As part of efforts to revive the once-dominant BlackBerry brand, TCL Communication has unveiled the BlackBerry Key2 in New York, on Thursday. TCL Communication is the Chinese manufacturer which took over the rights to the smartphone brand from the Canadian tech firm in 2016.
Last year, the BlackBerry KEYone was released, an “All-New Secure Android Smartphone.”
The new BlackBerry Key2, which includes a physical keyboard under a 4.5-inch screen and runs the Android operating system updates the BlackBerry KEYone.
The all-new BlackBerry #KEY2 brings together iconic BlackBerry features with new experiences that include a dual-rear camera, more intelligent keyboard and improved privacy controls. https://t.co/0cuuulfkFK#Android #BlackBerry #TeamBlackBerry pic.twitter.com/9J8dvgTFpy
— BlackBerry Mobile (@BBMobile) June 7, 2018
“Although there are many different smartphones for consumers to choose from today, most tend to offer very similar experiences without much distinction from one to the next,” said Alain Lejeune, head of TCL’s BlackBerry Mobile division.
“With the introduction of BlackBerry Key2, we’ve created a distinct smartphone that captures all the traits that have made BlackBerry smartphones iconic, while introducing new innovations and experiences that not only make this one of the best devices for security and privacy, but also the most advanced BlackBerry smartphone ever.”
BlackBerry’s share of the global smartphone market has fallen to virtually zero from a peak of more than half a decade ago.
The dominance of Apple’s iOS and Android-powered handsets prompted the Canada-based firm to abandon the market to concentrate on software and services.
Under the agreement between the two firms, Canada’s BlackBerry will remain in control of software and security on smartphones, while TCL will produce handsets powered by Google Android software, abandoning the former BlackBerry OS software. TCL also produces smartphones under the Alcatel brand.
The phone will be sold this month starting at $649 or 649 euros, according to TCL Communication.
Its notable features include;
Dual Camera, with the primary featuring: 12 MP (f/1.8, 1/2.3″, 1.55µm, DP PDAF) + 12 MP (f/2.6, 1.0µm, PDAF), phase detection autofocus, dual-LED dual-tone flash, while the secondary camera is set at 8 MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm), 1080p.
It supports microSD, up to 256 GB and an internal storage of 64/128 GB, and a 6 GB RAM.
The sensors include a fingerprint (front-mounted), an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.
The phone comes with a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery
