A 5G BlackBerry handset will be available with a physical keyboard as part of a licensing agreement.
The launch of a new BlackBerry phone looks to be happening sometime this year, with the company due to release a new handset featuring a physical keyboard as part of a licensing agreement.
Back from the dead… again. So, how did we get here, and what can we expect from this new phone?
Consumer tech is often discussing the fall and rise of BlackBerry, especially considering that the brand has experienced a second rise in the past three years.
BlackBerry was once the business-oriented king of the phone industry in the mid-2000s. But the BlackBerry’s keyboard and software were unable to withstand the onslaught of iPhone and Android.
However, BlackBerry did try and get on board when they made one Android phone, the Pr, but then threw the towel in.
TCL bought the rights to produce BlackBerry-branded phones in 2017’s KeyOne and 2018’s KeyTwo. Although a great sequel, TCL discontinued support for these phones and ended the partnership.
It was, therefore, quite the surprise when rumours emerged in August that US company, onwardMobility, had licensed the BlackBerry name.
They have since stated that they will be releasing a 5G-capable BlackBerry device in 2021 with a physical keyboard.
When will the New BlackBerry be Released?
According to OnwardMobility’s initial 2020 press release, a new BlackBerry Android phone was initially scheduled to arrive in the “first half of 2021”. However, with the first predicted date coming and going, it seems that a more general ‘2021’ is the preferred target.
Now, fast forward to July 2021. The company just announced the “pre-commitment program,” which allows fans and businesses to offer input on the first 5G BlackBerry development and gives them early access to the phone’s debut.
Although the sign-up page for the program doesn’t give any further information about when the phone will be released, it provides some insight into OnwardMobility’s progress with the development of the device already underway, but no final engineering design or specifications yet.
The new BlackBerry will be available in North America, Europe, and Asia. However, we are not yet certain of the specific markets that will be included.
What is the Price of a 2021 BlackBerry?
Although we don’t know the price, our guess is it will be around the £800 mark. We don’t expect the phone to be sold in large quantities unless OnwardMobility has big business buyers. TCL’s BlackBerry phones were more expensive than their specs, and we don’t expect that to change.
A BlackBerry 2021 will be a niche device. The premium price will reflect the exclusivity and security of a phone with a keyboard. However, it is likely to be more expensive due to this same niche appeal.
What About the New BlackBerry 2021 Specifications?
OnwardMobility claims that their new BlackBerry will have 5G networking capabilities as well as a physical keyboard. These are the only indications we have of specs so far.
OnwardMobility licensed the BlackBerry name, and is now working with FIH Mobile Limitied – a Foxconn subsidiary – to produce the phone.
Only one part of the initial announcement hinted at specs for the phone. It stated that “there is an absolute necessity for a secure and feature-rich 5G ready phone that enhances productivity.” It was the case with TCL’s phones. Although it wasn’t responsible, FIH integrated its secure software with Android.
BlackBerry, on the other hand, has been selling its patent portfolio over the past year. Ninety were sold to Huawei, but that’s still a tiny amount compared to the 38,000 patents it claimed to have. It is not clear whether the sale of its patents on smartphone software will impact its ability to continue providing its original software.
The new BlackBerry may be feature-rich, which could mean that it will be a high-end, all-dancing, high-end device. This is not the case with KeyOne or Key2. Although 5G phones do not need to boast the most powerful Snapdragon chipsets, it may help the new BlackBerry last for a few more years. Mainly the KeyOne is slow and not future-proofed.
BlackBerry 2021 Wish List
We don’t have much concrete information, so here are some things we hope OnwardMobility will bring to the table with its new 5G BlackBerry to make the brand shine.
A high refresh rate display
The screen used by KeyOne and Key2 was the exact same. It wasn’t a great one. The colours were muted and the brightness was not the best.
Premium BlackBerrys should have a better display. We want one that has a higher refresh rate well into 2021. OnwardMobility should offer a premium screen if it wants to attract business professionals.
Superlative keyboard
The physical keyboard must be brilliant. However, the BlackBerry Classic was the last great keyboard. Since then, the tactile clicks of the keys have not been replicated. Although the Key2 came close, the keys were too small and too round.
Slider form factor
It isn’t easy to fit larger keys into modern smartphones. KeyOne and Key2 had small screens to allow for a physical keyboard beneath them while still keeping the phone manageable in size. The new BlackBerry should recreate the BlackBerry Priv’s form factor, which has a regular touchscreen display and a sliding form factor that hides a physical keyboard.
Good cameras
TCL BlackBerrys had weak cameras. We expect the 5G BlackBerry to have cameras that are as strong as modern smartphones.
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