In the early 2000s, BlackBerry was the go-to brand for smartphones, especially among professionals and corporations. The iconic QWERTY keyboard and enterprise-focused features made BlackBerry devices a staple in the business world. However, with the rise of iOS and Android, BlackBerry struggled to keep up, and its market share began to decline. In 2015, the company made a significant shift by releasing its first Android-powered smartphone, the BlackBerry Priv. Since then, several BlackBerry models have run on the Android operating system. In this article, we’ll explore the history of BlackBerry’s Android journey and which models have adopted the popular OS.
The Transition to Android: A New Era for BlackBerry
After struggling to compete with iOS and Android, BlackBerry announced its plans to adopt the Android operating system in 2015. This move marked a significant shift in the company’s strategy, as it aimed to leverage the popularity of Android to regain its footing in the market. The first Android-powered BlackBerry device, the Priv, was released in November 2015. This flagship smartphone featured a 5.4-inch QHD display, a 18-megapixel camera, and a curved edge design.
Why Android?
So, why did BlackBerry choose to adopt Android? There are several reasons for this decision:
- Broader appeal: By adopting Android, BlackBerry aimed to appeal to a broader audience, beyond its traditional enterprise customer base. Android’s massive popularity and large app ecosystem made it an attractive choice.
- Cost savings: Building and maintaining a proprietary operating system like BB10 was costly. By using Android, BlackBerry could reduce its research and development expenses.
- Improved app selection: Android offers a vast array of apps, which was a significant weakness of BB10. By adopting Android, BlackBerry devices could access the vast Google Play Store library.
The Android-Powered BlackBerry Lineup
Since the release of the Priv, several BlackBerry models have run on the Android operating system. Here’s a brief overview of each device:
BlackBerry Priv (2015)
The Priv was the first Android-powered BlackBerry device, featuring a 5.4-inch QHD display, a 18-megapixel camera, and a curved edge design. It was a flagship device with high-end specs, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and 3GB of RAM.
BlackBerry DTEK50 (2016)
The DTEK50 was a mid-range Android smartphone with a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a 13-megapixel camera, and a octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor. It was designed for security-conscious users, with features like encryption and secure boot.
BlackBerry DTEK60 (2016)
The DTEK60 was a higher-end variant of the DTEK50, featuring a 5.5-inch QHD display, a 21-megapixel camera, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. It also included advanced security features like fingerprint recognition and smartcard support.
BlackBerry KEYone (2017)
The KEYone was a unique Android smartphone that combined a physical QWERTY keyboard with a 4.5-inch Full HD display. It featured a 12-megapixel camera, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, and a long-lasting 3505mAh battery.
BlackBerry Motion (2017)
The Motion was a mid-range Android smartphone with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a 12-megapixel camera, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. It featured a large 4000mAh battery and IP67 water and dust resistance.
BlackBerry KEY2 (2018)
The KEY2 was an improved version of the KEYone, with a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, a 12-megapixel dualcamera setup, and a 4.5-inch Full HD display. It also featured improved keyboards with customizable shortcuts and a fingerprint sensor.
BlackBerry KEY2 LE (2018)
The KEY2 LE was a more affordable variant of the KEY2, with a similar design and features, but with a slightly smaller 4.5-inch HD display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor.
BlackBerry Evolve (2018)
The Evolve was a mid-range Android smartphone with a 5.99-inch Full HD display, a 13-megapixel dual-camera setup, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor. It featured a large 4000mAh battery and IP67 water and dust resistance.
BlackBerry Evolve X (2018)
The Evolve X was a higher-end variant of the Evolve, with a 6-inch Full HD display, a 12-megapixel dual-camera setup, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor. It also featured a larger 5000mAh battery and fast charging support.
What’s Next for BlackBerry?
As BlackBerry continues to evolve, it’s likely that future devices will also run on the Android operating system. The company has announced its plans to release at least two new Android-powered smartphones in 2022, although details are scarce.
A Focus on Security
One area where BlackBerry excels is security. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of security in its devices, and its Android-powered smartphones are no exception. With features like encryption, secure boot, and advanced threat protection, BlackBerry devices offer a level of security that’s hard to find in other Android smartphones.
