The BlackBerry Classic is making an unexpected comeback, though not from its original maker. A Chinese company called Zinwa Technologies has revived the device as the Zinwa Q25 Pro, giving it modern internals while preserving the look and feel that once made BlackBerry iconic. According to Android Authority, this project brings a wave of nostalgia paired with the functionality of today’s hardware.
On the outside, the phone still resembles the BlackBerry Classic, complete with its physical QWERTY keyboard and the distinctive square 720 × 720 display. Even the capacitive trackpad has been retained, which is no small feat considering Android’s touch-oriented design. Zinwa has effectively rebuilt the phone from the inside, equipping it with a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and up to 256 GB of storage. This setup puts it closer to a modern mid-range smartphone than a vintage collector’s item.
Image Credits: Zinwa
Other hardware changes show that Zinwa wants the Q25 Pro to be practical in daily use. The device features a USB-C port, NFC support, a microSD card slot, and 4G LTE connectivity. While 5G is absent, this is still a solid jump from the limited network options of the original Classic. Battery capacity has been increased by about 15 percent, and the camera system has been upgraded with a 50 MP rear sensor and an 8 MP front shooter.
For software, the phone runs Android 13. There is no official word on future updates, but the primary aim here seems to be offering enthusiasts a working, usable phone in the Classic shell rather than competing with leading Android flagships. That said, integrating Android into hardware originally designed for BlackBerry OS is an impressive engineering exercise. Ensuring the keyboard and trackpad work seamlessly with Android’s interface would have required careful driver adaptation and input mapping.
Zinwa is selling the Q25 Pro in two ways: a fully assembled phone priced at around $400, and a $300 kit that lets existing BlackBerry Classic owners retrofit their devices. Early backers are expected to receive units by late August, with larger production runs planned for September. If interest remains strong, Zinwa may also attempt revivals of other cult favorites like the Passport and KeyOne.
The project highlights a fascinating blend of retro design and modern electronics. For engineers, it serves as an example of how older form factors can be reimagined without losing their character, proving that sometimes old designs still have new life.