I'd buy a blackberry if they actually had a flagship grade processor and better cameras, I miss physical keyboards... But I'm also a stickler for specs.
Agreed. Couldn't care less about the processor really so long as it's up to par, but a crappy camera is a REAL problem. Still, wait how much crappier it is. At the moment it's still going to be the 64Gig KeyOne though because I like the frame better than this one. That gold looks good though.
yeah takes a lot of hard work to make something like this. I noticed the audio was a little different this time. Maybe change of audio recording places
The Key series of Blackberries look real solid and I like them a lot! But man do I wish we had a Priv 2, I loved the Blackberry Priv, and if they made a new one, fixed some of the issues that the old phone had, and bump up the specs to today's standards, I'd be more than happy to see you review it Michael! ^^
I still love mine and miss it immediately when I gotta switch (I use a moto g5+ so I can give it to baby girl and not worry about her breaking it, and a Keyone for busy work days when I know Priv battery won't make it). The lag factor gets canceled out by all the features / shortcuts, and even approaching 3 years old I don't see myself taking it out of rotation unless it literally breaks.
I could definitely get behind this! Take the Key2 specs and put them in a Priv style body! I really want to see the new Evolve and Evolve X making their way to North America, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one.
yesssss. They're charging flagship prices, but have no flagship specs. If they made a Priv 2 I would buy it in a heartbeat. Snapdragon 845 or whatever comes out at the time, same screen as Priv, 6 gb ram and a fingerprint sensor. And a PHAT battery
Where would all the power be used though? Still, I agree that the price should be a bit lower. Blackberries are niche devices and they know it, but if they want a bit more traction, they need to get their prices down.
Blackberry Mobile has licensing fees to pay to BlackBerry ltd, so they can't "just" give us the highest end specs and keep super low prices. Also, engineering a physical keyboard is more expensive than adding an extra inch and a half of glass
As always - so thorough and totally nailed your audience. Calling things like the space bar feel and capacitive board out is exactly the kind of info I'd expect from a hands on, and your the first to mention from the 3 I've seen so far. Always a pleasure!
I love that, when you go on short hiatuses, then you compensate with more videos. Your quality is such that I never miss anything, even when you review products I'm not really interested in. Keep it up, good sir!
Key One 2 LE is going to be great! And that means a physical keyboard is not ready to cried away from giant competitors anytime soon. Blackberry is always gonna be my best smartphone ever. Can't wait for the full beachmark.
Full review please, I was considering the key 2 to go alongside my iPhone but it just costs too much, the key2 le would be a much better option for me.
Thanks for this hands on...I was lucky to be at the KEY2LE launch event in Berlin...and before launch had my doubts but after trying it basically all afternoon / night I was very positively surprised....and yes those colors really hook ...by choice between the class of champagne and of course that atomic red. Looking forward to your full review.
From what I understand, if this camera "downgrade" ends up being the camera from the Keyone. It would end up being better! Haha Not saying that will happen. But it is a statement on how poor the camera is on the Key2, when the Keyone I understand was better. To me this also means a cheaper single lens camera could just as well be better in real world performance. We will have to wait & see.
This is exactly how an review should sound, professional, with a slight dose of wit, and all the lovely details dished out in a well calibrated and modulated tone, with absolutely NO CRAP INCLUDED. Thank you Michael, I am subscribing for sure.
A full of any device you show is always welcome. Your reviews have aided me in the past on making purchase decisions and recommendations. Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do👍
Here is an basketball player and technology geek considering trying TH-cam Tech Blogging, incredibly inspired by you. You, Sir, would make a hands-on of a fork video interesting. Keep doing great things, you are by far my first choice if i need opinnion on some tech! 🤟🏻
great review but everyone seem to forget to mention that if you TAP the SYM key you get a quick access to the virtual keyboard I use them both . Use it or not it is an option and people are surprised when they know its possible
Great video as always. Just a little note: you don't buy a Blackberry for their support. You get the security updates, but that's it. Ask any Priv, K1 or Motion owner how many OS updates they've had since they bought it.
