BlackBerry Passport Revival: A Classic Smartphone Returns
A blast from the past is on the horizon, as a Chinese firm plans to resurrect the iconic BlackBerry Passport. With upgraded components and the Android operating system, this nostalgic device could recapture the attention of smartphone enthusiasts and those seeking a unique mobile experience.
Resurrecting a Cult Classic
The BlackBerry Passport, known for its distinctive square screen and physical keyboard, is set for a comeback. Zinwa Technologies intends to breathe new life into older BlackBerry models, starting with the Q20, also known as the BlackBerry Classic. This revamped device, dubbed the Zinwa Q25, will retain the original design while boasting updated internals.
The Zinwa Q25 is set to run Android 13, with plans for regular security updates. Additional features include a headphone jack, NFC, USB-C, a microSD slot, and a single SIM slot. The company intends to extend similar upgrades to the BlackBerry KEYone and the Passport.
The original Passport, released in September 2014, featured a 4.5-inch display with a 1440 x 1440 resolution. Its hybrid physical/virtual keyboard was a defining feature, and the “Work Wide” campaign highlighted its advantages. These ads showcased its utility, such as a doctor viewing more of an X-ray on the Passport.
Upgraded Specs and Android Power
The updated Passport will include modern internal components. The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 application processor will be swapped for a MediaTek Helio99 AP. Memory will be upgraded to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and internal storage will be bumped up to 256GB of UFS 2.x storage. The phone will sport a 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. All global 4G LTE bands will be supported.
The company is keeping the original look and feel. The Zinwa Q25 will also be available as a conversion kit for existing owners for $300. The revamped models could offer a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality. A 2023 survey revealed that 12% of U.S. adults still use a physical keyboard on their phones (Statista).
A Look Back and Forward
The Unihertz Titan, a Passport clone, was released in December 2019, offering a similar design with a 6000mAh battery and Android 9. It later received the Android 10 update. The Zinwa Q25 is scheduled to ship in August.
