Key Takeaways
1. Revival of the BlackBerry Classic: Zinwa Technologies plans to revive the BlackBerry Classic (Q20) as the Zinwa Q25 with updated internals while keeping original features like the display and keyboard.
2. Enhanced Specifications: The Zinwa Q25 will have improved specifications, including a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage, along with new camera features.
3. Future BlackBerry Models: Zinwa is also developing other models, including a revamped BlackBerry KEYone and Passport, named Zinwa P25 or P26 based on release timing.
4. Operating System and Updates: The Zinwa Q25 will run on Android 13, with plans for regular updates to fix bugs and introduce new features, although major OS updates are not expected.
5. Pre-order and Upgrade Options: The Zinwa Q25 is available for pre-order at $400, with shipments starting in August, and a conversion kit for existing BlackBerry Classic owners priced at $300.
The BlackBerry Classic, also known as the BlackBerry Q20, was a smartphone with a keyboard that hit the market in 2014, running on the BlackBerry 10 OS. Now, more than a decade later, a Chinese firm named Zinwa Technologies is aiming to bring it back to life with updated internals and, of course, a new name.
Revamping an Icon
Zinwa intends to buy up remaining stock of the BlackBerry Classic and upgrade it with new internal parts, like a fresh motherboard, updated cameras, and a new battery. Some original features, including the display, keyboard, notification LED, and casing, will remain unchanged.
In a chat with the YouTube channel Returning Retro, Zinwa disclosed that the revamped BlackBerry Classic will be marketed as the Zinwa Q25. This name combines the company’s title, the “Q” from the BlackBerry’s alternate name, and “25” signifying the year 2025.
Future Plans for BlackBerry Models
The company is also in the works to bring back the BlackBerry KEYone, currently in the early stages of development. Additionally, they aim to revive the BlackBerry Passport, which will be available as either the Zinwa P25 or Zinwa P26, depending on its release date.
The Zinwa Q25 will keep the 720 x 720 touchscreen from the BlackBerry Classic. However, it will replace the original Snapdragon S4 Plus with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor on the new motherboard. The updated modem will support all LTE bands, ensuring that the Zinwa Q25 will function in every region without a hitch.
Enhanced Specifications and Features
Another significant improvement is in RAM and storage, now upgraded to 12GB (LPDDR4x) and 256GB (UFS 2.x), compared to the original model’s single option of 2GB RAM and 16GB storage.
The Q25 will feature new cameras, including an 8MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera. Other confirmed specs include NFC capability, a USB-C port, a single SIM card slot, a MicroSD card slot, and a battery capacity of 3,000mAh. Zinwa mentioned the device will come with Android 13, and while they don’t plan on major OS updates, the phone will receive regular updates to fix bugs and introduce new features.
The Zinwa Q25 is up for pre-order at a price of $400, with the first shipments expected to start in August. Additionally, a conversion kit is available for those who already own a BlackBerry Classic and wish to upgrade it themselves, priced at $300, and shipping is set to begin in early August.
If you happen to own a modern smartphone like the iPhone 16 Pro, you can get the Clicks Keyboard, which is available on Amazon for $159. This accessory adds a physical keyboard to your device without requiring any complex modifications.
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