Man you have the best videos! And very glad you're not afraid to show BlackBerry some love and respect! I love my KEY2, I'm a productivity horse, however I do wish the screen was wider. Thanks Mr. Mobile for the good content, but where was the dope intro?!
Being an owner of the KEYone, I can say when I upgrade phones, I'll definitely be going for the KEY2 LE, rather than the regular KEY2. I just can't justify dropping that much over half a grand just to have a phone with a physical keyboard. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who refuses to get a smartphone without a physical keyboard, now that there are options on the market for that again. Guess you could say I'm a stubborn kinda fellow, haha!
Using the Key1 Black for 8 months now. And have to say it's one of the greatest phones I ever had. Fast enough, good battery life, good looking, keyboard works fine even though it kind of sucks that there is no capacitivity on the bottom line. And noone really pays the suggested price. It's not Apple. I paid ~350€, 2 months after release. Much phone for that kind of money.
Full review is a must have, especially from somebody like you, Mr. Mobile. I'm truly interested on getting a BB Key2, but $650 is a little bit too much. Perhaps the LE can be a good offer for some people that want this device but not paying the extra cost.
I'd rather have a physical keyboard over an awesome camera. I am still using the key one. Have had it close to 2 years. I haven't noticed that it is slow like this video states. The camera is decent and the videos are very good. Only miss that I can't pause a video while taking a video. I am very pleases that the battery life is still very good which is very important to me.
Have we come out with a phone like the Note 4 can't we push for something with a great camera with removable battery that gives us an IR blaster stereo front facing speakers runs pretty fast and has a great screen
I think this is better value for money than the Key2. Only really losing the track pad and a little battery. Buying a high quality case solves the plastic build. Same screen, security updates, keys only 10 per cent smaller. What's not to like? 😃
I have this phone, and I love it. It's a huge upgrade from the Key One. Why not save $200 bucks. Performance is not that drastically different from the Key 2, and battery life is still phenomenal.
Passport was the perfect phone, just needs a upgrade with a 3:2 screen (with the 3 ratio vertical) so it is not square, yes it maybe big but phones are this size now. Stereo fantastic talking quality and reception and the best keyboard! Smooth and big buttons.
Wonder if removing the capacitive keyboard helps improve performance. Although not sure I can live without it. The shift key swipe to highlight, double tap to move the cursor and flick to type/swipe to delete is gold.
@@TheMrMobile wow but Samsung Galaxy S9 is inovative??? Cmon a different camera and the s9 is WOW! Sony at least got a new screen and improved design. Also it is the first phone after the pixels to get android pie. Plus a bit of advertising would Hurt so Sony gets at least a bit of attention in the us!
TBH the Key 2 LE reminds me of Apples iPhone 5C (I'm typing this comment on one) and if I can have at least a SLIGHTLY nippy experience, (and less battery degradation), it might just go on a wish list of mine. BTW, loving the short vids MrMobile. Thanks for keeping us up to date with everything interesting coming out of IFA.
I'm interested in BB for the keyboard, inc. the swipe gesture it has. If they remove that keyboard gesture feature, it's a deal breaker, I'll give it a miss then (would stick to BB K2 then). Plus, good camera is a must for me. Perhaps when BB Key2 price lowered, next year...
Sounds like the KEYOne's still a better option given its cost still being another $150-200 cheaper than the LE. Hopefully your review comes soon enough to guide my buying hands.
You seem to be the only reviewer who understands all about Blackberry and being a Blackberry user. But I think that LE isn’t a thing even for $399/$499 - BlackBerry seem to make decisions mistakes again... That’s what the normal KeyTWO should cost.
I'm not racist but I thoroughly enjoy my KEY2 LE and if you value the keyboard, then it's worth the money. Every other phone on the market is the same looking slab of glass with very little to no character or distinction from one another. Yawn
@@KBoon Thanks for your reply! No doubt, the Key2 is a great device! Please don't get my initial comment wrong - if you enjoy it, it's absolutely worth the money. The thing is, many people don't know/remember BlackBerry anymore and a general price tag +$499 seem to high for something to "try" out. I imagine a Key2 Lite for $299 and a Key2 for $399 or so would attract more people to try them out. Nowadays, all people do is compare specs and numbers - not the experience anymore (because somehow all touch devices seem to be the same), but this is different. I have been a long-term BlackBerry (with 12 devices in my shelf) user myself and I really miss that old time (also BBOS & OS10). But still this is even too pricey for me.
I'm not racist but The KEY2, KEY2 LE (and KEYone for that matter) will still get you MUCH closer to that classic blackberry/BB10 experience you love than any of these notched glass sandwiches. The in-hand feel of the LE is amazing, it's a phone you know doesn't automatically need a case as soon as you pull it out of the box. The 156g of weight means if you do drop it, it hits the ground with less force therefore less chance of something breaking. The days of using a phone as-is without slapping a piece of rubber on it are over as every OEM somehow thinks glass is a great material for a mobile device that can often be dropped. Now the LE does have a glass screen of course so a tempered glass protector is recommended, but it can do just fine without a case
Hmm that's alot of sacrifices for not alot of cost savings. The red one is slick though. Reminds me of the old Moto maker where you could design accent colors rather than just have one bright ass phone
Good preliminary review, Michael. However you sound a little skeptical. I think BlackBerry Mobile might have hit a sweet spot here with much of the BlackBerrygoodness...providing the camera isn't a letdown.
Blackberry should have something in Sony Z Compact series and iPhone SE series zone. Pretty niche zone, (minus the blackberry keyboard) One of the finest host and channel. Thank you Mr. Fisher.
I just wish BlackBerry would put more effort in to their cameras and delivering regular and more timely software updates. I would love to own a BlackBerry but the lack of those two things is holding me back.
Hey Michael what did you end up doing with that disappointing moto z3... can’t believe Motorola gave up like you said the z2 force with the turbo pack and speaker is pretty much all you need
I would love to see a new Priv edition, slider turned out to be an amazing choice, the only problem is that it has terrible speed and battery problems now
I have a Key 1 and I would almost buy a Key 2 LE for the colors but the capacitive layer is something I love. I'll end up waiting for a Key 3 to come out. Unless they lower that price to something reasonable.
Be cool to see where your thoughts are on Key2 a year later if you wanted to combine it with an LE review. I wanted to get a key2, but wasn't up for paying $650. Seeing around now they released a Red edition with the only upgrade in on-board storage which wouldn't bring price down of the original I figured I go for the LE since I only just want something to type with. I only use my phone for calls, text, forums, music, and podcasts any way. Also durability test for LE are hard to come by.
I'm interested in the review but I was extremely disappointed with the removal of the trackpad. Minor keys? Okay. Lower processor? Okay. Less Ram? Okay. Lower Cameras? Okay (but it would be better if they just used the single sensor of the previous generation). But the lack of the Trackpad? For me, the LE model is completely out of the question to be acquired.
After trying the key one and key two, I found the keyboard of passport is far better in terms of the feedback and gesture. Still a shame that BlackBerry is about to abandon the bbos10 in 2020
Hmm this is interesting! I'd say it's a good choice. But honestly each one should at least be $100 cheaper, both the Key2 & the LE. But it's good to see TCL producing another model. It means there making money. And who knows maybe there could be a future with a high end PRIV Or Priv like smartphone with top tier specs.
I don't care what the spec sheet says. If it does what I need, that's all I care about. And I think the KEY2 LE is just the right combination of features and affordability for people like me who love physical keyboards. They better release the Atomic version in the US!!
Never was into physical keyboards. My first smartphone was a BB Storm 2, no keyboard. I convinced myself I was going to get a 9096 or whatever it was until I tried one and found I couldn't type at all! Bought a LG Revolution instead. Later I was going to go z10, until my wife's iPhone 4 gave out unexpectedly, so to save money I bought 2 iPhone 4s's instead (The 5 was out by then). At this point, I don't see a BlackBerry or a physical keyboard in my future.
I hate these phones because they get my curiosity going. I just want to pick one up and is it. I don't know how long I'd use it or how good it would be but I want one.
Personally the display is about the only thing which they should change as well as the material. Aside from that though, people are already paying for a phone with lesser specifications. Seems odd they're still charging so much money.
I've got the KeyOne as my main phone and my old iPhone 6 as a backup and the iPhone has been wonky at times especially with the battery. Even though the Key2 LE is a cheap alternative to the Key2, is it still an upgrade to the KeyOne? If so I might consider transitioning that as my main and the KeyOne b my backup.
![MrMobile [Michael Fisher]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/Bf8B_79jyHxP6CVnjV5WKws93l9Vxlk0d7aPmcBygTBDKzgsGrpazdJRFUrfg1sUNlo8YX8rji8=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
I'd buy a blackberry if they actually had a flagship grade processor and better cameras, I miss physical keyboards... But I'm also a stickler for specs.
Caring about specs in itself, regardless of use case is almost always a silly and very costly idea.
We'll said. A Oneplus 6 blows away the Key2 and is much cheaper.
I guess i can still accept a sd636 for $400, but they also cut down the already unimpressive camera. That's the biggest turnoff
@@SyukriLajin redmi note 5 cost 200€ in EU with same hardware and maybe better camera
Agreed. Couldn't care less about the processor really so long as it's up to par, but a crappy camera is a REAL problem. Still, wait how much crappier it is. At the moment it's still going to be the 64Gig KeyOne though because I like the frame better than this one. That gold looks good though.
Hats off for the production quality of these videos Micheal 🙌🏻 Absolutely Incredible !
yeah takes a lot of hard work to make something like this. I noticed the audio was a little different this time. Maybe change of audio recording places
Thanks! And yes, recording VO in a hotel room in Berlin instead of in my usual sound booth in Boston.
Yeah.. Michael's good...
The Key series of Blackberries look real solid and I like them a lot! But man do I wish we had a Priv 2, I loved the Blackberry Priv, and if they made a new one, fixed some of the issues that the old phone had, and bump up the specs to today's standards, I'd be more than happy to see you review it Michael! ^^
I loved the Priv!!
I still love mine and miss it immediately when I gotta switch (I use a moto g5+ so I can give it to baby girl and not worry about her breaking it, and a Keyone for busy work days when I know Priv battery won't make it).
The lag factor gets canceled out by all the features / shortcuts, and even approaching 3 years old I don't see myself taking it out of rotation unless it literally breaks.
I could definitely get behind this! Take the Key2 specs and put them in a Priv style body! I really want to see the new Evolve and Evolve X making their way to North America, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one.
yesssss. They're charging flagship prices, but have no flagship specs. If they made a Priv 2 I would buy it in a heartbeat. Snapdragon 845 or whatever comes out at the time, same screen as Priv, 6 gb ram and a fingerprint sensor. And a PHAT battery
So true hope fully the blackberry priv next year 2019
BlackBerry should go all in on specs to justifies its prime price tag.
Anyway, great vid like always.
Where would all the power be used though?
Still, I agree that the price should be a bit lower. Blackberries are niche devices and they know it, but if they want a bit more traction, they need to get their prices down.
True...but if they go all in on specs they better make sure that they have a battery in there that will make it last at least an entire day.
Blackberry Mobile has licensing fees to pay to BlackBerry ltd, so they can't "just" give us the highest end specs and keep super low prices. Also, engineering a physical keyboard is more expensive than adding an extra inch and a half of glass
I still want that trackball which blackberry bold had
Get a HTC G1. Trackball, physical keyboard. Android. There you go.
