Blackberry is coming back with 5G and physical keyboard in 2021

Blackberry needs no introduction in the mobile phone industry. It was a huge brand when the iPhone hit the market and eventually Blackberry had to leave. According to the latest news, the phone is coming back, with Android and 5G support. The revival is, however, made possible by a Texas startup called Onward Mobility that has been building security solutions for enterprises and Government for some time. The new Blackberry phone will support 5G connectivity. The phone feature a physical keyboard and a list of security-focused features. Almost 6 months ago Blackberry brand license TCL communication announced that it would cease the sales of Blackberry devices starting from August 31 and now we have a new announcement.

OnwardMobility is set to release the first 5G Blackberry smartphone, as early as the first half of 2021. The phone will be based on the Android operating system and feature a physical keyboard. The phone will be launched in North America and Europe. However, there isn't any fixed date of its debut. The company has partnered with Foxconn subsidiary FIS mobile to manufacture the new Blackberry phone. The new device is touted as a feature-rich 5G ready in the press statement. "Enterprise professionals are eager to secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience," said Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. "BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data."

There isn't anything on the specs right now. However, Franklin in an interview said that it would come with a redesigned clean-sheet keyboard and might have a competitive price. This suggests that the phone might not be pricier like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or the upcoming Apple iPhone 12. Instead, it is likely to fall in the budget-category. John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, Blackberry said in a statement, "We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer."