone affordable, though it carries some compromises to hit its lower price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 60%

75% BlackBerry KEY2 LE Review: Anything you can do, I can do too
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a BlackBerry over genuine flagship Android phones or other mid-range phones is a largely aesthetic one. If software keyboards simply won’t serve your need, and if you don’t mind slightly underpowered processors, then the KEY2 LE is the optimal choice.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%

BlackBerry Key2 LE Review
Source: Fone Arena Archive.org version
In this modern, bezeless, big-screen smartphones era, it is good to have an option like BlackBerry 2LE with a physical keyboard. This device might not appeal for the larger part of the audience since it doesn’t tick any criteria as per the user requirement. The Blackberry Key 2LE is neither a media consumption device, nor the fastest one as well. If you leave the Rs. 29,990 price tag out of the equation, BlackBerry 2LE is an above average device with a good build quality, average camera and smooth performance. It comes in Slate Blue,
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/14/2018

60% BlackBerry Key2 LE review: A confusing affair
Source: The Indian Express Archive.org version
At Rs 29,990, BlackBerry Key2 LE is a tough sell even for business-savvy consumers. For me, the biggest issue with the Key2 LE is the lack of purpose. Granted, the phone is not for everyone and it is targeted at those who can’t live without a physical keyboard. But that experience then has to overshadow everything else and that’s where the BlackBerry Key2 LE fails to recreate the magic of an old BlackBerry phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/12/2018
Rating: Total score: 60%

70% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The Key2 LE remains a ‘BlackBerry die-hards only’ affair, but it’s far more sensibly priced than its big brother.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%

65% BlackBerry KEY2 LE 64GB Review
Source: Think Digit Archive.org version
The BlackBerry KEY2 LE still retains the BlackBerry DNA in the form of its long suite of pre-installed productivity and privacy apps. It also offers a pleasant physical keyboard typing experience. Sadly, it’s quite weak in the camera and audio departments.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 65%

BlackBerry KEY2 LE, First Take: An affordable phone for keyboard fans
Source: Zdnet.com Archive.org version
BlackBerry users can save a significant amount by choosing the KEY2 LE, if they're prepared to accept trade-offs on build materials, chipset, RAM, storage, rear camera resolution and battery capacity.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/31/2018

80% BlackBerry Key2 LE review: Productivity and performance without the price
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
At £349, the price reflects the mid-range specs, but what you get is still a solid, productivity-boosting device that holds true to the values you'd expect from a BlackBerry. You really don't miss much from the more expensive aluminium Key2, except the better camera which - for some - will make the LE model a no-go.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/31/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% BlackBerry Key2 LE Review: GREAT Design, But Do You Want Physical Keys Again?
Source: Know Your Mobile Archive.org version
A good-looking throwback to a simpler age, but the lack of power and that strange screen ratio might put some people off.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%

60% BlackBerry Key2 LE review
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is a well-priced mid-range phone that benefits from very similar design to the regular Key2. But performance issues let it down, and we recommend the Key2 over it.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 60%

85% BlackBerry KEY2 LE – Review
Source: Cool Smartphone Archive.org version
Having used a few Blackberry devices recently, I pretty much knew what I was expecting from the KEY2 LE.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 84% workmanship: 84%

BlackBerry KEY2 LE First Impressions
Source: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org version
The KEY2 LE will be made available in markets including Canada, France, Germany, the UAE, the UK, and the US starting next month. It comes across as a solid, no-nonsense smartphone crafted for physical keyboard loyalists on a relatively tight budget. BlackBerry smartphones are sold in India by licensee brand Optimues Infracom, which recently launched the KEY2 in the country for Rs. 42,990. If it brings the KEY2 LE to India and prices it aggressively, this phone could definitely make its presence felt in the market.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/06/2018

BlackBerry Key2 LE first impressions: Inferior specs, steep price and more
Source: The Indian Express Archive.org version
There’s no official word on the India availability and pricing. In Europe, the phone sells for roughly Euro 500 (Rs 46,000 approximately). For the specifications on offer, BlackBerry Key2 LE may not appeal to Indian consumers who have far better options like Xiaomi Poco F1 and OnePlus 6 in the Rs 30,000 price category.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/03/2018