As always - so thorough and totally nailed your audience. Calling things like the space bar feel and capacitive board out is exactly the kind of info I'd expect from a hands on, and your the first to mention from the 3 I've seen so far. Always a pleasure!
Personally feel like they should have priced this $100 less, people would actually buy it then.
It would of sell out quick...
I will give it another year, and get key3 le.
You know the name of the game is to turn some type of profit right? Business 101
@@thesemfnnutts I want a slightly larger screen that doesn't have capacitive buttons as with Android P those will become defunct.
@@thesemfnnutts higher sales volume at a lower profit margin leads to higher overall profits. Also business 101
I love that, when you go on short hiatuses, then you compensate with more videos. Your quality is such that I never miss anything, even when you review products I'm not really interested in. Keep it up, good sir!
Key One 2 LE is going to be great! And that means a physical keyboard is not ready to cried away from giant competitors anytime soon. Blackberry is always gonna be my best smartphone ever. Can't wait for the full beachmark.
Full review please, I was considering the key 2 to go alongside my iPhone but it just costs too much, the key2 le would be a much better option for me.
Me too
Yes we want a blackberry key 2 le review
Thanks for this hands on...I was lucky to be at the KEY2LE launch event in Berlin...and before launch had my doubts but after trying it basically all afternoon / night I was very positively surprised....and yes those colors really hook ...by choice between the class of champagne and of course that atomic red. Looking forward to your full review.
Yes there needs to be 4 way test between the keyone,keyone black edition ,keytwo le and the keytwo regular version. .
Downgraded camera?!? Since the KeyTwo camera wasn't low quality enough...
From what I understand, if this camera "downgrade" ends up being the camera from the Keyone.
It would end up being better! Haha
Not saying that will happen.
But it is a statement on how poor the camera is on the Key2, when the Keyone I understand was better.
To me this also means a cheaper single lens camera could just as well be better in real world performance.
We will have to wait & see.
Key two has their first dual camera. You'd expect there to be updates and improvements to come.
This is exactly how an review should sound, professional, with a slight dose of wit, and all the lovely details dished out in a well calibrated and modulated tone, with absolutely NO CRAP INCLUDED. Thank you Michael, I am subscribing for sure.
I'm still waiting til I can come across a Key One for around $200
A full of any device you show is always welcome. Your reviews have aided me in the past on making purchase decisions and recommendations. Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do👍
Here is an basketball player and technology geek considering trying TH-cam Tech Blogging, incredibly inspired by you. You, Sir, would make a hands-on of a fork video interesting. Keep doing great things, you are by far my first choice if i need opinnion on some tech! 🤟🏻
great review but everyone seem to forget to mention that if you TAP the SYM key you get a quick access to the virtual keyboard I use them both . Use it or not it is an option and people are surprised when they know its possible
Great video as always. Just a little note: you don't buy a Blackberry for their support. You get the security updates, but that's it. Ask any Priv, K1 or Motion owner how many OS updates they've had since they bought it.
Maybe top 3 only TH-camr who review that blackberry I can really trust
Man you have the best videos! And very glad you're not afraid to show BlackBerry some love and respect! I love my KEY2, I'm a productivity horse, however I do wish the screen was wider. Thanks Mr. Mobile for the good content, but where was the dope intro?!
For $399 I'd rather buy a chair
Yah, a blackberry can't do this.
that better be one nice chair
and it better be a gaming chair too
Or a bed
I rather buy the real thing
Being an owner of the KEYone, I can say when I upgrade phones, I'll definitely be going for the KEY2 LE, rather than the regular KEY2. I just can't justify dropping that much over half a grand just to have a phone with a physical keyboard. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who refuses to get a smartphone without a physical keyboard, now that there are options on the market for that again. Guess you could say I'm a stubborn kinda fellow, haha!
