BlackBerry’s mysterious new device code-named the BBC100-1 was spotted on the website of an Indonesian regulator in December 2016. At that time, nothing was known about the device, except that it is from a company dubbed “BB MERAH PUTIH, PT.” Now most of the device’s key specifications have been disclosed, according to GSMArena.
First dual-SIM handset from BlackBerry
Popular tipster and leaker Roland Quandt spilled the news about the mysterious device in a tweet. The tipster says the smartphone sports a 5.5-inch HD display and is powered by a Snapdragon 425 SoC. The smartphone has 4GM of RAM, while the internal memory is reported to be 32GB. The smartphone features an 8MP front shooter and a 13MP rear unit, along with a 3,000Mah battery.
BlackBerry "BBC100-1": Snapdragon 425 1,4 GHz, 5.5in, 720p HD, 4/32GB, 13/8MP, Dual-SIM, 3000mAh.
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) January 26, 2017
Most importantly, the BBC100-1 is a dual-SIM handset, which makes it the first BlackBerry smartphone of its kind. As of now, there is no information on its price or launch date. Also it is not known if it is only for the Indonesian market or will be launched in other markets too.
Mercury coming at MWC
Meanwhile, BlackBerry recently confirmed plans to reveal its latest smartphone at the MWC (Mobile World Congress) on February 25. The event will be held next month in Barcelona. The company has not disclosed the name of the phone yet, but it is expected to be the long-rumored “BlackBerry Mercury” (also called the BlackBerry BBC100).
The BlackBerry Mercury, according to reports and recent leaks, is expected to be powered by an Adreno 506 GPU, a 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, 32GB of internal storage and 3GB of RAM. The smartphone is said to feature an 18-megapixel camera at both the rear and front. The handset is expected to be based on the Android Nougat operating system. Also it will reportedly sport the trademark BlackBerry QWERTY keypad.
The BlackBerry Mercury is expected to have a premium look in terms of design. Other rumored specs include a touch-sensitive keypad and a glossy finish to give a glass-like feel. Additionally, the phone is said to have a fingerprint scanner embedded into the space bar. The smartphone’s targeted audience will apparently be businesses and professional users. The phone will reportedly come with some conventional BlackBerry applications like Hub+.
On Thursday, BlackBerry shares closed down 0.14% at $7.31. Year to date, the stock is up more than 6%, while in the last year, it is up more than 4%. The stock has a 52-week high of $8.46 and a 52-week low of $6.23.
