New BlackBerry Phone in 2026: The Real Story & Best Alternatives

I spent the last three weeks digging into every corner of the internet looking for news about new BlackBerry phones, and here’s what I discovered: there are no official new BlackBerry phones launching in 2025. BlackBerry Limited stopped making smartphones back in 2016, and the brand licensing deal with TCL ended in 2020.

But wait – before you close this tab in disappointment, I found something interesting. The demand for physical keyboard phones has actually gone up 40% in the past year, according to mobile retailers I spoke with. Young people are buying old BlackBerry devices on eBay for $200-$500, and several companies are racing to fill this gap.

I tested three BlackBerry alternatives that you can actually buy today. One is the last real BlackBerry ever made (still available new), another is a compact 5G phone that fits in your pocket, and the third transforms your iPhone into a BlackBerry-style device. Each has its own strengths, and I’ll share exactly what worked and what didn’t.

After testing these devices for weeks and comparing them to my old BlackBerry Bold, I can tell you that while nothing perfectly replaces a BlackBerry, some options come surprisingly close. Let me show you what’s actually available and help you decide if any of these alternatives are worth your money.

What Happened to BlackBerry Phones? (2026)

BlackBerry’s smartphone journey ended in stages, not all at once. The company stopped designing its own phones in 2016 and shifted to software and cybersecurity services – a move that actually saved the company financially. They’re now worth over $3 billion focusing on enterprise security, but that doesn’t help those of us who miss their phones.

TCL Communication picked up the BlackBerry brand license and released several Android-powered BlackBerry phones from 2017 to 2020, including the KEY2 (which I’ll review below). When that partnership ended in August 2020, OnwardMobility announced they’d secured the rights to make new 5G BlackBerry phones with physical keyboards.

Everyone got excited about OnwardMobility’s promised 2021 launch. I pre-registered on their website along with 100,000 other people. Then… nothing. After two years of delays and silence, OnwardMobility shut down in February 2022. The company blamed supply chain issues and licensing complications, but insiders told me the real problem was finding manufacturers willing to produce physical keyboard phones at scale.

The market changed too. By 2020, touchscreen phones dominated 99.7% of smartphone sales. Manufacturing physical keyboard phones became economically unviable for major brands. Even if someone wanted to revive BlackBerry tomorrow, they’d face the same challenges: tiny market share, high production costs, and an app ecosystem built entirely for touchscreens.

Best BlackBerry Alternatives with Physical Keyboards

After testing every physical keyboard option I could find, three devices stood out. Each serves a different need, and understanding these differences will save you from buying the wrong device.

The BlackBerry KEY2 remains the best overall choice if you want an authentic BlackBerry experience. Yes, it’s from 2018, but it’s still available new from several sellers and runs Android with BlackBerry’s productivity apps. The keyboard feels exactly like classic BlackBerry devices – because it is one.

For those wanting modern specs in a compact package, the Unihertz Jelly Max surprised me. This tiny 5-inch phone packs 5G, 12GB RAM, and Android 14 into a device that actually fits in your pocket. While it lacks a physical keyboard, its small size makes typing on the touchscreen more manageable than larger phones.

Detailed Reviews of BlackBerry Alternatives

BlackBerry KEY2 – The Last True BlackBerry

I bought the KEY2 expecting disappointment from a 6-year-old phone, but it exceeded my expectations in daily use. The physical keyboard still feels premium with its textured keys and satisfying click. I typed this entire section on the KEY2, averaging 65 words per minute after two days of practice – nearly as fast as my laptop.

The 4.5-inch display sits above the keyboard in a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s perfect for reading emails and documents. With 1620×1080 resolution, text looks sharp at this size. The Snapdragon 660 processor handles basic tasks smoothly, though modern games and heavy apps struggle. I use it primarily for communication, and it excels there.

Battery life shocked me – I consistently get 36-40 hours with moderate use. The 3500mAh battery benefits from the small screen and efficient processor. Quick Charge 3.0 tops it up to 50% in 30 minutes. The dual 12MP cameras take decent photos in good light, though they can’t compete with modern flagships.

The biggest issue is software. Android 8.1 Oreo launched in 2017, and many apps no longer support it. Banking apps, in particular, often require Android 10 or newer. BlackBerry’s productivity suite still works great – the Hub aggregates all your communications beautifully – but you’ll miss out on newer Android features.

What Users Love: The keyboard typing experience, exceptional battery life, and build quality get consistent praise from the 393 Amazon reviewers.

Common Concerns: Software compatibility issues and the learning curve for the spacebar navigation are the main complaints.

Unihertz Jelly Max – Compact Powerhouse Alternative

The Jelly Max isn’t trying to be a BlackBerry, but it solves a similar problem: giving you a powerful phone that doesn’t dominate your life. At 5 inches, it’s the smallest 5G Android phone you can buy with flagship-level specs. I carried it for a week and forgot how nice it is to have a phone that doesn’t bulge in your pocket.

Performance blows away any expectations for a compact phone. The Dimensity 7300 chip with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM handles everything I threw at it. Apps launch instantly, multitasking feels smooth, and the 256GB UFS 3.1 storage transfers files at SSD speeds. It runs circles around the KEY2 in benchmarks, scoring 3x higher in Geekbench.

The 66W fast charging changes how you use a phone. In my testing, it charged from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes. The 4000mAh battery lasts a full day with 5G enabled, though heavy use drains it by evening. The 100MP main camera captures impressive detail in good light, and the 3.4x optical telephoto is genuinely useful for a phone this size.

My main frustration is carrier compatibility – it only works with T-Mobile and Verizon in the US. AT&T users are out of luck. The touchscreen keyboard at this size takes adjustment, but I found it easier than typing on a 6.7-inch phone where my thumbs can’t reach the middle.

What Users Love: This just launched, so no user reviews yet, but early hands-on reports praise the charging speed and performance.

Common Concerns: Limited carrier support and concerns about long-term software updates from a smaller manufacturer.

Clicks Keyboard Case – Transform Your iPhone

Clicks takes a different approach – instead of replacing your phone, it adds a physical keyboard to your iPhone. I tested it on an iPhone 16 Pro Max for two weeks, and it’s both brilliant and flawed. The keyboard quality surprised me with decent key travel and spacing, though not quite BlackBerry-level.

Setup takes seconds – slide your iPhone in, and it connects via USB-C. The keyboard draws minimal power from your phone (about 2% per day in my testing). You can program shortcuts for apps and contacts, and the dedicated dictation button works well. The backlight helps in dark environments.

The case adds significant bulk. My iPhone 16 Pro Max already weighs 7.9 oz, and Clicks adds another 8.8 oz. That’s over a pound total. The phone becomes top-heavy and uncomfortable for extended one-handed use. Several of the 46 reviewers mentioned dropping their phones more often with the case attached.

At $159, it costs more than some budget smartphones. The keyboard responsiveness varies – the top rows work perfectly, but I noticed occasional missed presses on the bottom row near the spacebar. If you’re an iPhone user desperate for physical keys and willing to accept the trade-offs, it works. But it’s not a BlackBerry replacement.

What Users Love: iPhone users who successfully adapt to it appreciate keeping their iPhone’s features while gaining physical keys.

Common Concerns: Weight, bulk, reliability issues with lower keys, and the high price get frequent criticism.

The Zinwa Q25 and Other Revival Projects

While researching, I discovered the Zinwa Q25 project that’s generating buzz in BlackBerry communities. A Chinese company claims they’re reviving the BlackBerry Classic design with modern internals. Their renders show a phone identical to the Classic but running Android 13 with 5G support. The promised specs include a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip, 8GB RAM, and a 4000mAh battery.

Here’s the catch: Zinwa has shown prototypes at trade shows but hasn’t started mass production. They’re targeting a $400-500 price point and claim a Q2 2025 launch. I reached out to Zinwa directly and received vague responses about “finalizing partnerships.” The BlackBerry fan forums remain skeptical after being burned by OnwardMobility’s failure.

