MWC 2019: Blackberry Debuts Key2 Red Edition

MWC 2019: Blackberry Debuts Key2 Red Edition
Dražen Tomić - Tomich Productions

The BlackBerry KEY2 smartphone was recently named a winner of this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD. TCL Communication unveiled a new version at Mobile World Congress 2019 with the introduction of BlackBerry KEY2 Red Edition.

Featuring the iconic BlackBerry physical keyboard and loaded with advanced security and privacy enhancements, this refreshed smartphone variant builds on KEY2’s features with an exciting new design inspired by premium precision and performance. The newest addition to TCL’s range of BlackBerry-branded smartphones comes in a deep red Series 7 Aluminum frame, with black accents covering the textured back and the keys, helping create one of the most unique smartphones available today.

“We always appreciate the opportunity to respond to our customers when they ask for an exclusive device variant, which is why we offered the BlackBerry KEYone Black Edition, and now we can respond again with the Red Edition which offers a fresh take on our KEY2 smartphone,“ said Francois Mahieu, Global Managing Director for BlackBerry Mobile at TCL Communication. “With added styling and increased memory, this limited edition phone offers a distinct experience while putting a premium on reliability, productivity and security“

“In today’s hyperconnected world, people need devices that they can trust for security and data privacy,“ said Alex Thurber, Senior Vice President and GM of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry. “With a hardened Android operating system and software that alerts you when apps access your data, the BlackBerry KEY2 Red Edition is a stylish workhorse built with the highest-security standards in mind.“

New device is powered by Android, includes support for popular features like Google Lens and Google Pay, and comes with the recently introduced Google Assistant profile in the Convenience Key. It also features a dual rear camera and the popular Speed Key, while packing some extra performance with 6GB of memory and 128GB of storage. The limited Red Edition will also launch with a Hub+ software refresh which includes a new Action bar improving ergonomics by giving users quick access to primary features like search, sort, and compose. The essential productivity suite has also received a UX update giving both BlackBerry Hub and the BlackBerry Calendar a more modern and stylized look.

BlackBerry KEY2 Red Edition will be available in select markets across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia starting at £699/$749/€779, and will also include a special edition set of earbuds. Also, starting today the BlackBerry KEY2 Red Edition is available for pre-order across Europe on the official BlackBerry Mobile online store.