iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The BlackBerry Passport is not returning as a new phone from BlackBerry. Zinwa Technologies is preparing an unofficial retrofit called the P26: new internals and Android fitted into the original Passport body. Android Authority reported on September 29, 2026, that preorders were expected to open October 3 and shipping was estimated for late October; those were plans, not confirmation that sales or deliveries began. Android Authority’s report is the source for the timeline and reported kit details.
What the Zinwa P26 is—and what it is not
The P26 is a conversion of BlackBerry Passport hardware, not an official BlackBerry relaunch. The report describes Zinwa’s project as a retrofit that has been in development for nearly a year, following the availability of do-it-yourself kits. Neither that reporting nor the independent-project context establishes that BlackBerry Limited endorses Zinwa or has a formal relationship with it. Bring Back BlackBerry’s mission page describes independent companies and projects modifying older BlackBerry hardware with Android.
That distinction matters: the Passport’s distinctive shell and physical keyboard are part of the appeal, but the software and components are being replaced. It is better understood as an unofficial modernized Passport than as a newly manufactured BlackBerry phone.
What is known about price, hardware, and Android
Android Authority reported the Zinwa DIY kit at $620, excluding shipping. The assembled P26’s price was not disclosed in that report. The article speculated that a completed phone might cost $700 or more, but that figure is the publication’s estimate—not a Zinwa price quote.
#1 Best Overall
- Redesigned smart keyboard with speed key, touch navigation, flick typing for faster predictive text, customizable shortcuts and embedded fingerprint sensor
- Durable Series 7 aluminum alloy frame, textured diamond grip non-slip back, impact-resistant frame with stunning 4.5-inch touch screen display with Corning Gorilla glass protection
- 6GB RAM/64GB ROM, micro SD (up to 256GB), 3500 mAh battery with quick charge 3.0; powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor with faster LTE for Super-fast file sharing
- 100% Android with latest Android 8.1 Oreo with access to over a million apps and services from Google play, GSM Unlocked (AT&T, T-Mobile), DTEK by BlackBerry security monitoring
- 12MP + 12MP dual real camera with dual tone LED flash, portrait mode, optical superzoom, 4K video recording; 8MP fixed focus front camera with selfie flash, 1080p video recording.Dual Sim.Bluetooth 5.0
| Detail | What the September 29, 2026 report says |
|---|---|
| DIY kit price | $620, shipping excluded, as reported by Android Authority |
| Assembled P26 price | Not disclosed in the report; Android Authority’s $700-or-more suggestion was speculation |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G99, listed for the DIY kit |
| Memory and storage | 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, listed for the DIY kit |
| Battery and charging port | 3,900mAh and USB-C, listed for the DIY kit |
| Cameras | 50MP rear and 8MP front, listed for the DIY kit |
| Operating system | Android 14 on the DIY kit; the report said buyers would likely get Android 14 on the assembled phone, whose final OS was not confirmed |
These are reported kit specifications, not a guarantee that every detail will carry over unchanged to the assembled model. Before ordering, check Zinwa’s live product listing for the finished phone’s final price, configuration, software version, warranty, and shipping terms.
Why put Android in an old Passport?
The original Passport ran BlackBerry 10, and the old software environment is a practical reason to consider a conversion. The Android on Passport project page says that, from January 4, 2022, devices running BlackBerry 10 would no longer reliably function for data, calls, SMS, and 9-1-1. That is the project’s statement about the service change, not a guarantee that every Passport on every carrier has identical behavior. The project presents Android conversion as one response.
Rank #2
- 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and all-day power with 3505mAh battery; includes quick charge 3.0, charging 50% in just 36 minutes; powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor
- Stunning 4.5-inch touch screen display with Corning Gorilla glass 4 protection, anodized aluminum casing and textured soft touch grip with impact-resistant frame
- Smart keyboard with touch navigation, flick typing for faster predictive text, customizable shortcuts and embedded fingerprint sensor
- 12MP (1.55um large pixel) rear Camera with auto focus and dual-tone LED flash; 8MP front Camera
- Android 7.1 Nougat, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, Octa-Core 2.0 GHz, 64-bit Adreno 506
Android may make a converted device more usable for current apps, but an Android version number alone does not tell you how long it will receive security updates or whether every app and carrier feature will work. The cited P26 report does not establish the assembled phone’s update policy, network bands, carrier compatibility, repairability, or warranty. Those are important purchase questions, not details to infer from the DIY kit’s processor or memory.