BlackBerry Key2 LE first look: A red BlackBerry?
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
If you’ve been in the market for a keyboard-toting BlackBerry but weren’t prepared to pay the £599 asking price of the Key2, then the LE is perfect.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/31/2018

BlackBerry KEY2 LE Hands-on: Rounding out the curve
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
Equally unclear is precisely when Canadians can expect to purchase TCL’s latest BlackBerry-branded handset. TCL executives and representatives were hesitant to reveal any timeframe for the device’s eventual launch and carrier availability.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/31/2018

BlackBerry Key2 LE review: Hands-on impressions
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is a well-priced mid-range phone that benefits from very similar design to the regular Key2. You lose the capacitive touch keyboard and the keys are a touch smaller, but the lighter, smoother design is actually in some way preferable to the heavier, angular Key2.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/30/2018

Hands on: BlackBerry Key2 LE review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
They Key2 LE makes a physical keyboard-toting smartphone more accessible with a lower price tag.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/30/2018

BlackBerry KEY2 LE hands-on review
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
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.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/30/2018

BlackBerry Key2 LE initial review: Productivity and performance without the price
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
On the whole, there's a lot to like about the Key2 LE. It somehow feels more comfortable to hold and use than its more expensive sibling and, while there is some cost cutting done in some places, it's not to the detriment of the overall experience.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/30/2018

BlackBerry Key2 LE hands-on: Lighter phone, lighter price
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The Key2 LE will be available for $399 for the 32GB storage option, and $449 for the 64GB model. BlackBerry said availability starts globally “beginning next month,” meaning September, which is right around the corner.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/30/2018

Foreign Reviews

81% Blackberry Key2 LE Tipp für Tipper
Source: Connect - 3/19
Single Review, , Short, Date: 02/01/2019
Rating: Total score: 81% features: 76% mobility: 87% ergonomy: 75%

74% Blackberry Key2 LE Tastenhandy mit Aufpreis
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/16/2019
Rating: Total score: 74% performance: 82% features: 75% display: 80% mobility: 79%

Blackberry Key2 LE gute Tastatur, schwache Kamera
Source: Tech Stage DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/08/2019

70% Blackberry Key2 LE
Source: Android Mag DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/03/2019
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 58% display: 72% mobility: 70% workmanship: 100%

Weniger Features, kleinerer Preis
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/03/2018

Tastatur-Smartphone im Hands-on
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/30/2018

77% BlackBerry Key2 LE, análisis y opinión
Source: Computerhoy ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/24/2019
Rating: Total score: 77% features: 70% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%

BlackBerry KEY2 LE, primeras impresiones: la operación bikini y los colores sientan bien al teclado físico
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Great built quality; comfortable keyboard. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/03/2018

70% BlackBerry Key 2 LE
Source: PC Guia PT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/07/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%

Análise Blackberry Key 2 LE: O regresso dos blackberrys
Source: Mais Tecnologia PT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Comfortable keyboard; impressive design; high performance; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/28/2018

83% Recensione BlackBerry KEY2 LE e confronto KEY2
Source: Andrea Galeazzi IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/08/2018
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 75% display: 70% mobility: 69% workmanship: 85%

BlackBerry Key2 LE: il businessphone diventa più accessibile
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Stylish design; good price; decent hardware; nice performance.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/31/2018

50% Test Du Blackberry Key2 Le : Un Clavier Physique Ne Fait Pas Tout
Source: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/25/2018
Rating: Total score: 50% performance: 50% display: 60% mobility: 60% workmanship: 70%

70% Test du Blackberry KEY2 LE : le clavier physique à petit prix
Source: Phonandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/07/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%

On a essayé le nouveau BlackBerry Key2 LE : un Key2 moins pro mais plus accessible
Source: AndroidPit.fr FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/31/2018

BlackBerry KEY2 LE : un trio de couleurs pour ce KEY2 allégé !
Source: Geekbecois FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Impressive keyboard; nice design.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/31/2018

