This article was published on May 14, 2013

BlackBerry unveils the Q5, a mid-range QWERTY device for emerging markets, launching in black, white and pink


2012 Consumer Electronics Show Showcases Latest Technology Innovations

at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 11, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 13 and features more than 3,100 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 140,000 attendees.

Image Credits Credit: Ethan Miller

BlackBerry has today revealed a new device, the Q5, running the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system aimed at emerging markets and available in black, white and pink colors.

At the BlackBerry Live event in Orlando, Florida today, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins said that the Q5 would be launching with global carrier partners in the summer. The press release additionally notes that the device will launch in “selected markets” in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia (including the Asia Pacific region), and Latin America, starting in July.

Heins didn’t divulge any specific specs for the Q5 but the press release informs us that it sports a 3.1” touchscreen. Modest, for sure, but this is no high-end device, it’s aimed squarely at highly price-conscious customers.

Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 14.33.57

The Q5 joins the Q10 and Z10 in offering the BlackBerry 10 OS. Heins also revealed that the 10.1 update would begin pushing out to Z10 users from today.

Heins was upbeat about BlackBerry’s direction, highlighting the profit in its recent quarterly results and crediting his leadership team in helping him get there.

Also read: BlackBerry World hits 120,000 apps, as Skype launches on the Z10 along with 10.1 firmware update

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Header image credit: Getty Images

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