BlackBerry 5G Phone Launching In 2021

BlackBerry used to be one of the most recognized mobile phone brands in the world, particularly before Android and iOS took the entire smartphone industry by storm. Now, it aims to rejoin the mobile race by introducing a new device that offers support for 5G connectivity, among other notable features.

The BlackBerry brand has been licensed to a Texas-based startup called OnwardMobility. The startup is aiming to release a new Android-powered handset with a physical QWERTY keyboard and 5G by next year. This device, however, will not be like most flagships and midrangers today in that it won't be focused primarily on entertainment and the like.

Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility, spoke with The Register and hinted that the new BlackBerry device will be designed primarily for productivity anywhere the user needs to go.

Franklin also said in a press release that the new smartphone will give professionals the security they need without having to settle for a less than stellar experience when using a device.

“Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience,” Franklin said. “BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile.”

FIH Mobile is a subsidiary of Foxconn and will work with OnwardMobility to produce the new BlackBerry 5G smartphones.

Specs and features

Not much is known about the new BlackBerry device that will be released in the first half of 2021. OnwardMobility didn't provide any details regarding the device save for a few things.

First, it will have a new “clean-sheet” keyboard that's different from the one previously used by BlackBerry or its previous partner, TCL. The keyboard, according to BlackBerry's VP of Advanced Technology Labs Sarah Tatsis, hasn't been finished yet, but it will “reflect” the brand's values.

Second, as already mentioned, it will have 5G. However, it's currently unknown if the device will have support for Sub-6GHz and mmWave networks.

Third, it will be competitive. Franklin said it will be an “everyday phone” that will feature specs expected from a “day-to-day phone.” The details, however, remain unclear at the moment.