Dubai
TCL’s new BlackBerry-branded Key2 is an upgrade to last year’s KeyOne with a bigger QWERTY keyboard, more privacy controls and value-added features.
TCL has updated the phone design compared to KeyOne and looks and feels more premium. It is made of Series 7 aluminium frame for added durability and offers a cleaner look, slimmer and lighter than the bulky KeyOne. It comes in black and silver colours. The soft back has been updated with a new diamond pattern for better grip and comfort.
TCL is launching this device at the right where data breaches are happening left and right, including the recent Facebook-Cambridge Analytica saga.
The 4.5-inch LCD display with a 1620 x 1080 resolution (434 pixels per inch density) is powered by 2.2GHz Qualcomm 660 processor and coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage capacity. The hybrid SIM tray supports up to 2TB of microSD card. It is powered by the hardened Android Oreo for more security and privacy. BlackBerry said the device would get Android P update.
TCL has used the mid-range chip set rather than the fastest and latest 845 chip set as TCL claims the chip is tested and validated right from the root level.
When compared to KeyOne, the LCD screen n Key2 is pushed up to make space for the larger keys. The keys are 20 per cent larger than KeyOne and slightly raised to make it easier to type and find. The 35-key keyboard is backlit and a new Speed Key has been incorporated into this by replacing the one Shift key on the right of the keyboard.
The fingerprint sensor is embedded into the space bar of the keyboard and it is fast and accurate.
After getting used to typing on an on-screen keyboard, I found it tough to type on the physical keys but after using the device for review for two weeks, I am getting the fastness on the Key2 keyboard. The matt-finish keys are now less slippery than KeyOne and has a lot more grip.
The speed key is for people who prefer shortcuts from an application. For example, if you are surfing on a website and you want to copy a para and send it someone in WhatsApp, from the website you can press the Speed Key plus ‘W’ and it will take you to WhatsApp without exiting the Website. Users can create their own customisable shortcut keys for a long and short press. Users can create 52 shortcuts but what I found out is that it is difficult to remember what keys are for what.
There is also the usual Convenience Key on the right side to adapt to user’s circumstance. Profiles can be set up for home when connected to a WiFi, car when connected a Bluetooth. Users can create three different shortcuts when the button is pressed.
The intelligent keyboard is also touch-sensitive and can be used as a trackpad and can be used to scroll pages and panels without touching the screen. When typing, the keyboard comes to life like a trackpad allowing fine cursor control, swipe gestures for predictive words and more.
At the same time, users can also type on the on-screen keyboard but the keyboard takes a bigger space and very little screen for viewing.
Regarding software, BlackBerry has retained most of the apps on KeyOne such as DTEK, BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Tasks, BBM, BlackBerry Device Search, BlackBerry Launcher, BlackBerry Password Keeper, BlackBerry Power Centre, Productivity Tab, BlackBerry Notable, BlackBerry Privacy shade, Battery Boost, Locker, FM Radio, Content transfer and File Manage apart from the Android apps.
Coming to cameras, it is the first BlackBerry phone with dual rear cameras — 12MP (f/1.8) and 12MP (f/2.6) and dual-tone flash. The secondary rear camera is for the telephoto zoom, similar to other dual phone cameras, for bokeh effect (blurring the background). It has 2x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom.
It does not have the best camera in the market but takes excellent snaps in proper lights. It struggles in lowlight conditions with grainy images. Anyway, TCL has not designed this phone for photo enthusiasts as the focus is on security and for business professionals.
It can take portrait shots only with the rear camera and not portrait selfies and lacks the slider control in other phones in the market.
It can record 4K at 30 and 24 frames per second (fps), 1080p and 720p at 60, 30 and 24fps. The enhanced video stabilisation is only available at 1080p at 30fps. It records well in proper-light conditions and not in low light.
Another good feature is that users can take private shots by pressing the fingerprint sensor and it saves to the Locker.
The 8MP fixed-focus camera can record 1080p videos at 30 and 24fps while 720p at 60, 30 and 24 fps. The camera app is basic and does not have the enhanced features as in other phones and Key2 comes with panorama and scanner modes. It also sports 19 filters to choose from.
TCL also integrated Google Lens to search online about the photos and get more information and Firefox Focus by Mozilla as a private browser when you don’t want your web browsing session to be tracked.
Regarding connectivity, it has USB-Type C port, dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, GPS, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.0.
Regarding battery, the 3500mAh gives more than a day of use due to its smaller screen and power-efficient processor. In addition, it has Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology and TCL has added a new Smart Battery Experience that will learn your charging habits and recommends when to charge your device. The 6/64GB is priced at Dh2,399 while 6/128GB is priced at Dh2,699.
Pro
• Speed Key
• Bigger and improved keyboard
• Good battery life
• Sleek and sturdy design
• Loads of privacy and security features
Cons
• Cameras need improvement
• Not the powerful CPU
• A bit pricey
• Single speaker
• Small screen may be frustrating for some
