New BlackBerry Classic Q20 will return in 2025 with a modern twist Q25 Pro

For those who remember the pleasant click of a physical keyboard and the unique feel of a productivity-oriented device, the BlackBerry Classic holds a special place in their hearts. Now, more than a decade after its initial release, the popular smartphone is set to make a remarkable comeback in 2025. Thanks to the ingenuity of Chinese company Zinwa Technologies, the iconic BlackBerry Classic is being redesigned with cutting-edge internal components and, perhaps most notably, it will now run on the Android operating system.

The Enduring Charm of the BlackBerry Classic

First launched in 2014, the BlackBerry Classic was a testament to mobile efficiency. It won over users with its unrivaled physical QWERTY keyboard and unique square screen. Jan Ole Helmbold, a longtime BlackBerry fan and early content creator in the BlackBerry community, speaks highly of its size and its “scream of efficiency.” The device originally ran on BlackBerry 10 (BB10), an operating system that was ahead of its time in many ways, featuring full gesture control long before it became common on other smartphones, and the highly efficient BlackBerry Hub, which seamlessly integrated all user messages.

However, BlackBerry’s early mobile efforts have fallen by the wayside over time. Official support for BB10 and its devices stopped years ago, rendering many features unusable. Even the last BlackBerry Android phone, the Key2, is stuck on Android 8 and hasn't received any further updates, leading to glitches in its own BlackBerry Hub software. This decline has only deepened the nostalgia for the classic among its loyal fans, making the news of its imminent revival even more exciting for the dedicated physical keyboard community.

Zinwa Technologies: Breathing new life into a classic

Enter Zinwa Technologies, a China-based company that has taken on the ambitious task of reviving the BlackBerry Classic. Their plan is to preserve the phone's iconic external design – the signature keyboard, the 720x720p square display, and its overall aesthetic – while completely overhauling its internal hardware. This means the timeless look remains, but the performance will be entirely new.

Classic Design Meets Modern Power

The specifications for the revamped BlackBerry Classic are designed to meet contemporary standards, offering a powerful blend of old and new:

• Processor: A MediaTek G99 octa-core processor, clocked at up to 2 GHz, will drive the device.

• Memory: Users can expect a generous 12 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking.

• Storage: With 256 GB of internal storage, there's ample space for apps, files, and media.

• Connectivity: The phone will support 4G LTE, though it won't include 5G connectivity at this time.

• Camera: A new 50 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera promise improved photography capabilities.

• Battery: A 3,000 mAh battery, coupled with a modern USB-C charging port, will power the device.

This fusion of classic design with modern hardware is truly remarkable, especially for those who have yearned for a physical keyboard phone capable of keeping up with today's demands. While 5G might be absent, the overall specifications demonstrate a significant commitment to bringing the BlackBerry Classic firmly into the modern era.

Community-Driven Development and Future Plans

Zinwa Technologies is not just working in isolation; they are actively engaging with a passionate community through a dedicated Discord server. Here, enthusiasts can stay updated on the project's progress, ask questions, and interact directly with the development team. This collaborative approach further builds anticipation among fans.

Adding to the excitement, Zinwa Technologies has hinted at similar upgrades for other beloved BlackBerry models, including the Key2 and the Passport. What's more, these new devices will be constructed using brand-new BlackBerry Classic cases that are still in production and readily available. This ensures that customers will receive a fresh, factory-new phone, not a refurbished old one.

How to Secure Your New BlackBerry Classic

For those eager to get their hands on this piece of re-engineered BlackBerry history, Zinwa Technologies offers two convenient purchasing options:

• Full Phone Pre-order: Priced at $400 during the pre-sale period, this option provides the complete phone with all the new upgrades.

• Upgrade Kit: If you already own a BlackBerry Classic, an upgrade kit is available for $300 (pre-sale price), allowing you to modernize your existing device without any soldering required.

After the initial pre-sale, prices are expected to increase to $450. Jan Ole Helmbold himself has already pre-ordered the phone, holding order number 1416, and strongly encourages fellow enthusiasts to seize this unique opportunity to revitalize their cherished device.

Who is This Phone For?

This reimagined BlackBerry Classic is more than just a smartphone; it's a passion project designed specifically for dedicated BlackBerry fans and lovers of physical keyboards. It's an ideal choice for anyone seeking a reliable, productivity-focused device that stands apart from the ubiquitous touchscreen-only smartphones dominating the market. Whether you envision it as your primary daily driver or a secondary business phone, the new Classic promises a blend of nostalgia and genuine functionality.

However, prospective buyers should be aware that software updates are currently planned for only about a year after the phone's release. Therefore, this device is best suited for enthusiasts who prioritize its unique hardware and design over extensive, long-term software support.

The Resurgence of Physical Keyboard Phones

The revival of the BlackBerry Classic is a notable part of a larger trend seeing physical keyboard phones make a resurgence. Many users are feeling that modern smartphones have become overly uniform and are missing the tactile feedback and typing efficiency that physical keys offer. Devices like the distinctively square BlackBerry Passport and, of course, the Classic, represent a refreshing alternative in the current smartphone landscape.

Jan Ole's enthusiasm for this revival has even prompted him to restart his YouTube channel, dedicating its focus once again to BlackBerry and physical keyboard phones. For fans of the brand, this renewed interest is a welcome sign that the innovative legacy of BlackBerry is far from over.

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