Reviving a Legend with a Modern Heart
In a surprising turn for tech nostalgia, Chinese firm Zinwa Technologies is breathing new life into the once-cherished BlackBerry Classic. Their rebooted model, dubbed the Zinwa Q25 Pro, preserves the beloved physical QWERTY keyboard while packing in a suite of modern enhancements.
At its core, the Q25 Pro swaps out the original BlackBerry’s outdated internals for a fresh MediaTek Helio G99 processor, paired with 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage—a massive leap from the original specs. Capturing today’s imaging standards, it sports a 50 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front shooter, significantly upgraded from the Classic’s humble optics TechRadarAndroid Authority.
Power and connectivity get a boost, too. A 3,000 mAh battery replaces the original, slightly expanding battery life by about 15 percent. The smartphone now supports USB-C charging, global 4G LTE, and modern conveniences like NFC, a headphone jack, and MicroSD expansion on a single-SIM setup TechRadar.
Software-wise, the Q25 Pro launches with Android 13, offering a full suite of contemporary apps and features. However, buyers should note: future upgrades beyond Android 13 aren’t guaranteed. Zinwa hasn’t committed to Android 14 or later—something to weigh before purchasing TechRadarAndroid Authority.
Despite the hardware improvements, Zinwa is keeping expectations grounded. The target isn’t mass-market dominance but rather offering 100 units to early backers by late August 2025, followed by mass production starting mid-September. Priced at US $400 for a fully assembled device, it also offers a US $300 DIY conversion kit for existing BlackBerry Classic owners who want to retrofit their phones TechRadarAndroid Authority.
This revival taps into a trendy niche: those drawn to simpler, distraction-reduced phones. The QWERTY layout and compact form likely appeal to folks yearning for a “digital detox” or who simply miss tactile keyboards. As one Redditor put it humorously, the effort might be best described as a classic shell hosting brand-new internals: “They’re replacing the whole PCB + battery + cameras with new SoC etc.” Reddit
On the flip side, buyer beware. Some cautions warn of potential phishing or knock-off products in the surge of nostalgia-driven hype Pocket-lint. And without assured long-term software support, the Q25 Pro may appeal more as a collector’s item than a daily driver.
All in, the Zinwa Q25 Pro offers a fresh twist on a familiar device—combining classic design with modern functionality in a way few expected. Whether it’s a smart investment or simply a retro curiosity, its fate will hinge on whether nostalgia—or practicality—wins out.
