BlackBerry KEY2 now available in South Africa

TCL has announced that starting today with Vodacom, the BlackBerry KEY2 will be available online and in Vodacom stores. The BlackBerry KEY2 in Black is now available from a recommended retail price of R599pm x 24 months on a Smart XS+.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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