BlackBerry “Mercury” spotted in benchmark with Snapdragon 625 CPU, Android 7.0 Nougat

posted by Cosmin V. / Oct 17, 2016, 1:12 PM

BlackBerry “Mercury” spotted in benchmark with Snapdragon 625 CPU, Android 7.0 Nougat

BlackBerry has yet to introduce the long-awaited DTEK60, and now another smartphone wearing the Canadian company's brand has been recently spotted at Geekbench. The unannounced smartphone goes by model number BBB100-1 and features mid-range hardware under the hood.

Aside from the fact that it will be launched under the BlackBerry brand, another potential benefit of the Mercury is that it runs Android 7.0 Nougat operating system right out of the box.

Considering that we only have the two Pixel phones and the LG V20 devices running Google's latest OS right out of the box, BlackBerry's upcoming smartphone does seem like an interesting mid-range alternative.

The phone recently leaked at Geekbench is said to be internally known as BlackBerry “Mercury.” Hardware-wise, the Mercury could pack a decent Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory.

The phone sports a 4.5-inch display with a 3:2 ratio and HD (720p) resolution. Since the Mercury comes with rather a small screen, there's a chance that BlackBerry will add its traditional keyboard as well.

Furthermore, rumor has it that the Mercury will be powered by a 3,400 mAh battery and that it will feature an 18-megapixel rear-facing camera along with another 8-megapixel photo snapper in the front.

We don't expect BlackBerry to announce the Mercury before the DTEK60 goes on sale, so if you plan on getting this one, then you will probably have to wait a few more months.

source: Geekbench, Roland Quandt via AndroidPure

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48 Comments

5. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Let's hope it's priced competitively and wouldn't hurt to be universally unlocked.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 1:33 PM 3

7. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

I know a lot people waiting for this physical keyboard device, even though it's just a midrange one. Interested to see more of this.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 1:54 PM 4

8. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2252; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

This is the last device made in-house by Blackberry. The DTEK50 and DTEK60 are both part of the "new Blackberry" where they utilize hardware partners to design, build, and distribute their devices. So, it will be interesting to see what their last real device looks like. So long as it's priced at $399 or below, I think it'll be a great device to own. I think it would be great if they priced it around $350, but considering the price of the DTEK50 being $299 I think they will go with a $399 price.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 1:55 PM 7

9. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

Agreed. I definitely think they will price it no more than 400USD, for the same reasoning that you said. And as long as they make it GSM unlocked, it will be available to those around the world that still want a BlackBerry physical keyboard device, especially in places where BlackBerry still has a strong footing, like Indonesia.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 2:04 PM 5

17. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Great post, Dr. Phil. You're also another level headed BlackBerry user like Crispin that keeps it real and neutral when it comes to blackberry.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 3:51 PM 0

26. Crispin_Gatieza

Posts: 3089; Member since: Jan 23, 2014

Dr. Phil, I can't imagine this phone costing more than the DTEK50 with a smaller screen of lower resolution. I was very close to buying one today but I couldn't get past how cheap it feels in hand. I've had a previous Alcatel product (FierceXL Windows) so I know they're capable of assembling a phone well and with solid feel. I was also worried that the 13MP camera was the same as on my Fierce and that was enough to convince me to get a Lumia 950. The missus still clings to my former Priv but she got a taste of Continuum today and had the same s**t-eating grin on her face as the day she expropriated the Priv. I might be buying another Lumia soon if that Idol 4S doesn't drop soon. Just so you know, I was looking at the Acer Liquid Jade Primo at the MS store and quickly unchecked it from my phone bucket list. Beautiful display and superb sounds, that's it. I mean, that's it.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 5:16 PM 1

28. docdevices

Posts: 87; Member since: Oct 10, 2016

Interesting. I recently purchased a Dtek50 for my youngest son, and I couldn't help but be almost amazed at how solidly built it felt for such a lightweight device. The metal frame around the phone made it feel especially sturdy. Looking at the stills that my son has taken with it, it's actually not a bad-performing camera. It especially performed well in well-lit areas. Well, to each his or her own, I always say.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 5:42 PM 2

30. Crispin_Gatieza

Posts: 3089; Member since: Jan 23, 2014

Maybe the display unit I handled had gotten the s**t beat out of it. As I said, I know Alcatel can build some sturdy devices. As for the camera, even the most incompetent shooter (Dell Venue Pro) can take good shots in well-lit areas. It's when the lighting falls short that separates the contenders from the pretenders. It's good to know that an unbiased, real user has positive input. Many times "expert reviewers" can't separate their biases from their jobs. My experience with Alcatel 13MP cameras has been dismal.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 7:24 PM 0

38. docdevices

Posts: 87; Member since: Oct 10, 2016

Very good. I shall endeavor to remember to take some still shots with my son's Dtek50 in low light settings, to see how well the camera performs in that setting. Upon doing so, I shall post my honest opinion on it, forthwith.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 10:55 PM 0

31. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2252; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

As I mentioned in my post, this is supposed to be the last product designed and supposedly built by Blackberry (although I would imagine they would be utilizing the Alcatel assembly line to make it). I think the build quality is going to be a step above what you find on the DTEK50. The DTEK60, the latest device to be released, has what looks like a sturdy build and is using good materials too (glass rear end). If I had to guess, I think you will find the same build quality of the Blackberry Classic in this device. I've used the Classic and the build quality was great in my opinion. Here is a supposed picture of the device: http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bb-rome-1-900x420.jpg As you can see, I think the build quality is going to be much better than the DTEK50.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 8:44 PM 1

11. libra89

Posts: 2221; Member since: Apr 15, 2016

If it has a keyboard, I'll pass. If not, this can be interesting...

