BlackBerry-Style Android Phones: Titan 2 and Zinwa Q25 Revive QWERTY Keyboards in 2025
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The physical keyboard is making a comeback! Two Chinese tech companies, Unihertz and Zinwa Technologies, are set to release Android phones sporting classic BlackBerry designs, complete with the iconic QWERTY physical keyboard. These smartphones, the Unihertz Titan 2 and the Zinwa Q25, target a niche market craving the tactile experience of physical buttons in today’s touchscreen-dominated world.
Unihertz Titan 2: A BlackBerry Passport Reimagining
Unihertz,known for producing unique and rugged mobile phones,is launching the Titan 2,a device heavily inspired by the BlackBerry Passport. This phone features a 4.5-inch square screen with a resolution of 1440×1440 pixels. The Titan 2 also boasts a physical QWERTY keyboard equipped with backlighting and trackpad functionality.
Did You Know? The BlackBerry Passport, released in 2014, was designed to be the same width as a physical passport, making it ideal for viewing documents and spreadsheets.
On the rear, the Titan 2 includes a 2-inch secondary screen to display the clock, caller ID, and other notifications. Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset,paired with a generous 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage.
The Titan 2 also features a 50 MP rear camera with an 8 MP telephoto lens, a 32 MP front camera, and a substantial 5,050 mAh battery with 33W fast charging.It supports 5G, Dual SIM, Face Unlock, and runs on Android 15.
Currently, the Titan 2 is in the crowdfunding stage on Kickstarter with a promotional price of $269 USD (approximately 4.3 million IDR). If the campaign is successful, shipping is slated to begin in October 2025 to various countries.
key Specs: Unihertz Titan 2
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 4.5-inch square (1440×1440 pixels) |
| Keyboard | Physical QWERTY with backlight & trackpad |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 8 MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 5,050 mAh (33W fast charging) |
| Operating System | Android 15 |
Zinwa Q25: A Modern Take on the BlackBerry Classic
Zinwa Technologies is also entering the fray with the Zinwa Q25, a modified version of the iconic BlackBerry Classic Q20. While retaining the classic design elements such as the QWERTY keyboard, 720×720 pixel screen, LED notification light, and traditional frame, the phone has undergone important internal upgrades.
The Zinwa Q25 is powered by a MediaTek helio G99 chipset,12 GB of LPDDR4X RAM,256 GB of internal memory,and a 3,000 mAh battery. The camera system has also been improved, featuring a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP front camera.
However, unlike the Titan 2, the Zinwa Q25 runs on Android 13, and it’s currently unclear whether it will receive updates to newer versions.
The Zinwa Q25 will be available as a fully assembled device for $400 USD (6.5 million IDR) or as a conversion kit for $300 USD (4.8 million IDR) for users who already own a BlackBerry Classic and wish to install the upgrades themselves.
Pro tip: Conversion kits can be a cost-effective way to upgrade older devices, but ensure you have the necessary technical skills or seek professional assistance.
Both the KIT and the finished device are expected to ship in early August 2025.
Zinwa has also confirmed that they are working on similar updates for the BlackBerry Keyone and Passport, with the next models being named K25 and P26, respectively.
Key Specs: Zinwa Q25
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 720×720 pixels |
| Keyboard | physical QWERTY |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Rear camera | 50 MP |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
The Enduring appeal of the Physical Keyboard
While touchscreen smartphones dominate the market, a dedicated segment of users still yearns for the tactile feedback and precision of a physical keyboard. The resurgence of BlackBerry-style devices highlights this enduring appeal, offering a blend of classic design and modern functionality. The success of these devices will depend on their ability to cater to this niche market while providing a seamless Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About BlackBerry-Style Android Phones
Would you consider switching back to a phone with a physical keyboard? What features are most important to you in a smartphone?
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