ZinwaÃÂ Q25 (also marketed as Q25ÃÂ Pro) is an Android smartphone developed by the Chinese company ZinwaÃÂ Technologies in 2025. The device is a modified version of the BlackBerry Classic (2014), replacing its internals with newer components. Intended both as a completed handset and as a conversion kit for existing BlackBerry Classic devices, the Q25 retains the original BlackBerry's 3.5-inchÃÂ 720ÃÂ720 touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, trackpad and LED notification light but adds a 4G-capable MediaTekÃÂ HelioÃÂ G99 system on chip, 12ÃÂ GB of RAM, 256ÃÂ GB of storage, a 50ÃÂ MP rear camera, NFC and USB-C, and runs on AndroidÃÂ 14. The project reflects a broader trend of retrofitting older mobile devices as a way to reduce electronic waste and to satisfy enthusiasts who prefer physical keyboards.
ZinwaàTechnologies was founded by a young Chinese hardware hacker known by the handle Zinwa. According to an interview he gave to the YouTube channel ReturningàRetro, he grew up using BlackBerry handsets and never took to glassâÂÂonly smartphones. Realising that countless BlackBerryàClassic housings were languishing in drawers or heading for eâÂÂwaste dumps, he designed a modern motherboard that would slot into the Q20's existing shell. By reusing the chassis he avoided the high tooling costs of a new enclosure and kept the familiar hardware features that made the Classic popular, such as the physical keyboard, trackpad and headphone jack. The prototype, shown on ReturningàRetro, maintains the Classic's footprint while supporting 4G/LTE networks, Androidà14, a microSD card slot, USBâÂÂC and NFC.
The Q25 uses a custom motherboard based on the MediaTekàHelioàG99 systemâÂÂonâÂÂchip with an octaâÂÂcore CPU and MaliâÂÂG57àMC2àGPU. It ships with 12àGB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256àGB of UFSà2.x internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC slot. The display is the original BlackBerryàClassic 3.5âÂÂinch (8.9àcm) 720ÃÂ720àpixel IPS panel with a 1:1 aspect ratio. It retains the Q20's backlit QWERTY keyboard and capacitive trackpad; the trackpad functions as either a cursor or directional pad depending on user preference. A 50âÂÂmegapixel rear camera and an 8âÂÂmegapixel frontâÂÂfacing camera replace the Classic's original sensors. The onboard 3,000àmAh battery is larger than the original and is charged via a USBâÂÂC port; the device also features a headphone jack, single nanoâÂÂSIM slot, NFC support, Bluetooth, WiâÂÂFi and 4GàLTE connectivity, but it does not support 5G.
Unlike the 2014 BlackBerryàClassic, which ran BlackBerryà10, the Q25 runs a nearâÂÂstock build of Androidà14 with access to GoogleàPlay services. ZinwaàTechnologies has stated that it does not plan to offer major version upgrades beyond Androidà14 but will provide security patches and minor feature updates. The developer later confirmed, however, that the bootloader is unlocked, allowing users to install their own software on the device.
Zinwa announced the Q25 project in midâÂÂ2025 and began accepting preâÂÂorders later that summer. The company offers two products: a readyâÂÂbuilt Q25 handset and a Q25 conversion kit for owners of the BlackBerryàClassic who wish to retrofit their own devices. The assembled phone is priced at roughly US$400 while the kit costs about US$300. Ubergizmo reported that the doâÂÂitâÂÂyourself kit costs around US$320 and that the first 100 complete devices were scheduled to ship by the end of Augustà2025, with mass production targeted for midâÂÂSeptember. The company also sells replacement modules such as camera boards and batteries.
Early coverage of the Q25 focused on its blend of nostalgia and modern hardware. NotebookCheck and other commentators noted that the device retained the Classic's signature form factor while offering contemporary specifications like a HelioàG99 chipset, 12àGBàRAM and a 50àMP camera. Commentators also highlighted the inclusion of a headphone jack, NFC and USBâÂÂC, features that many modern flagship phones have abandoned. Reviewers cautioned that the device lacked 5G support and that Zinwa did not promise longâÂÂterm software upgrades, though it committed to bug fixes and security patches.
During the Q25's announcement, ZinwaÃÂ Technologies confirmed that it was working on similar projects based on other BlackBerry models. The company plans to release the Zinwa P26, based on the BlackBerryÃÂ Passport, and eventually expand to older models such as the Bold. These devices are expected to apply the same philosophy of reusing original housings while installing modern internals and Android.