BlackBerry KEY2 LE : notre prise en main du clavier physique accessible à tous – IFA 2018
Source: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Stylish design; solid workmanship; impressive keyboard. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/30/2018

Co ma KEY2 czego nie ma wersja LE? BlackBerry KEY2 LE – recenzja i porównanie
Source: Galaktyczny PL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Solid workmanship; comfortable keyboard; fast fingerprint sensor; USB-C; quick charging; NFC. Negative: Plastic case; uncomfortable keyboard; poor cameras; high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/19/2019

BlackBerry KEY2 và KEY2 LE: Mở hộp và so sánh, đánh giá nhanh thiết kế
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; solid workmanship; decent hardware; comfortable keyboard.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/03/2018

BlackBerry ra mắt KEY2 LE tại VN, giá 11,8 triệu đồng
Source: Zing VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Beautiful design; solid workmanship; powerful hardware; comfortable keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/19/2018

IFA 2018: Trên tay BlackBerry Key2 LE: Phiên bản giá rẻ của Key2 liệu có hấp dẫn?
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good price; elegant design; nice display; comfortable keyboard; decent hardware; nice cameras.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/03/2018

Comment

Model: The Blackberry Key2 LE is a smartphone that features a physical full QWERTY keyboard, which is very rare and unique in the market these days. It is a cheaper variant of the company’s Key2 that is thinner and lighter. For design, the Key2 LE is unconventional compared to other mainstream smartphone brands. The design is definitely standing out in a crowd with its Atomic Red color version and its red frets across the keyboard. It is also a brave move for Blackberry to bring some style and variety to their device lineup. However, thus the Slate color will also be popular among business users as BlackBerry is known for producing business-focused devices with a matured design. In terms of software, the Key2 LE is a full-fledged Android phone. While it does not feature the company’s closed source Blackberry 10 operating system, the Key2 LE comes with Google Play Store and BlackBerry-specific applications such as BBM. The Key2 LE will ship with Oreo 8.1, with Pie 9.0 coming on the next update. As for hardware specifications, the Key2 LE is powered by a Snapdragon 636 SoC, which features four high-performance Kryo Gold cores and four low-power Kryo Silver cores. For memory, the Key2 LE is equipped with 4 GB of DRAM as well as 32 or 64 GB of storage. A microSD card slot is present to expand the storage even further.

The 4.5-inch display feature an aspect ratio of 3:2 and a resolution of 1,080 x 1,620 pixels. The smaller screen is the result of a keyboard occupying some of the screen space. Despite the smaller screen, it has a pixel density of 432 pixels per inch, which is higher than many smartphones' in the market. High pixel density can display anything crisp clear without any noticeable pixels. The camera is pretty average with a 13 MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera with a 5 MP f/2.4 telephoto camera for zoomed shots, while the front-facing camera is an 8 MP fixed focus unit. While it is not an outstanding specification for the camera, it can certainly get the job done. For the battery, the Key2 LE features a 3,000 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0. Interfaces include a 3.5 mm audio jack and a USB Type-C port. Blackberry delivered a mid-range smartphone with a unique and outstanding design. One may argue on the necessity of a physical keyboards in 2018. The on-screen keyboard is nearly perfect and has been integrated with many kinds of emoticon and animation settings. However, for those who still prefer a physical keyboards or for users who desire a taste of Blackberry, this is a great choice at a lower budget.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Qualcomm Adreno 509: Integrated graphics card in the Snapdragon 636 SoC based on the Adreno 500 architecture. Most likely featuring a slightly higher core clock compared to the Adreno 508.

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

SD 636: Mid-range octa-core SoC with eight Kryo 260 cpu cores at up to 1.8 GHz, an Adreno 509 GPU, a LPDDR4-2666 memory controller and a X12 LTE (Cat 13/12, 300 / 150 MBit) modem. Manufactured in the modern 14nm process.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

4.50":

This display is tiny. You will probably see very little on the screen and be able to use mini-resolutions.

72.43%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices with the same GPU

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight