Rumor: BlackBerry might introduce new Android phone at MWC

posted by Alan F. / Feb 20, 2016, 2:05 PM

Rumor: BlackBerry might introduce new Android phone at MWC

Last November, we showed you images of the BlackBerry Vienna, a codename for the company's second Android handset. The Vienna certainly carries a resemblance to the already released BlackBerry Priv, but without the slider mechanism. The Vienna's physical keyboard is always exposed, unlike the Priv's QWERTY, which should mean that the Vienna will be priced cheaper than BlackBerry's first Android powered phone.

According to a report published today, BlackBerry might introduce the Vienna during the MWC in Barcelona. MWC 2016 kicks off on Monday, although we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge unveiled on Sunday, along with the LG G5.

At this stage, it is hard to determine just how successful the move to Android has been for BlackBerry. AT&T lost its exclusivity on the device last month, and T-Mobile followed by adding the phone to its line-up. Verizon is expected to launch the phone next month, and Sprint will eventually offer it too. Once all four carriers offer the model, we can get a better idea of how it is selling.

Specs for the Vienna are rumored to include a 5-inch screen with a 1080 x 1920 resolution. 3GB of RAM is said to be inside, and an 18MP camera should grace the back of the device. If you're interested in the BlackBerry Vienna, keep checking in right here. We are in Barcelona, so if BlackBerry unveils the device at MWC, we will pass the information on to you immediately!

Will the BlackBerry Vienna get unveiled at MWC?

source: TechNewsToday via Phandroid

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17 Comments

1. meanestgenius

Posts: 22290; Member since: May 28, 2014

Definitely like the design of this phone. If it comes in multiple colors (like the images suggest) that will be even sweeter.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 2:10 PM 2

2. Mxyzptlk unregistered

I just hope it's universally unlocked and competitively priced.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 2:35 PM 3

11. geoffphuket

Posts: 50; Member since: Feb 08, 2016

Yes, and a different name would be a good idea

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 7:00 PM 0

3. Intrepid_wiz

Posts: 28; Member since: Dec 30, 2015

This device is looking Good. Hope its exactly as the renders suggest

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 2:51 PM 0

4. Arch_Fiend

Posts: 3951; Member since: Oct 03, 2015

Probably powered by the Sd652 since it has 1080p.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 2:54 PM 0

5. jellmoo

Posts: 2628; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

I can't imagine it will have a 5 inch display. That would put the thing at over 7 inches tall. The Passport only had a 4,5 inch display, and it pulled off the keyboard by being exceptionally wide, which this doesn't appear to be.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 3:43 PM 1

6. meanestgenius

Could be. Unless they make the physical keyboard smaller and more compact, like the PRIV when the keyboard is exposed.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 4:02 PM 0

7. Crispin_Gatieza

Posts: 3157; Member since: Jan 23, 2014

Not to mention it looks like there's a row of physical buttons between the display and the keyboard. As a reference, look at the M8 which has a 5" display with onscreen buttons and it's tall drink of water. Granted, it has the HTC bar and the front firing speakers but still, even a half-assed keyboard will take up more room than that.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 5:44 PM 0

12. meanestgenius

Looks like BlackBerry will be implementing the "tool belt" on this device, similar to the Classic and legacy devices.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 7:01 PM 0

9. jellmoo

Very true, I'm just going off of the render here, which admittedly could be wildly inaccurate. Of course, I'd love to see another Passport style keyboard as opposed to the Priv. Just a great keyboard.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 6:19 PM 0

13. meanestgenius

Agreed. The Passport keyboard is awesome.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 7:01 PM 1

8. Coconut00

Posts: 485; Member since: Jan 13, 2015

Wasn't this supposed to be a Midranger?

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 5:47 PM 0

10. geoffphuket

Android is the way to go

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 6:58 PM 0

14. willywanta

Posts: 502; Member since: Jun 04, 2014

now now, blackberry's design is too stiff imho. Less dynamic and less futuristic.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 7:14 PM 0

15. iLovesarcasm

Posts: 589; Member since: Oct 20, 2014

Hopefully not made in China.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 7:18 PM 0

16. megathaszrul89

Posts: 203; Member since: Jan 08, 2015

Maybe it comes with 5" screen, but not a tall one, maybe it's wider, just to make sure it achieve the 5" diagonal stretch? I dunno. Just maybe.

posted on Feb 20, 2016, 9:32 PM 0

17. MisterQ

Posts: 61; Member since: Feb 13, 2015

Looks like a nice upgrade for Q5 owners who don't want to give up the keyboard but are looking for a new device. Hopefully it's priced around $300-350.