BlackBerry KEY2 LE release: All the preorder details

The BlackBerry KEY2 LE Android smartphone has launched for preorder in the United States. Buyers can purchase the unlocked handset from Amazon now, reserving a unit ahead of the October 12 official sale start date. Best Buy will also start accepting preorders for the smartphone soon, doing so both online and in some retail stores.

The BlackBerry KEY2 LE is an Android phone featuring a 2K HD 4.5-inch display alongside a physical smart keyboard. That keyboard is perhaps the phone's most appealing element, at least for users who miss the old BlackBerry phones — the handset supports custom keyboard shortcuts, there's a Speed Key, and "flick typing."

The KEY2 LE's frame is designed to be impact resistant, according to BlackBerry; it includes a non-slip back and a soft texture. The handset features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor alongside 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, plus there's a microSD slot that supports capacities up to 256GB.

Other features include a dual rear camera featuring both 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensors alongside a dual-tone LED flash; it is capable of recording up to 4K videos. The front-facing camera is fixed with an 8-megapixel resolution and selfie flash.

The unlocked handset supports Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the US, and is offered in two color variants: Slate and Champagne, both of which support dual SIMs. Only the Slate option is available to preorder right now — it's $449.99 USD on Amazon. The Champagne option is more expensive at $499.99 USD and will be available to preorder starting on November 2.