[D_Gui]

BlackBerry hasn't really offered an 'affordable' keyboard device since the BlackBerry Q5. So, I took into consideration their new design language with sharp corners and created a new 'Curve' using the 'Sharp' monicker since it's corners aren't curved anymore. Quickly threw this together:



Some quick specs:
Price: $200 to $300
Screen: 3.5" 720x720 pixels
CPU: 1.5GHz dual core Krait
RAM: 2GB
ROM: 8GB
CAM: 5MP with LED Flash
Battery: 2,600mAh

Entire front panel is Gorilla Glass 3 except the keyboard which is rubberized and LED backlit. Side "rim" is slightly raised and rubberized to protect the display from scratches. Essentially it's a Classic without the "homerow," a poorer camera and less storage, but with a larger camera and lower price tag...

[diegonei]

$200 to $300 is too steep.

They need a $100-$150 device that carriers can offer free on contract. But that is not for now, that's for when they come back to the consumer market.

Sorry but that Sharp is ugly.

[D_Gui]

The thing is, the Z3 is $300 here in South Africa, one of the few markets where BlackBerry is still a leader. The 9720 is $200. So, I wanted it right between the two of them...

[diegonei]

The thing is, the Z3 is $300 here in South Africa, one of the few markets where BlackBerry is still a leader. The 9720 is $200. So, I wanted it right between the two of them...

Ok. I get it. Sorry, not gonna work.

Considering the Android and Lumia offerings, that logic is not gonna get them any marketshare.

You don't do low end devices for profit, you do them for marketshare. You get your money when people are hooked and upgrade to better devices in your lineup.

$100-$150 - worldwide.

[Q10Bold]

BlackBerry hasn't really offered an 'affordable' keyboard device since the BlackBerry Q5. So, I took into consideration their new design language with sharp corners and created a new 'Curve' using the 'Sharp' monicker since it's corners aren't curved anymore. Quickly threw this together:



Some quick specs:
Price: $200 to $300
Screen: 3.5" 720x720 pixels
CPU: 1.5GHz dual core Krait
RAM: 2GB
ROM: 8GB
CAM: 5MP with LED Flash
Battery: 2,600mAh

Entire front panel is Gorilla Glass 3 except the keyboard which is rubberized and LED backlit. Side "rim" is slightly raised and rubberized to protect the display from scratches. Essentially it's a Classic without the "homerow," a poorer camera and less storage, but with a larger camera and lower price tag...

Wow. looks nice!!
like the Nokia Asha 210

[Z30Commission]

It looks very nice!

Posted via CB10

[Matty]

The thing is, the Z3 is $300 here in South Africa, one of the few markets where BlackBerry is still a leader. The 9720 is $200. So, I wanted it right between the two of them...

Hello D_Gui, there are stores currently offering the Z3 in south Africa for around R2,499 .

Will post some captions if you interested.

Posted via BlackBerry Q5 on 10.3.1.2576

[Matty]

BlackBerry hasn't really offered an 'affordable' keyboard device since the BlackBerry Q5.

Some quick specs:
Price: $200 to $300
Screen: 3.5" 720x720 pixels
CPU: 1.5GHz dual core Krait
RAM: 2GB
ROM: 8GB
CAM: 5MP with LED Flash
Battery: 2,600mAh

Entire front panel is Gorilla Glass 3 except the keyboard which is rubberized and LED backlit.

Firstly, well done on the render, looking good

With regards to the specs,

Screen: Good
CPU: Good
RAM: Good
ROM: Bad, (16GB for all devices going forward)
Camera:
hmm, would prefer an 8mp going forward, not because of the increased picture quality but because it enabled 720p video at 60fps when a 5mp does not.

Battery: Good



Posted via BlackBerry Q5 on 10.3.1.2576

[Aljean Thein]

BlackBerry Passport with the Q5 keyboard? Looks nice...and cute lol

[DamianWarS]

Nice render, but I think BB should sell their legacy devices like the bold for $100 range. It's like a classic flip phone... never changes and always is useful. I mean why reinvent the wheel when you have a large range of great phones to choose from?

Posted via CB10

[Drenegade]

Looks really nice! Would be a great idea actually if they priced it right and gave it equal specs to the classic.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Q5 is the only BB10 phone to have zero 'double typing' issues. This phone having a keyboard similar to the Q5 is a great idea.

If they're willing to release the Leap then I could easily see them releasing this.

Posted via CB10

[deadcowboy]

That looks beautiful. I'll take one.

Posted via CB10

[Josh Garrow]

I actually love this idea, but they could build the camera at 10mp it still be cheap, the phone could be 150$ like the blackberry curve but I really like this render

Posted via CB10

[Shumsher]

Wow that looks really nice!

Probably the only render of a concept device that actually looks like it will make it to production just like that! Awesome job!

Posted via CB10

[John Vieira]

Oh yeah. That's really nice. I'd agree with what was mentioned above that it really needs 16gb.

Other than that, send it out into stores for 150-200 bucks and they would sell well.

Hell, I'd buy one to play with.

Work Wide and Prosper

[1Criz]

There is merit in having low cost BlackBerry device. The $250 solid mid class for countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia where BlackBerry is still strong. (Z3 is almost there, but not enough sparkle or price to high for the HW.)
Then the dirt cheap "NewCurve" $99 for developing countries. They should take Q5 and with Foxconn re-engineer it to get BOM as low as possible. Or use Q5 chipset with parts from 9720.
The "next billion" strategy. Now, it's already only next 700 millions as lot of smartphones sold last two years in the developing countries.


Posted via CB10

[deadcowboy]

There is merit in having low cost BlackBerry device. The $250 solid mid class for countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia where BlackBerry is still strong. (Z3 is almost there, but not enough sparkle or price to high for the HW.)
Then the dirt cheap "NewCurve" $99 for developing countries. They should take Q5 and with Foxconn re-engineer it to get BOM as low as possible. Or use Q5 chipset with parts from 9720.
The "next billion" strategy. Now, it's already only next 700 millions as lot of smartphones sold last two years in the developing countries.


Posted via CB10

Q5 is getting long in the tooth. At least a nicer screen. Folks deserve a decent screen for the money. Take a look at Blu android phones or the OnePlus One. BlackBerry has no excuse.

Posted via CB10

[FrankUnderwood]

I like the name and its a good looking render. Something I'd consider if I was upgrading.

Posted via CB10 on the President Underwood version of the BlackBerry Classic

[Phil Ivey]

Not a bad design at all. I'd be interested if they rolled out something like this.

Posted via CB10

[deadcowboy]

I just have to note how smart it is to put the logo on the chin. A chin is a necessary part of a pkb phone, but it's not utilized normally, and so extra fat is added to the top for the BlackBerry logo.

OP's design allows a more ergonomic phone in a smaller form factor by putting the logo at the bottom instead of the top. This should be standard on every BlackBerry going forward. Really simple and smart.

Posted via CB10