BlackBerry enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating the upgraded Zinwa Q25 Pro, a revitalized version of the classic BlackBerry Q20, featuring a powerful MediaTek Helio 99 processor, expanded 12GB RAM, enhanced 256GB storage, and a sleek Android 14 operating system. However, a major setback has forced the Chinese tech company Zinwa to cancel and refund all orders placed from India. The underlying cause? Regulatory challenges stemming from India's stringent import laws and certification requirements that the custom-built device failed to meet.
Exciting Upgrades to a Beloved Classic
Zinwa had announced a significant overhaul of the BlackBerry Q20, upgrading core components to modern specifications. The upgrade includes swapping out the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 processor for the MediaTek Helio 99, boosting RAM from 2GB LPDDR2 to 12GB LPDDR4X, and increasing internal storage from 32GB to 256GB UFS 2.x. The camera setup features a 50MP rear sensor and an 8MP front-facing shooter. Additionally, the battery capacity improved from 2515 mAh to 3000 mAh, ensuring longer usage.
The original Q20 physical attributes remain: the iconic QWERTY keyboard, the 3.5-inch 720x720 LCD display, the 3.5mm headphone jack, and LED notification light all remain intact, preserving the classic BlackBerry feel within a modernized device.
Switch to Android 14 and Pricing Details
The Zinwa Q25 Pro runs Android 14, a substantial departure from BlackBerry’s legacy BlackBerry 10 OS. Pre-orders initially priced the complete handset at $420. For users who own the original BlackBerry Q20 and want to upgrade their device themselves, Zinwa offered an upgrade kit at $320, containing the new processor, RAM, storage, mainboard, NFC, and support for global LTE bands including VoLTE.
Order Delays and Regulatory Roadblocks in India
Despite plans to ship units in August, shipments faced repeated delays, pushing expected delivery into the following months. However, Zinwa recently announced they were unable to fulfill orders in India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market. India’s stringent import regulations require mobile devices to obtain Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. Since the Zinwa Q25 Pro is a custom device not factory-assembled, it could not secure this mandatory certification. Moreover, India imposes heavy import taxes on such devices, compounding the difficulty.
Refunds and Customer Reactions
Due to these regulations, Zinwa was forced to cancel and refund all Indian orders. Furthermore, many customers frustrated by months of delays opted to cancel their orders entirely, prompting Zinwa to implement a $25 cancellation fee. Some buyers shared their experiences on platforms like Reddit, describing their impatience with shipping delays and disappointment with the uncertainty surrounding their orders.
A Reddit user named ricxjo shared: "I joined the project back in August but faced continuous delays and lack of updates. Despite promises of shipping batches, mine never arrived. After waiting four months, I had to cancel and get my money back since I urgently needed it more than the device."
Future Plans for BlackBerry Upgrades Unclear
It remains uncertain whether Zinwa will continue with plans to upgrade other popular BlackBerry models, such as the Passport and KEYone, after this setback. The complications in India may discourage prospective buyers and impact Zinwa’s roadmap for refreshing classic 'Berry devices.