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 2:06 PM 0

12. eman99

Posts: 409; Member since: Aug 03, 2010

Please let it be a CDMA this time

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 2:10 PM 1

13. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

Doubtful. Especially since CDMA carriers don't really show BlackBerry any love, especially in the U.S., so it would be a waste of time for them to do so. Just look at Verizon's lack of updates for the PRIV as an example. They'll most likely stick with GSM unlocked, since they can still be used by the majority of users worldwide.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 2:15 PM 6

16. Mxyzptlk unregistered

It probably won't be. BlackBerry doesn't really show CDMA carriers any attention which funny since CDMA is still prevalent in the US which is part of the world despite what some people will tell you. The world GSM networks aren't always compatible with US GSM networks, so there's really no reason why OEMs shouldn't make US phones universally unlocked.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 3:33 PM 0

18. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

Please don't be misled. BlackBerry GSM unlocked handsets have bands for all GSM carriers, including the U.S. Don't listen to what someone who's never used a GSM unlocked BlackBerry handset has to say. And please don't listen to the BS that "BlackBerry doesn't show love to CDMA carriers" like some people would have you believe. CDMA carriers have stopped showing love to BlackBerry some time ago. This is a fact that can not only be backed by the lack of updates Verizon has provided for the PRIV (Verizon PRIV is still on Lollipop, I believe), but carriers like Sprint have stopped carrying BlackBerry handsets since the Classic was released. What I just said are facts that are easily researched, not BS in order to foster a trolling agenda. Universally unlocked handsets also can't take advantage of full network features, so if they were universally unlocked, they still couldn't take advantage of all of the features that networks have to offer. Also, since CDMA carriers aren't pushing out updates to the BlackBerry handsets that they have, they definitely will not support an unbranded, universally unlocked handset that's not branded by them with updates. That's why it makes more sense for BlackBerry to just go the GSM unlocked route, especially since it's the world standard, unlike universally unlocked handsets.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 3:51 PM 5

23. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

^^ Couldn't gives enough props! In fact, You make me want to start being fan of BlackBerry, just like how my sister made me become a Samsung fan.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 4:46 PM 3

25. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

Thanks! I keep it as real as possible, and I see that you do as well. We need more people on PA like you, and less of the ignorant trolls that run rampant here. I hate when I see trolls posting BS when the facts are plain as day to see.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 4:50 PM 2

43. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Or what you really meant is that you hate people giving their opinion and you attack anyone that disagrees with you. Get over it.

posted on Oct 18, 2016, 8:04 AM 0

47. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

Nah, more like you hate actually doing research, and therefore post uninformed BS, and then get your brown and green stained tighty whities further bunched up your bum when you get corrected and put in your place. If you don't like, stop posting uninformed, trolling BS. Otherwise, you don't have to like it, but learn to love it, because it won't stop.

posted on Oct 18, 2016, 9:09 AM 2

42. Mxyzptlk unregistered

I think you're pandering. I don't believe what you say is true.

posted on Oct 18, 2016, 8:03 AM 0

44. Mxyzptlk unregistered

No one is going to read that massive, techie style essay. You need to learn what paragraphs and the Spacebar are.

posted on Oct 18, 2016, 8:06 AM 0

48. meanestgenius

Posts: 21345; Member since: May 28, 2014

In other words, "I actually did read what Meanestgenius typed, and it put me in my place. Now I have to add "embarrassed, uninformed idiot" right next to "dumb as dirt, with the judgement of jelly" to my PA profile." There, I fixed your BS post for you.

posted on Oct 18, 2016, 9:12 AM 2

15. truthwins unregistered

An blackberry android device with a keyboard im sold just take my money john chen .

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 2:22 PM 3

20. MDCHO

Posts: 769; Member since: Jul 28, 2016

I already have dtek50. Mercury will be my next blackberry with pkb.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 4:18 PM 2

22. Subie

Posts: 2273; Member since: Aug 01, 2015

How do you like the Dtek50 BTW? This or the 60 may be my next phone.

posted on Oct 17, 2016, 4:31 PM 1

29. docdevices

Posts: 87; Member since: Oct 10, 2016

My youngest son has a Dtek50 that I recently purchased for him. He is enamored with it. It's his first smartphone. The little guy was so happy when I purchased it for him. Even I am impressed with it. So much so, that the Detek60 will be my next smartphone. I need something with a little more power for my needs.