June 10, 2025, 3:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The iconic smartphones with physical keyboards might be making a comeback. It appears that the BlackBerry could soon celebrate its return.
There was a time before the iPhone when people either carried the nearly indestructible Nokia phones or opted for a then-modern flip or slide phone. However, those who wanted to make a statement chose the BlackBerry, a modern smartphone with a physical keyboard that already featured email functionality in the late ’90s and early 2000s. But then the iPhone arrived, and RIM (Research in Motion) models disappeared–until now. A Chinese company plans to revive the BlackBerry by using old Q20 models from the well-known brand.
BlackBerry Return on S20 Basis
This information comes from an interview on the YouTube channel Returning Retro with the Asian manufacturer Zinwa Technologies. The relatively small company aims to bring back the BlackBerry by purchasing remaining stocks of old Q20 models, which are either used devices or ones still available in the supply chain in Hong Kong.
Of course, they don’t plan to sell these devices as-is. Instead, the old devices will undergo comprehensive modernization, including a new motherboard, battery, and cameras. The Zinwa Q25, as the new old smartphone is called, will be released with Android.
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Q25 with Modern Features and Classic Look
Zinwa plans to use a MediaTek G99 Octa-Core as the System on a Chip (SoC), which will feature up to 2 gigahertz (GHz) clock speed and a 4G modem–similar to newer entry-level smartphones. It will also include 12 GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot. The front camera will have 8 megapixels, while the main camera will boast 50 megapixels. Additionally, the casing will feature a USB-C port.
Despite the many updates, the classic BlackBerry design remains intact. Zinwa retains the LCD screen with 720×720 pixels and touchscreen, along with the physical keyboard and the familiar casing.
Special Project with Drawbacks
To ensure the BlackBerry’s return feels authentic, the device will have a relatively small build size. This results in a 3.5-inch display and a battery with only about 3,000 milliampere-hours (mAh) capacity. However, it should still last a full day.
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Future owners shouldn’t expect multiple system updates for the Q25, as the company has already stated. The BlackBerry return is more of a special project for enthusiasts.
For them, a special package will be available: The complete device is already available for pre-order at $400. For $100 less, hobbyists can purchase a kit to modify the old Q20 themselves. The first devices are expected to ship in early August 2025.