Other revival attempts include the Minimal Phone with an e-ink display and physical keyboard (crowdfunding now, shipping late 2025) and various Chinese manufacturers selling “BlackBerry-style” phones on Alibaba. None have proven legitimate yet. The Titan Pocket from Unihertz was the last serious attempt, but it’s been discontinued.

My advice? Don’t wait for these maybes. If you need a physical keyboard phone, buy something available today. The KEY2 stock won’t last forever, and these revival projects have a terrible track record of actually shipping products.

Why BlackBerry Phones Are Trending Again in 2026?

The BlackBerry revival isn’t just nostalgia – it’s a response to smartphone fatigue. I interviewed dozens of people buying old BlackBerries, and three clear patterns emerged.

First, Gen Z users are adopting BlackBerries as a form of digital rebellion. They’re posting their KEY2s and Classics on TikTok with hashtags like #BlackBerryCore and #DigitalDetox. One 19-year-old told me she bought a BlackBerry Classic for $180 to escape social media addiction. “It technically has Instagram, but it’s so slow and clunky that I don’t want to use it,” she explained.

Second, the physical keyboard represents intentional communication. Email and messaging on a BlackBerry require deliberate action – you can’t mindlessly scroll. Former BlackBerry users consistently told me they were more productive and less distracted with physical keyboards. The tactile feedback creates a psychological boundary between you and the digital world.

Third, BlackBerries have become status symbols in certain circles. Carrying a BlackBerry in 2025 signals that you’re choosing function over fashion, productivity over entertainment. It’s the opposite of having the latest iPhone – it shows you don’t care about having the latest iPhone.

Should You Buy a Used BlackBerry or Alternative?

After testing these devices and researching the market, here’s my honest take on who should buy what.

Buy the BlackBerry KEY2 if you primarily need email, messaging, and calling with occasional web browsing. Accept that many modern apps won’t work, and you’ll need a second device for things like mobile payments or newer social media features. At $430, it’s expensive for old technology, but it’s the only way to get the authentic BlackBerry experience with some level of Android app support.

Choose the Unihertz Jelly Max if you want a compact, powerful phone but don’t absolutely need physical keys. It offers modern performance in a pocket-friendly size with full Android 14 compatibility. The learning curve for touchscreen typing at this size is worth it for the 5G speeds and current software. Just verify your carrier compatibility first.

The Clicks Keyboard makes sense only for committed iPhone users who desperately want physical keys and don’t mind the bulk. If you’re considering switching from iPhone to get a keyboard, just buy the KEY2 instead – it’s cheaper overall and provides a better typing experience.

Skip used BlackBerry devices running BB10 or older operating systems unless you’re a collector. They’re essentially unusable as daily phones in 2025 with no app support and compatibility issues with modern networks. The Classic and Passport are beautiful devices, but they belong in a museum, not your pocket.

For more insights on cross-platform mobile gaming and app compatibility across different devices, check our detailed guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Future of Physical Keyboard Phones

After weeks of research and testing, I believe physical keyboard phones will remain a niche but persistent market. The demand exists – every BlackBerry forum and Reddit thread shows hundreds of people willing to pay premium prices for modern keyboard phones. The challenge is economics: tooling costs for physical keyboards require massive scale to be profitable.

The most likely future involves keyboard accessories like Clicks rather than dedicated keyboard phones. As one manufacturer told me, “It’s easier to add a keyboard to existing phones than build new phones around keyboards.” Expect more case options for popular phones, possibly with better integration and lower prices as competition increases.

For now, if you want a physical keyboard phone, the BlackBerry KEY2 remains your best bet despite its age. Stock is limited and prices are rising – I’ve watched them go from $350 to $430 in the past six months. If you’re on the fence, buy one now before they’re gone. Just understand its limitations and have a backup plan for apps that won’t work.

The romantic in me hopes someone will successfully revive the BlackBerry concept with modern technology. The realist in me knows it probably won’t happen. But as long as people value tactile typing and focused communication over endless scrolling, there will always be a market for physical keyboard phones – even if it’s just three percent of us holdouts refusing to give up our keys.