Do you like it?
growing up with my first phone being a sidekick, i will forever love keyboard phones.
I would love to see a comparison between KEYone and The new Key2LE.
Using the Key1 Black for 8 months now.
And have to say it's one of the greatest phones I ever had. Fast enough, good battery life, good looking, keyboard works fine even though it kind of sucks that there is no capacitivity on the bottom line.
And noone really pays the suggested price. It's not Apple. I paid ~350€, 2 months after release. Much phone for that kind of money.
Could you do a security check to test how secure it actually is...maybe even comparing it against other phones?
Waiting for your hands on video of the PocoPhone.
Where is key2 full review???
Best phone I ever bought. Too bad the original Key2 is out of stock, looking to buy that too
Full review is a must have, especially from somebody like you, Mr. Mobile. I'm truly interested on getting a BB Key2, but $650 is a little bit too much. Perhaps the LE can be a good offer for some people that want this device but not paying the extra cost.
I don't get why BlackBerry went with Google?
I have to say, out all the channels I watch regarding reviews on new smartphones, your channel by far is my Favorite! 👌😉 Keep them videos coming.. 👍
I'd rather have a physical keyboard over an awesome camera. I am still using the key one. Have had it close to 2 years. I haven't noticed that it is slow like this video states. The camera is decent and the videos are very good. Only miss that I can't pause a video while taking a video. I am very pleases that the battery life is still very good which is very important to me.
Have we come out with a phone like the Note 4 can't we push for something with a great camera with removable battery that gives us an IR blaster stereo front facing speakers runs pretty fast and has a great screen
Maybe some company will, perhaps lg or Samsung
Im just happy u keep reviewing BB... thumbs up for that.
I think this is better value for money than the Key2. Only really losing the track pad and a little battery. Buying a high quality case solves the plastic build. Same screen, security updates, keys only 10 per cent smaller. What's not to like? 😃
The lack of gesture feature on the keyboard is the deal breaker for me. You should definitely do a review.
I have this phone, and I love it. It's a huge upgrade from the Key One. Why not save $200 bucks. Performance is not that drastically different from the Key 2, and battery life is still phenomenal.
Your reviews are the only ones I watch so, please do a complete review of the key2 LE.
Passport was the perfect phone, just needs a upgrade with a 3:2 screen (with the 3 ratio vertical) so it is not square, yes it maybe big but phones are this size now. Stereo fantastic talking quality and reception and the best keyboard! Smooth and big buttons.
This looks great...but I want the FULL Key2 ...but I’m on Verizon ...am I SOL?
I love your videos I wish every tech reviewer brought the same passion and energy that you do you make these tech videos so amazing to watch
Wonder if removing the capacitive keyboard helps improve performance. Although not sure I can live without it. The shift key swipe to highlight, double tap to move the cursor and flick to type/swipe to delete is gold.
Key 2 le review please 👍
Dear Mr. M, please do the Xperia xz3
Basically an XZ2 with another display. :) But no, I’ll swing by and check it out if I get the time! Thanks for the suggestion.
most US based reviewers don't really cover Sonys since the US seems to be not a major market for sony
@@TheMrMobile wow but Samsung Galaxy S9 is inovative??? Cmon a different camera and the s9 is WOW! Sony at least got a new screen and improved design. Also it is the first phone after the pixels to get android pie. Plus a bit of advertising would Hurt so Sony gets at least a bit of attention in the us!
Well at least you have the option, really there are just too few phones on the market with physical keyboards.
I agree
TBH the Key 2 LE reminds me of Apples iPhone 5C (I'm typing this comment on one) and if I can have at least a SLIGHTLY nippy experience, (and less battery degradation), it might just go on a wish list of mine. BTW, loving the short vids MrMobile. Thanks for keeping us up to date with everything interesting coming out of IFA.
More on the Key2 LE - please. Thanks.
I'm interested in BB for the keyboard, inc. the swipe gesture it has. If they remove that keyboard gesture feature, it's a deal breaker, I'll give it a miss then (would stick to BB K2 then).
Plus, good camera is a must for me.
Perhaps when BB Key2 price lowered, next year...
Sounds like the KEYOne's still a better option given its cost still being another $150-200 cheaper than the LE. Hopefully your review comes soon enough to guide my buying hands.
Blackberry priv did shake the market.
I saw several suits carry one in cyber city (near Delhi) however Blackberry just abandoned the phone
I've just bought mine for 150
What a bargain
And what a good phone
I would rather have the key one with the scrolling keyboard. I don't think the key one is slow?
Always love your videos. Thank you for your effort
Yes review is needed, compromises are too many and price is on higher side.
Glad the spacebar feels the same as the other keys
I'm interested in a full review. I'm on the fence because of the price
Black berry priv was a nice balance
You seem to be the only reviewer who understands all about Blackberry and being a Blackberry user. But I think that LE isn’t a thing even for $399/$499 - BlackBerry seem to make decisions mistakes again... That’s what the normal KeyTWO should cost.
I'm not racist but I thoroughly enjoy my KEY2 LE and if you value the keyboard, then it's worth the money. Every other phone on the market is the same looking slab of glass with very little to no character or distinction from one another. Yawn
@@KBoon Thanks for your reply! No doubt, the Key2 is a great device! Please don't get my initial comment wrong - if you enjoy it, it's absolutely worth the money. The thing is, many people don't know/remember BlackBerry anymore and a general price tag +$499 seem to high for something to "try" out. I imagine a Key2 Lite for $299 and a Key2 for $399 or so would attract more people to try them out. Nowadays, all people do is compare specs and numbers - not the experience anymore (because somehow all touch devices seem to be the same), but this is different. I have been a long-term BlackBerry (with 12 devices in my shelf) user myself and I really miss that old time (also BBOS & OS10). But still this is even too pricey for me.
I'm not racist but The KEY2, KEY2 LE (and KEYone for that matter) will still get you MUCH closer to that classic blackberry/BB10 experience you love than any of these notched glass sandwiches.
The in-hand feel of the LE is amazing, it's a phone you know doesn't automatically need a case as soon as you pull it out of the box. The 156g of weight means if you do drop it, it hits the ground with less force therefore less chance of something breaking.
The days of using a phone as-is without slapping a piece of rubber on it are over as every OEM somehow thinks glass is a great material for a mobile device that can often be dropped. Now the LE does have a glass screen of course so a tempered glass protector is recommended, but it can do just fine without a case
Hmm that's alot of sacrifices for not alot of cost savings. The red one is slick though. Reminds me of the old Moto maker where you could design accent colors rather than just have one bright ass phone
Good preliminary review, Michael. However you sound a little skeptical. I think BlackBerry Mobile might have hit a sweet spot here with much of the BlackBerrygoodness...providing the camera isn't a letdown.
Blackberry should have something in Sony Z Compact series and iPhone SE series zone. Pretty niche zone, (minus the blackberry keyboard) One of the finest host and channel. Thank you Mr. Fisher.
Deep Ondroid No one cares about a touchscreen Berry.
Sales and hype of the Motion prove just that
I just wish BlackBerry would put more effort in to their cameras and delivering regular and more timely software updates. I would love to own a BlackBerry but the lack of those two things is holding me back.
This year IFA sounds different .... a new mike eh? and what is TCL thinking? Look at HMD maybe?
I can tell this isn’t your usual audio setup. Slight echo and a touch tinny. Still great MrMobile.
BB team, still, what's with the pricing?
Absolutely I would love to see a full review on the le.
Hey Michael what did you end up doing with that disappointing moto z3... can’t believe Motorola gave up like you said the z2 force with the turbo pack and speaker is pretty much all you need
I would love to see a new Priv edition, slider turned out to be an amazing choice, the only problem is that it has terrible speed and battery problems now
Don't forget the bad android marshmallow and snapdragon 820, it was a bad time to be a android user lol
I have a Key 1 and I would almost buy a Key 2 LE for the colors but the capacitive layer is something I love. I'll end up waiting for a Key 3 to come out. Unless they lower that price to something reasonable.
