Revive the BlackBerry Classic: Get Your Hands on This $320 Ultimate Restoration Kit!

People are increasingly bored with their smartphones. With so many similar glass and metal designs, it’s no wonder they’re searching for something fresh. One company is stepping up by offering a kit that revives the classic BlackBerry Q20, also known as the “Classic,” by updating its insides with modern components.

The BlackBerry Classic was loved for its QWERTY keyboard and unique operating system. It debuted in 2014 but was discontinued in 2016, failing to keep up with the rapid advancements in iPhone and Android technology. BlackBerry had already hindered itself by switching to its BlackBerry 10 OS, which could only run Android apps. Despite this, it couldn’t compete with the vast ecosystems of Apple and Google.

Even so, fans of the BlackBerry Classic refuse to let it go. A company called Zinwa Technologies has released the $320 Q25 Pro set. This kit replaces the Classic’s internals: the CPU, RAM, storage, cameras, battery, and charging port are all upgraded. You’ll need a Q20 to modify, but the new components include a MediaTek G99 chipset, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, NFC, and LTE. The rear camera is boosted to 50 megapixels, and the selfie camera is now 8 megapixels. The kit also features a new 3,000mAh battery that Zinwa claims can last all day, along with a USB-C charging port.

If you don’t have a Q20 lying around, Zinwa also sells a complete Q25 Pro device for $420. It shares the same body with a 720 x 720 resolution screen, QWERTY keypad, and touchpad.

Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, recently shared his thoughts on Twitter. He praised the upgrade, saying, “Damn this is cool. Someone made an Android mainboard replacement for the Q20,” and added that it feels amazing to hold a BlackBerry again.

Damn this is cool. Someone made an Android mainboard replacement for the Q20. It fits perfectly inside the existing phone. Uses the same display but upgrades the camera and switches to USB C. It feels so good to hold blackberry again. The soft touch back feels amazing pic.twitter.com/WxMRXO0Kbx

— Eric Migicovsky (@ericmigi) August 14, 2025

The Q25 Pro runs on Android 13 from 2022, not the latest version. When questioned about the older Android, Migicovsky posed an interesting point: “What does it matter? Is there a noticeable difference between 13/14/whatever we’re on now?” For basic functions, maybe not. However, an outdated version could lack crucial security updates, something to consider in 2025.

This trend of nostalgia for retro tech is growing. Recently, Unihertz introduced the Titan 2, a phone reminiscent of the BlackBerry Passport with a physical keyboard. Tech reviewer Michael Fisher, known as MrMobile, is still producing QWERTY case accessories for the iPhone. His company, Clicks, recently launched a keyboard case for the 2025 Motorola Razr Plus and Ultra foldables.

As interest in older tech revivals grows, it would be fascinating to hear what former BlackBerry co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie think about the Q25 Pro kit.

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Android,BlackBerry