Expect a Different Name for the BlackBerry KEY2 Lite

When it becomes official later this year, the BlackBerry KEY2 Lite might not actually be called that. The name could be even more concise to keep our attention elsewhere. It looks like TCL, who owns the global license to create BlackBerry-branded devices, will use a slightly different name than what’s been rumored.

Based on a new leak from DealNTech, TCL will apparently release this mid-range product as the KEY2 LE.

However, the name seems like an abbreviated version of ‘Lite Edition’ to indicate the watered-down specifications. Rather than using expensive components and materials, the KEY2 LE should get downgraded in a handful of areas to lower its price.

It’s expected to ship with the same 4.5-inch display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, but TCL might limit the KEY2 LE to a 2900mAh battery. The phone would still have Android 8.1 Oreo with BlackBerry’s apps and services pre-installed. But you might not get the same aluminum frame on the outside. Instead, TCL could switch to plastic.

The KEY2 LE doesn’t have a launch date on the calendar yet. So far, it appears that IFA 2018 in late August will serve as its host. TCL would be able to bring the KEY2 LE to a trade show where media outlets from all around the world are stationed together for a few days.