BlackBerry Q20 Release Date: BB10.3.1 Handset W/ QWERT Keys May Not Arrive In 2014?

BlackBerry Q20 release date: The word QWERTY has made BlackBerry a much-loved and global brand, thanks to keyboard lovers who sees the functionality and style of its earlier set of handsets. But the Canadian handset maker has since lose out its dominance to the likes of Apple and Samsung.

In earlier reports, it shows that BlackBerry now only has 4% of the market compared to Apple’s 40%, a wide gap by many accounts. But the accompany is expected to unveil a new smartphone that will fuse its classic design with the new. It may not arrive in 2014, however, but it will be launch early next year, barring any changes in company strategy. It’s expected to run on the upcoming BlackBerry 10.3.1 system.

The highly anticipated BlackBerry Q20, also known as BlackBerry classic, was seen outlined in a 2014 Global Roadmap leaked by N4BB. It is noted on the document that will be marketed as a “no frills” device and described as “powerful yet uncomplicated.”

Though there is no definite indication on the doc on when it will be launched, speculations suggest that it would be unveiled November 2014 or 1Q of 2015. The lack of a strong date when the device will be ready could mean a later launch date.

The document shows that the BlackBerry Q20 is an “upgrade for BlackBerry QWERTY Base” and is part of the “Enterprise Fleet Renewal” for the company. As expected, the keyboard-wielding handset is intended to be marketed to busines consumers.

Specs of the BlackBerry Q20 have been in discussion since its imminent launch was announced by CEO Black Chen. A report posted by N4BB, citing GeekBench test scores, reveals what could be the specs of the handset.
“BlackBerry Classic will be rocking a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. It will also pack 2GB of RAM. These internals are pretty much identical to what the Z10 (except STL100-1 model) had. The interesting thing to note here is that the Classic’s score (500) is higher than the Z10′s (453) even though their internal specs are pretty much the same.”

There have been no speculations yet on the possible price point for the BlackBerry Q20.

BGR earlier reported that BlackBerry’s new strategy involves “largely ignoring the masses who want touhscreen-only phones and focussing on the keyboard-loving diehards who have helped keep the company afloat.”The launch of the Q20 then is consistent with what is perceived as the company’s desired brand position for its products.