A wave of nostalgia-fueled innovation is set to hit the smartphone world this August, as Chinese company Zinwa Technologies prepares to reintroduce revamped versions of classic BlackBerry models—starting with the BlackBerry Q20, also known as the BlackBerry Classic. The device will be sold under the new name Zinwa Q25 and will ship with thoroughly updated internals while preserving the look and feel of the original design.
Originally launched in 2014, the Q20 featured a 720 x 720 resolution square display and BlackBerry’s iconic physical keyboard. While its aesthetics remain largely intact, the updated version replaces its aging components with modern hardware. The dated Snapdragon S4 processor is being swapped for a MediaTek Helio99 chip, and RAM has been dramatically upgraded from 2GB to 12GB of LPDDR4X. Internal storage jumps from 32GB to 256GB of UFS 2.x, and the camera setup now includes a 50MP rear sensor and 8MP front shooter.
Running Android 13, the Q25 won’t see major OS upgrades, but Zinwa has committed to regular security updates. The phone will support global 4G LTE bands and comes equipped with NFC, USB-C, a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, and a single SIM slot—features that maintain its practicality while catering to enthusiasts of legacy devices.
For those still holding on to their original Q20s, Zinwa will offer a $300 conversion kit, while the fully assembled Q25 will retail for $400. The company’s intent is clear: retain the classic BlackBerry appeal while delivering modern functionality.
Zinwa’s ambitions don’t stop with the Q25. The company also plans to update other cult-favorite BlackBerry models, including the uniquely square Passport and the Android-powered KEYone. These phones, cherished for their tactile keyboards and business-focused design, may soon see a second life in the Android era—offering a compelling blend of nostalgia and practicality for longtime BlackBerry fans.