How it compares with other keyboard Android phones
If the essential requirement is a physical QWERTY keyboard in a new Android phone, rather than the original Passport shell, the Unihertz Titan 2 is a separate option. Bring Back BlackBerry’s project directory describes it as a 5G phone with Android 15 and a physical QWERTY keyboard. It is Passport-inspired, but it is not a BlackBerry device and does not convert Passport hardware. Its Kickstarter campaign was created by Unihertz and recorded 7,019 backers; that is a campaign count, not evidence of demand for the P26 or a measure of ongoing sales. Bring Back BlackBerry’s project directory and the Unihertz Titan 2 Kickstarter campaign provide those details.
Rank #3
- Unlocked cell phones are compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile as well as with GSM SIM cards (e.g. H20, Straight Talk, and select prepaid carriers). Unlocked cell phones will not work with CDMA Carriers like Sprint, Verizon, Boost or Virgin.
- Large square touch screen
- Amazingly fast and astoundingly beautiful web browsing
- A battery that powers through
- This is an international Warranty product- contact seller for more details
The Titan Pocket is another physical-keyboard Android alternative, with a smaller, square form factor. Unihertz’s product page listed Android 11, a 3.1-inch display, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage; it showed a price of $289.99 USD and a sold-out notice when checked. Price and stock can change, and its listed Android version is older than Android 14 or 15. See the official Titan Pocket listing for current status.
| Option | What it offers according to the cited sources | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Zinwa P26 retrofit | Original Passport body; reported DIY kit uses Android 14 and the listed Helio G99 hardware | Assembled price and final specs, shipping, update policy, network compatibility, warranty, and purchase availability |
| Unihertz Titan 2 | Separate Passport-inspired 5G Android phone with physical QWERTY keyboard; directory lists Android 15 | Current availability, network compatibility, support policy, and exact specifications on the seller’s current listing |
| Unihertz Titan Pocket | Physical-keyboard phone; official listing showed Android 11, a 3.1-inch display, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage | Current inventory and price, plus whether its software support meets your needs |
What to check before buying the P26
Because preorder and shipping dates in the September 29 report were forward-looking estimates, confirm the current status before paying. Treat the DIY kit price as distinct from the cost of a finished phone, and do not rely on the report’s speculative assembled-phone estimate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Unlocked cell phones are compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile as well as with GSM SIM cards (e.g. H20, Straight Talk, and select prepaid carriers). Unlocked cell phones will not work with CDMA Carriers like Sprint, Verizon, Boost or Virgin.
- Large square touch screen
- Amazingly fast and astoundingly beautiful web browsing
- A battery that powers through
- BlackBerry keyboard
Rank #4
- Protective Cover that also Functions as a Hands-Free Viewing Stand
- Slim Form-Fit Design Fits In Your Pocket; No Excess Bulk
- Hard Polycarbonate Provides Impact Protection; Shield Your Device from Dings/Scratches
- Kickstand Will Prop Phone for Viewing - Great for Watching Videos/Movies
- Rubberized Powder Coating And Ribbed Texture for Enhanced Tactile Grip
- Product type: Confirm whether you are buying a kit to install yourself or an assembled handset.
- Final price and terms: Check the total with shipping, taxes or import costs where applicable, payment terms, and returns.
- Software: Verify the installed Android version and whether Zinwa has specified a security-update policy.
- Connectivity: Check the exact supported network bands and carrier compatibility for your country and carrier.
- Support: Look for explicit warranty, repair, spare-parts, and after-sales support terms.
- Availability: Confirm whether preorders are open and whether the stated shipping window remains current.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
