Last year, BlackBerry unveiled their latest imitation of the Bold 990 smartphone, the BlackBerry Classic, which features a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard and a trackpad. This device is designed to cater to users who prefer the tactile feedback of physical keys over touchscreen typing, a hallmark of BlackBerry’s earlier models.
BlackBerry Classic is already available in some markets and is expected to see the light of day in India on January 15th.
Press Invites and Event Details
The company has sent out press invites to the media which says, “Join us to witness the unveiling of the new BlackBerry 10 [Serious Mobility for Serious Business].” The invite doesn’t explicitly mention the BlackBerry Classic, but a BB10 powered smartphone is definitely inbound. This event is highly anticipated as it marks BlackBerry’s continued efforts to regain its foothold in the smartphone market, particularly among business professionals who value security and productivity features.
Specifications and Features
As far as the specifications are concerned, the BlackBerry Classic boasts a 3.5-inch display sporting a resolution of 720 by 720 pixels. This square screen is designed to provide a clear and sharp display, ideal for reading emails, browsing the web, and using productivity apps. The device is powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, which, while not the latest in processor technology, is sufficient for the device’s intended use cases. It comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot.
The BlackBerry Classic also features an 8MP camera on the back for photos and videos, capable of capturing decent quality images and videos. For video calls and selfies, there’s a 2MP front-facing camera. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and it is equipped with a 2,515 mAh battery, which should provide ample battery life for a full day of use. The device runs BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 out of the box, which includes several enhancements and new features over previous versions.
BlackBerry’s Market Strategy
The launch of the BlackBerry Classic in India is a strategic move by the company to tap into one of the largest smartphone markets in the world. India has a significant number of business professionals and enterprises that could benefit from the security and productivity features that BlackBerry devices are known for. The physical keyboard and trackpad are particularly appealing to users who need to type long emails or documents on their phones.
Moreover, BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 brings several improvements, including better app management, enhanced security features, and a more intuitive user interface. The inclusion of the Amazon Appstore also means that users have access to a wider range of Android apps, addressing one of the major criticisms of BlackBerry’s app ecosystem.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The event is scheduled for next week, and we’ll update you as soon as its pricing and availability details are official. The BlackBerry Classic represents a blend of old and new, combining the beloved physical keyboard and trackpad with modern smartphone capabilities. It remains to be seen how well the device will be received in the Indian market, but it certainly has the potential to attract a niche audience looking for a reliable and secure smartphone.
Stay tuned for more updates on the BlackBerry Classic and its journey in the Indian market.
Source: BGR India
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