A Chinese language firm, Zinwa Applied sciences, is reviving the decade-old BlackBerry Basic Q20 by upgrading its {hardware} and changing the unique working system with Android. The up to date mannequin, named Zinwa Q25 Professional, is designed to mix the nostalgic enchantment of the BlackBerry model with fashionable smartphone capabilities.
The revival entails vital {hardware} modifications to make sure compatibility with Android. The system now contains a new important board powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and as much as 256GB of inside storage. The authentic touchscreen stays, serving to the Android interface perform easily.
The battery has been improved by almost 15%, and new cameras have been added: a 50MP rear digicam and an 8MP entrance digicam. Different fashionable upgrades embrace changing the micro USB port with USB Kind-C for quicker charging and information switch, in addition to including 4G LTE assist. Nonetheless, the telephone does not assist 5G.
One distinctive BlackBerry characteristic, the capacitive trackpad, is absolutely practical within the revived model. The Zinwa Q25 Professional runs on a minimal model of Android 13. Zinwa has no confirmed plans for future software program updates until sturdy shopper curiosity drives additional improvement. Patrons are suggested to not anticipate long-term assist.
If the challenge proves profitable, Zinwa could contemplate reviving different BlackBerry fashions, such because the Passport and KeyOne, the latter already identified for operating Android when it was initially launched.
The Zinwa Q25 Professional is priced at $400, whereas a $320 do-it-yourself (DIY) package is available for homeowners who need to improve their very own BlackBerry Basic. The corporate additionally sells particular person substitute components, together with digicam modules and batteries.
The first 100 items of the Q25 Professional are anticipated to ship by the top of August, with mass manufacturing focused for mid-September. Zinwa can be partaking with potential prospects via a Discord channel, the place updates on delivery, improvement progress, and attainable future fashions are shared.
Filed in . Learn extra about BlackBerry and BlackBerry Classic.
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