A Legacy of Innovation
BlackBerry has come a long way since its early days as a pioneering smartphone brand. By adopting Android, the company has been able to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market. As it looks to the future, one thing is clear: BlackBerry remains committed to innovation, security, and delivering high-quality devices that meet the needs of its loyal customer base.
| Model | Release Year | Display Size | Processor | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priv | 2015 | 5.4-inch QHD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 | 18-megapixel |
| DTEK50 | 2016 | 5.2-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 | 13-megapixel |
| DTEK60 | 2016 | 5.5-inch QHD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 | 21-megapixel |
| KEYone | 2017 | 4.5-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 | 12-megapixel |
| Motion | 2017 | 5.5-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 | 12-megapixel |
| KEY2 | 2018 | 4.5-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 | 12-megapixel dual-camera |
| KEY2 LE | 2018 | 4.5-inch HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 | 12-megapixel dual-camera |
| Evolve | 2018 | 5.99-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 | 13-megapixel dual-camera |
| Evolve X | 2018 | 6-inch Full HD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 | 12-megapixel dual-camera |
Note: The specifications listed in the table are for general informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.
What is the first BlackBerry model to run Android?
The first BlackBerry model to run Android is the BlackBerry Priv, which was released in 2015. This smartphone marked a significant shift in BlackBerry’s strategy, as it was the company’s first device to abandon its proprietary operating system in favor of Google’s Android platform.
The Priv was a slider phone with a physical keyboard, a 5.4-inch touchscreen display, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. It ran Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out of the box and was later updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Despite being a departure from BlackBerry’s traditional OS, the Priv was well-received by critics and fans alike, paving the way for future Android-based BlackBerry devices.
What are some other BlackBerry models that run Android?
In addition to the Priv, BlackBerry has released several other Android-powered smartphones. These include the DTEK50, DTEK60, KEYone, Motion, KEY2, KEY2 LE, and Evolve series. Each of these devices offers a unique blend of Android functionality and BlackBerry’s signature security and productivity features.
From the budget-friendly DTEK50 to the high-end KEY2, BlackBerry’s Android lineup has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a device with a physical keyboard, advanced security features, or a sleek and modern design, there’s a BlackBerry Android phone that’s sure to meet your needs.
Do BlackBerry Android phones have the same level of security as BlackBerry OS devices?
BlackBerry Android phones offer a high level of security, thanks to the company’s proprietary security software and services. While they may not be as secure as devices running the traditional BlackBerry OS, they still provide robust protection against malware, data breaches, and other online threats.
BlackBerry’s Android devices come with a range of security features, including encryption, secure boot, and regular security updates. Additionally, they offer advanced productivity features like BlackBerry Hub, which integrates email, calendar, and social media notifications into a single, easy-to-use interface.
Can I customize my BlackBerry Android phone like other Android devices?
Yes, BlackBerry Android phones can be customized to a certain extent, just like other Android devices. You can change launchers, icon packs, and widgets to personalize your home screen, as well as install third-party apps from the Google Play Store.
However, it’s worth noting that BlackBerry’s Android phones have some limitations when it comes to customization. For example, you may not be able to change the default keyboard or modify certain system settings. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of ways to make your BlackBerry Android phone truly unique.
Will BlackBerry continue to release Android phones in the future?
Yes, BlackBerry has committed to releasing new Android-powered smartphones in the future. In fact, the company has already released several Android devices in recent years, and has announced plans to continue supporting the Android platform.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, BlackBerry is adapting its strategy to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses alike. By offering Android devices with advanced security and productivity features, BlackBerry aims to remain a major player in the global smartphone market.
Can I still use BlackBerry OS apps on my Android phone?
No, BlackBerry OS apps are not compatible with Android devices, including BlackBerry’s own Android phones. This means that if you have a favorite BlackBerry OS app, it will not work on your Android phone.
However, many developers have created Android versions of popular BlackBerry OS apps, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Additionally, BlackBerry has developed its own Android apps, such as BlackBerry Hub and BlackBerry Productivity, which offer similar functionality to their BlackBerry OS counterparts.
Are BlackBerry Android phones popular among businesses?
Yes, BlackBerry Android phones are popular among businesses, thanks to their advanced security features and productivity capabilities. Many companies require employees to use secure devices for work-related activities, and BlackBerry’s Android phones meet these requirements.
In addition to their security features, BlackBerry Android phones offer a range of business-friendly features, such as advanced email management, calendar integration, and document editing. This makes them an attractive option for companies looking for secure and productive mobile devices.