IFA2018: TCL Communication introduces new BlackBerry KEY2 LE smartphone
TCL Communication has unveiled it latest BlackBerry smartphone – the BlackBerry KEY2 LE.
This new addition to the KEY smartphone line-up offers three colour variants – Slate, Champagne and Atomic – while keeping with the KEY2 design evolution which includes minimised screen bezels and a redesigned chassis for a more modern look and feel.
It also comes with the recently introduced Speed Key for a more customized universal shortcut experience and, in addition to its Android operating system, includes support for popular features like Google Assistant, Google Lens and Google Pay.
The BlackBerry KEY2 LE features a lightweight polycarbonate frame and a newly designed soft textured back that provides better in-hand grip to prevent drops. It also includes a Full-HD, 2.5D display.
Designed for accuracy and precision, the physical keyboard includes the Speed Key that enables shortcut access to a number of functions on your device at any time, without having to return to the home screen or search in an app folder to access the apps, contacts and functions you use and communicate with most. The Speed Key is complemented by 52 customizable shortcuts so you can program each key to instantly bring up the contacts and apps you use most.
The dual rear camera (13MP+5MP) includes Portrait mode and is partnered by an 8MP front camera that comes with LCD flash and new capture modes like Wide Selfie (selfie panorama) and Face Beauty, which offers new selfie capture enhancements. You can also learn more about the world around you with Google Lens camera integration, which can help you quickly access more information on landmarks, buildings, books and more simply by pointing your camera at the object.
Says Alain Lejeune, Senior Vice President, TCL Communication & President, BlackBerry Mobile:
“Today’s smartphones try to offer a one size fits all solution, but that is no longer realistic when we have a global marketplace as diverse as we have today. This is why we focus on making modern BlackBerry smartphones like KEY2 LE, to standout and deliver a great experience for everyday communication, with access to all the features, connectivity and applications our customers expect.”
Adds Alex Thurber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry:
“The BlackBerry KEY LE brings a fresh new personality to TCL Communication’s BlackBerry KEY2 portfolio that includes all the security features that make BlackBerry phones the world’s most secure Android™ smartphones.
“With this new addition to their product lineup, the KEY2 LE keeps the iconic BlackBerry styling while offering an accessible entry point for our fans around the world to enjoy a modern BlackBerry smartphone.”
The BlackBerry KEY2 LE will be available for purchase in markets globally – including Germany, the UK, France, UAE, Canada and the US – beginning next month with the suggested retail price starting at £349 GBP / $399 USD / €399 EUR / $519 CAD for the 32GB storage variant and £399 GBP / $449 USD / €429 EUR / $579CAD for the 64GB storage variant.
