In a market dominated by edge-to-edge touchscreens, the Zinwa Q25 has emerged as one of 2025’s most unexpected smartphone releases. Designed for users who miss the tactile feel of a physical keyboard, the device blends a classic BlackBerry-style form factor with updated internal hardware and modern Android software.
A Familiar Design with Updated Internals
The Zinwa Q25 is built around the body of the BlackBerry Classic (Q20), retaining its square 720 x 720 touchscreen, signature trackpad, and full QWERTY keyboard. While the exterior leans heavily into nostalgia, the internals have been significantly upgraded to meet contemporary performance standards.
Under the hood, the Q25 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device runs on Android 13, offering access to the Google Play ecosystem and modern app compatibility — a major shift from the legacy BlackBerry operating systems of the past.
Modern Features in a Retro Shell
Beyond its typing-focused design, the Q25 includes features expected of a mid-range 2025 smartphone. It sports a 50-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, along with USB-C charging, NFC support, a headphone jack, and microSD expansion.
Zinwa is also offering the device in two formats: as a fully assembled smartphone and as a conversion kit for users who already own an original BlackBerry Classic and want to upgrade its internals. The complete handset is priced at approximately $400, while the conversion kit is slightly cheaper.
A Niche Product with Purpose
The Q25 arrives at a time when smartphone design has become increasingly uniform. By reviving the physical keyboard, Zinwa is targeting a niche but dedicated audience — including productivity-focused professionals, long-time BlackBerry enthusiasts, and users who prefer tactile typing over glass screens.
