How important is the Q5 to BlackBerry?

BlackBerry Q5

BlackBerry first released its flagship BB10 touchscreen phone, the Z10, with much fanfare.  Next, the long awaited physical keyboard version, the Q10, was released to much anticipation.  But a funny thing happened on the way to the sales figures…they were promising, but not the quantities BlackBerry was hoping for nor what it needs to climb back into third place, behind Samsung and Apple and ahead of Windows Phone.

Not having Apple’s resources and ability to claim they do not need a cheaper model phone, BlackBerry was smart enough to know they needed to quickly produce a cheaper device for “emerging markets,” and so the Q5 was born out of necessity.  BlackBerry later indicated it would be available “in selected markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia (including the Asia Pacific region), and Latin America, with availability beginning in July.” Yesterday, we learned that it looks to be coming to Canada.

Just to remind you, here are the BlackBerry Q5 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon
  • Operating system: BlackBerry 10
  • Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA/GSM
  • Other connectivity: A-GPS/GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Display: 3.1-inch 720×720 / 330 PPI
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Internal storage: 8GB
  • External storage: MicroSD cards up to 32GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF with LED flash
  • Front-facing camera: 2MP
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, microUSB 2.0
  • Battery: Non-removable 2,180mAh
  • Dimensions: 120 x 66 x 10.8 millimeters
  • Weight: 120 grams
  • Colors: Red, white, black, and pink

The irony in this is that even though physical keyboards are a dying breed at this point in the smartphone world, this may be BlackBerry’s most important phone on the path to their resurrection.  BlackBerry smartphones have always sold well in the “emerging” markets and their name is well known and their products remain desirable.

The keyboard is well designed, it is a BlackBerry after all, and the touchscreen is “bright, crisp, and responsive,” adequate for web browsing, although a little small for watching videos.  Even the specs are very good for a “cheap” smartphone, listing for approximately US$425.

Let us know in the comments if you think BlackBerry is making the right move and whether they should bring the Q5 to the US and Canadian markets.



Source : ZDNet