BlackBerry seems to be preparing a new Android smartphone with IP67 certification and no keyboard. The new device is expected to be released in October, and will be the first BlackBerry smartphone that will be water-resistant, as well as the DTEK60, released in October of 2016, KEYone which we saw in April this year, had such a possibility.
What BlackBerry is trying to achieve with the new model is to make available a smartphone that can be used at any time, regardless of weather conditions, said François Mahieu, General Manager of Global enviroment TCL on Engadget. TCL is the company which makes BlackBerry phones.
So we expect an IP67 certified device that makes the phone dust and water resistant. Please note that this certification does not mean you can swim with your cell phone. Waterproof does not mean waterproof.
The new BlackBerry phone will not have a keyboard, but will focus on its durability and long life battery. With these two features the company believes it could make many Android and iPhone buyers switch sides.
Of course like everything else models of BlackBerry, the design of the device will focus heavily on security.
The new BlackBerry model is supposed to cost less than the others high-end devices on the market.
As mentioned above BlackBerry seems to bet on the long battery life, as the device will offer about 26 hours of mixed use. This means that the phone should be able to operate not only one day but up to 2 days with average use.
We will learn more about the new BlackBerry model this weekteam at IFA, while the launch of the device is expected to take place in October.