64 bit octa-core BlackBerry model coming in 2015?

On Sunday, we told you about a new BlackBerry handset found on the Geekbench benchmark site. Rumored to be a high-end model called the BlackBerry "Ontario," this is certainly not one of the entry-level handsets for developing markets being produced by Foxconn for BlackBerry. The "Ontario" features a quad-core Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 under the hood, underclocked at 2.15GHz.

The BlackBerry "Ontario" will be part of the BlackBerry "O" series. The same quad-core Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 to be used in the "Ontario" will also find its way into the BlackBerry "W" series (featuring a physical QWERTY) and the BlackBerry "B" (all-touch) handsets.

If a quad-core 'Berry doesn't convince you that the Canadian manufacturer is still in it to win it, consider the latest rumor. According to multiple sources, BlackBerry plans on employing the MSM8994 SoC on a new high-end device in 2015. This chip, built using the 20nm process, includes a 64 bit octa-core 2.5GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, an Adreno 430 GPU, and an integrated 4G LTE modem.

Combined with the right specs, it sounds like BlackBerry could have a monster on its hands next year. CEO John Chen just needs to make it through this year first.

source: N4BB, CNET