BlackBerry KEY2 available to pre-order in Canada June 21

TCL has announced that the BlackBerry KEY² will be available to pre-order in Canada from tomorrow (June 21), with devices available from July 6.

BlackBerry KEY² in Black is available starting July 6 at:

  • Bell: starting at $99 CAD on a 2-year term
  • Rogers: starting at $95 CAD on a 2-year term
  • SaskTel: starting at $99 CAD on a 2-year term
  • TELUS: starting at $100 CAD on a 2-year term

“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, Senior Vice President, TCL Communication & President, BlackBerry Mobile.

“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.”

The BlackBerry KEY2 in Silver will be available carrier unlocked at Amazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Staples.ca, Blueshop.ca and Visions.ca in July starting at $829.99 CAD outright.

Rogers will begin offering pre-sale of BlackBerry KEY² for both consumer and business customers starting on June 21.

“BlackBerry phones are the world’s most secure Android smartphones. We design them for security from the inside out, and we’re proud to partner with TCL Communication on the launch of their all-new BlackBerry KEY2,” said Alex Thurber, SVP and GM of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry.

“BlackBerry has been iterating and perfecting our approach to mobile security for decades, and we’re excited to have this new genuine, modern BlackBerry smartphone available for our fans around the world to enjoy.”

Running the latest Android 8.1 Oreo operating system, the BlackBerry KEY² is the first ever BlackBerry smartphone to feature a dual-rear camera. It also includes the introduction of Speed Key, a universal shortcut key that now makes it possible to instantly access the apps, contacts and functions you use most from anywhere on your device at any time.

The BlackBerry KEY² represents a clear step forward in the KEY product series, bringing together premium materials and refined details in this all-new BlackBerry smartphone. Starting with an elegant Series 7 aluminum frame for added durability, this continuous frame design offers a cleaner look and feel while increasing strength. The soft touch back has been updated as well with a new diamond pattern that adds to the premium design while also adding more grip and comfort.

BlackBerry KEY² Specs

Operating System Android 8.1 Oreo
Display 4.5-inch, 1620×1080
IPS LCD
434ppi
3:2 aspect ratio
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
Octa-Core 2.2 GHz x 4 + 1.8GHz x 4
Adreno 512 GPU
RAM 6GB
Storage 64GB (Black and Silver)
128GB (Black)
Expandable microSD up to 256GB
Rear Camera Dual Camera 12M (1.28um, F1.8) + 12M (1.0um, F2.6) with Dual Tone LED Flash
HDR, 4K video recording at 30 fps
Scan, Private Capture
Front Camera 8MP Fixed Focus
Selfie flash
1080p/30 video
Battery 3500 mAh non-removable
Charging USB-C
Compatible with USB Power Delivery 2.0 v1.2 & 9V2A 18W Quick Charge 3.0 Chargers
Water resistance No
Headphone jack Yes
Security DTEK security suite
FIPS 140-2 Full Disk Encryption
Android For Work, Google Play for Work
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, NFC
GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, OTDOA
FM Radio, 4G Mobile Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, USB OTG
BBF100-1 – EU, Africa, AU, Japan LTE Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/19/20/26/28/32
TD-LTE Band 38/39/40/41
BBF100-2 – Canada, US, LATAM LTE Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/28/29/30/66
TD-LTE Band 38/39/40/41
BBF100-4 – China LTE Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/26/28
TD-LTE Band 34/38/39/40/41
CDMA Band BC0
BBF100-6 (Dual SIM version) – ME, APAC, India, Indo LTE Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/19/20/26/28/32
TD-LTE Band 38/39/40/41
Dimensions 151.4mm x 71.8mm x 8.5mm
Weight 168g