Show menu
Home
›
News
›
Rumor: BlackBerry might introduce new Android phone at MWC

Rumor: BlackBerry might introduce new Android phone at MWC

Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 13:05, by Alan F.

Share Tweet Share

Tags : BlackBerry -BlackBerry + Android -Android +

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

17 Comments

Options
Close Follow › Following
Show comments:

Display mode:

Always view all comments

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 14:10 2

1. meanestgenius (Posts: 16601; Member since: 28 May 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 20 Feb 2016, 14:35 3

2. Mxyzptlk (unregistered)

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

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 19:00

11. geoffphuket (Posts: 50; Member since: 08 Feb 2016)

Yes, and a different name would be a good idea

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 14:51

3. Intrepid_wiz (Posts: 28; Member since: 30 Dec 2015)

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

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 14:54

4. Arch_Fiend (Posts: 3371; Member since: 03 Oct 2015)

Probably powered by the Sd652 since it has 1080p.

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 15:43 1

5. jellmoo (Posts: 2035; Member since: 31 Oct 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 20 Feb 2016, 16:02

6. meanestgenius (Posts: 16601; Member since: 28 May 2014)

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

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 17:44

7. Crispin_Gatieza (Posts: 2108; Member since: 23 Jan 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 20 Feb 2016, 19:01

12. meanestgenius (Posts: 16601; Member since: 28 May 2014)

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

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 18:19

9. jellmoo (Posts: 2035; Member since: 31 Oct 2011)

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 20 Feb 2016, 19:01 1

13. meanestgenius (Posts: 16601; Member since: 28 May 2014)

Agreed. The Passport keyboard is awesome.

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 17:47

8. Coconut00 (Posts: 485; Member since: 13 Jan 2015)

Wasn't this supposed to be a Midranger?

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 18:58

10. geoffphuket (Posts: 50; Member since: 08 Feb 2016)

Android is the way to go

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 19:14

14. willywanta (Posts: 421; Member since: 04 Jun 2014)

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

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 19:18

15. iLovesarcasm (Posts: 586; Member since: 20 Oct 2014)

Hopefully not made in China.

posted on 20 Feb 2016, 21:32

16. megathaszrul89 (Posts: 157; Member since: 08 Jan 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 21 Feb 2016, 11:53

17. MisterQ (Posts: 56; Member since: 13 Feb 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.