I'm so sorry you're still waiting till this day
i read somewhere that keyboard on LE, has the same trackpad gestures, not? or yes? !
hi there, 1 question only, could you install Grammarly app into BB key2LE please....?
Be cool to see where your thoughts are on Key2 a year later if you wanted to combine it with an LE review. I wanted to get a key2, but wasn't up for paying $650. Seeing around now they released a Red edition with the only upgrade in on-board storage which wouldn't bring price down of the original I figured I go for the LE since I only just want something to type with. I only use my phone for calls, text, forums, music, and podcasts any way. Also durability test for LE are hard to come by.
Sure I'd like a full review. Is it laggy compared to Key 2, how is the camera after some testing...
I'm interested in the review but I was extremely disappointed with the removal of the trackpad. Minor keys? Okay. Lower processor? Okay. Less Ram? Okay. Lower Cameras? Okay (but it would be better if they just used the single sensor of the previous generation). But the lack of the Trackpad? For me, the LE model is completely out of the question to be acquired.
I think they had to remove the trackpad to keep the price down
Yes.. I'll order 1 full review please.
What you think of it?
Would be cool to have a haptic keyboard, I’d be into that, it would probably improve water proving as well.
After trying the key one and key two, I found the keyboard of passport is far better in terms of the feedback and gesture. Still a shame that BlackBerry is about to abandon the bbos10 in 2020
I would love to see a Microsoft surface go review from you Michael
They should make a classic 2 with the same physical dimensions as the classic. It’s the best form factor in my opinion
I would dig a traditional blackberry with an awesome OS.
Does it have NFC? Would love to see a full review!
The LE is at a price where the Key2 should be.
Love the video quality. But who would want to pay for a phone this price in 2020 with a 2016 specs level?
Are u not gonna meet the Xpeeia xz3?
you give the best reviews man, Props.
Hmm this is interesting!
I'd say it's a good choice.
But honestly each one should at least be $100 cheaper, both the Key2 & the LE.
But it's good to see TCL producing another model.
It means there making money.
And who knows maybe there could be a future with a high end PRIV Or Priv like smartphone with top tier specs.
I'd like to view a real test of the KEY 2 LE!
I think I'll probably just go get the KeyTwo. Love that phone.
I don't care what the spec sheet says. If it does what I need, that's all I care about. And I think the KEY2 LE is just the right combination of features and affordability for people like me who love physical keyboards. They better release the Atomic version in the US!!
Love that intro sound. Makes me feel curious and quirky at the same time.
Michael this has been my favorite phone. EVER.
Never was into physical keyboards. My first smartphone was a BB Storm 2, no keyboard. I convinced myself I was going to get a 9096 or whatever it was until I tried one and found I couldn't type at all! Bought a LG Revolution instead. Later I was going to go z10, until my wife's iPhone 4 gave out unexpectedly, so to save money I bought 2 iPhone 4s's instead (The 5 was out by then). At this point, I don't see a BlackBerry or a physical keyboard in my future.
I hate these phones because they get my curiosity going. I just want to pick one up and is it. I don't know how long I'd use it or how good it would be but I want one.
I need the capacitive layer. Seriously. Big compromise to save 200$
Personally the display is about the only thing which they should change as well as the material. Aside from that though, people are already paying for a phone with lesser specifications. Seems odd they're still charging so much money.
Are you going to do a full review? 😀
I've got the KeyOne as my main phone and my old iPhone 6 as a backup and the iPhone has been wonky at times especially with the battery. Even though the Key2 LE is a cheap alternative to the Key2, is it still an upgrade to the KeyOne? If so I might consider transitioning that as my main and the KeyOne b my backup.