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BlackBerry KEY2 LE gets a date

By JC Torres/

Samsung's early launch of the Galaxy Note 9 means only one thing. We only have a little over two weeks to get a breather before we're inundated by even more new products. IFA 2018 is just around the corner and with it comes new smartphones to choose from. If you're the type who prefers to see and feel the keys on your phone, however, choice is pretty limited. Fortunately, TCL and BlackBerry are likely to drop another one before this month is over.

Yes, it's probably the BlackBerry KEY2 LE, a.k.a. the BlackBerry KEY2 Lite. Or at least that's the hope that comes with an alleged invitation from TCL, who actually makes most of the BlackBerry-branded smartphones, to save an August 30th date. That, of course, marks the start of IFA in Berlin.

Not much has been leaked about the KEY2 LE, even with just 2 weeks left. Then again, there's not much to leak anyway. As a "lite edition", it is expected to keep many of the elements of the recently launched BlackBerry KEY2. Leaked images of the device do hint at that, with some minor changes aimed at cutting down costs.

As far as specs go, there might not be too much envy going on between the KEY2 and the KEY2 LE. The screens will be exactly the same and most of the downgrades will be in the processor (Snapdragon 660 vs 636), RAM (6 GB down to 4 GB), storage (64 GB to 32 GB), and battery (3,500 mAh vs 3,000 mAh). The cameras are also significantly different though the KEY2 LE will still have a dual camera pair of 13 megapixel and 5 megapixel sensors.

With very little difference, it will all boil down to the price, which is perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding the BlackBerry KEY2 LE. BB loyals won't have to wait too long, fortunately. But unfortunately, that might also mean that BlackBerry and TCL are practically done with new phones for this year.

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