BlackBerry Passport revived: DIY kit turns the iconic keyboard phone into a modern Android device
If you’ve been holding onto a BlackBerry Passport for its square screen and tactile QWERTY keyboard, there’s good news: a new DIY upgrade kit aims to bring it roaring back to life with Android. Instead of retiring your classic hardware, you’ll be able to swap out the mainboard and transform the Passport into a capable Android 14 smartphone.
The kit comes from Zinwa, the company behind the Q25 Pro and the upcoming Q27. While pricing and release details are still under wraps, Zinwa says the Passport upgrade closely mirrors the Q25 Pro’s internals. That means a big leap from the original Snapdragon 801 to a MediaTek Helio G99, plus modern conveniences like USB-C and NFC.
Here’s what the upgrade delivers:
– Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 with two Cortex-A76 cores up to 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, plus an integrated 4G modem
– Memory and storage: 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.1 storage
– Cameras: 50MP main camera and 8MP selfie camera
– Connectivity and ports: USB-C charging and NFC
– Software: Android 14 at launch (future update plans not yet confirmed)
Just as importantly, the kit keeps the Passport’s signature hardware intact. You’ll retain the distinctive 4.5-inch 1440 x 1440 square display, the 3,450 mAh battery, and that beloved physical keyboard—now paired with a current-gen Android experience for messaging, productivity, and everyday apps.
First released in September 2014 with an MSRP of $599, the BlackBerry Passport was a bold outlier in a sea of slab phones. This upgrade kit gives it a second act for fans who want classic design without sacrificing modern performance and app support.
Key takeaways for potential buyers:
– It’s a do-it-yourself mainboard replacement designed specifically for the Passport
– Specs largely match Zinwa’s Q25 Pro
– 4G connectivity, modern cameras, and Android 14 breathe new life into the device
– Pricing and availability will be announced by the manufacturer
If you love the Passport’s unique blend of a square screen and physical keys, this kit could be the most compelling way to keep it relevant in 2025 and beyond. Keep an eye out for official details on when you can pick one up.
