BlackBerry Priv vs. KEY2 LE: A Detailed Comparison

BlackBerry, once a titan of the mobile world, continues to offer unique devices catering to productivity enthusiasts. The Priv, with its slider keyboard and flagship specs, represented a bold attempt at Android integration. The KEY2 LE, a more streamlined offering, focused on core BlackBerry features. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The KEY2 LE offers a more modern chipset and improved efficiency, resulting in better overall performance and potentially longer real-world battery life despite similar endurance ratings. While the Priv boasts a more powerful processor, the KEY2 LE's Snapdragon 636 provides a smoother experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names BlackBerry Priv BlackBerry KEY2 LE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA (STV100-1), Europe (STV100-4)HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, 29, 30 - USA (STV100-1)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 - BBE100-1, BBE100-4 DS (EU, Africa, AU)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20, 28 - Europe (STV100-4)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 29, 66, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BBE100-2, BBE100-5 DS (NA, LATAM)
Launch
Announced2015, October. Released 2015, November2018, August. Released 2018, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions147 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (5.79 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)150.3 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm (5.92 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)
KeyboardQWERTYQWERTY
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)156 g (5.50 oz)
 Capacitive touch 4-row BlackBerry keyboard-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)
Resolution1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~540 ppi density)1080 x 1620 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~434 ppi density)
Size5.4 inches, 81.6 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio)4.5 inches, 60.0 cm2 (~55.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD
 Curved edge screen-
Platform
CPUHexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57)Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm)Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 418Adreno 509
OSAndroid 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)Android 8.1 (Oreo)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.0eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesSchneider-Kreuznach optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single18 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/2.4", PDAF, OIS-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP8 MP
Video720p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS
RadioNoFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (SlimPort 4K)USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, altimeter, gyro, ToF proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC2 Wireless (Qi) (market dependent)-
Music playUp to 73 h-
Stand-byUp to 420 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 24 h (3G)-
TypeLi-Ion 3410 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackSlate, Champagne, Atomic
ModelsSTV100-4, STV100-3, STV100-1, V100, STV100-2BBE100-4, BBE100-5, BBE100-1, BBE100-2
PriceAbout 270 EURAbout 440 EUR
SAR-1.01 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.78 W/kg (head)     1.61 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 62h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Performance- AnTuTu: 116764 (v7) GeekBench: 4965 (v4.4)

BlackBerry Priv

  • Slider Keyboard
  • QHD Display
  • Flagship Processor (at launch)

  • Older Chipset
  • Potential Battery Drain
  • Outdated Software Support

BlackBerry KEY2 LE

  • More Efficient Processor
  • Improved Battery Life (potentially)
  • More Modern Design
  • Better Software Support

  • Lower Resolution Display
  • Less Powerful Processor than Priv (on paper)

Display Comparison

The Priv features a 5.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (QHD). The KEY2 LE has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 (FHD+). While the Priv has a higher resolution, the KEY2 LE's smaller resolution can contribute to slightly better battery efficiency. Both offer decent viewing angles and color reproduction, but the Priv's QHD resolution provides a sharper image.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided data. However, generally, the Priv's camera was considered decent for its time, offering good image quality in well-lit conditions. The KEY2 LE's camera, while not exceptional, benefits from software improvements and generally produces acceptable photos. Both likely struggle in low-light conditions.

Performance

The Priv's Snapdragon 808 chipset, while once flagship-level, is now showing its age. The KEY2 LE's Snapdragon 636 offers a more balanced and efficient performance, handling everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The KEY2 LE's octa-core Kryo processor generally provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

Both devices are reported with an endurance rating of 62h. However, the KEY2 LE's more efficient Snapdragon 636 chipset likely translates to better real-world battery life, as the Priv's older chipset consumes more power.

Buying Guide

The BlackBerry Priv is for those seeking a premium, albeit older, BlackBerry experience with flagship-level processing power and a slider keyboard. The KEY2 LE is ideal for users prioritizing productivity, a comfortable physical keyboard, and a more modern, efficient device at a more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the BlackBerry Priv still worth buying?
The Priv can be a good option for enthusiasts seeking a physical keyboard and a taste of BlackBerry's past, but be aware of its age and limited software support.
❓ Which BlackBerry offers better performance?
The BlackBerry KEY2 LE generally offers better performance due to its more efficient and modern Snapdragon 636 chipset.