Clarification on the BlackBerry Motion 2 Status

There is no official confirmation or credible evidence of an upcoming BlackBerry Motion 2 as of June 2025. BlackBerry Ltd. ceased manufacturing smartphones in 2016, licensing its brand to TCL, which produced devices like the BlackBerry Motion (released October 2017) and KEY2 (released 2018). TCL’s licensing agreement ended in August 2020, and a subsequent deal with OnwardMobility to develop a 5G BlackBerry smartphone was terminated in February 2022, as reported by Android Authority and TechRadar. Speculative sources like smart-phoneprice.com and gsmarenapro.com mention devices with exaggerated specs (e.g., 108MP cameras, 7100mAh batteries), but these lack official backing and are inconsistent with BlackBerry’s mid-range legacy. Social media posts on X and Reddit (e.g., r/blackberry) show fan interest in a Motion 2, but no manufacturer has announced plans. Given the user’s request for the “upcoming BlackBerry Motion 2,” this article will treat it as a hypothetical 2025 mid-range 5G smartphone, extrapolating specs from the original BlackBerry Motion (5.5-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 625, 4000mAh battery) and 2025 trends, critically addressing the unlikelihood of its release.

Exploring the Hypothetical BlackBerry Motion 2: Specs, Expected Price in Kenyan Shillings, and More

The BlackBerry Motion 2, if launched in Q3 2025 (July–September) for Kenya, would be a mid-range 5G smartphone designed to offer a modern all-touchscreen experience with BlackBerry’s signature security features. Building on the original Motion’s business-friendly design, it would target professionals and budget-conscious users, competing with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A35, Infinix Note 50x 5G, and HTC U24. Below is a speculative analysis of its specifications, expected price in Kenyan Shillings, target audience, and strongest and weakest features, informed by the BlackBerry Motion, speculative rumors, and 2025 mid-range trends.

Hypothetical Specifications of the BlackBerry Motion 2

Since no BlackBerry Motion 2 is confirmed, the following specs are extrapolated from the BlackBerry Motion (2017) and 2025 mid-range standards, cross-referenced with sources like GSMArena, Smartprix, and TechRadar:

• Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED (1080x2400px, ~399ppi), 90Hz refresh rate, 800 nits peak brightness, HDR10, Gorilla Glass 5, punch-hole design.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510), Adreno 720 GPU.
• RAM and Storage: 6GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB (LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage), expandable via microSDXC (up to 1TB, hybrid slot).
• Camera System:
• Rear: Triple setup with 50MP main (f/1.8, wide, PDAF, OIS), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), 2MP depth (f/2.4).
• Front: 16MP selfie camera (f/2.0).
• Features AI enhancements (Night Mode, BlackBerry Secure Cam, HDR), 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps video recording.
• Battery: 5000mAh (non-removable Li-Po), 33W fast charging (50% in ~25 minutes), no wireless charging.
• Operating System: Android 15 with BlackBerry Secure OS, 2 years of OS updates (to Android 17), 3 years of security patches, DTEK security suite, BlackBerry Hub.
• Durability: IP67 rating for dust and water resistance (up to 1m for 30 minutes), aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 front.
• Connectivity: 5G (bands n1, n3, n28, n78 SA/NSA), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM (Nano + eSIM or hybrid).
• Design: Sleek all-touchscreen design with textured back, available in speculative colors like Black and Carbon Gray, dimensions ~165x75x8.5mm, weight ~190g.
• Additional Features: Stereo speakers, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, sensors (accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass), BlackBerry Locker, Convenience Key with profile switching (Home, Office, Car).

Note: These specs are speculative, upgrading the Motion’s 5.5-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 625, and 4000mAh battery with 18W charging to 2025 standards like AMOLED, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and 5G. Rumored specs like a 108MP quad camera or 7100mAh battery are unrealistic for a mid-range device and are adjusted to align with the Motion’s business-focused legacy.

Expected Price in Kenyan Shillings

The original BlackBerry Motion was priced at ~$460–$468 USD globally, KES 50,000–69,000 in Kenya, and ₹39,800 (~$473 USD) in India, per sources like Smartprix, Mobile57 Ke, and kenyaprice.com. For a hypothetical Motion 2, pricing would align with 2025 mid-range 5G smartphones. Based on the current exchange rate (1 USD ≈ 130 KES as of June 2025) and local market trends, the BlackBerry Motion 2 is expected to retail in Kenya for KES 50,000–60,000 for the 6GB/128GB variant and KES 55,000–65,000 for the 8GB/256GB variant. Promotional offers on platforms like Jumia Kenya or Safaricom shops may lower this to KES 45,000–55,000 during launch events in Q3 2025, potentially including free accessories or EMI options through partners like Bajaj Finserv.

Who Is the BlackBerry Motion 2 Best For?

The hypothetical BlackBerry Motion 2 would target users seeking a secure, all-touchscreen mid-range 5G smartphone with business-friendly features. Its target audience includes:

• Professionals and Business Users: The BlackBerry Secure OS, DTEK suite, BlackBerry Hub, and Convenience Key cater to professionals needing secure communication and productivity tools for emails and messaging.
• BlackBerry Loyalists: Fans of the brand, as noted in Reddit posts (r/blackberry), would appreciate the modernized all-touch design without sacrificing BlackBerry’s security legacy.
• Multimedia Enthusiasts: The 6.6-inch 90Hz AMOLED display and stereo speakers make it suitable for streaming Netflix or YouTube, appealing to casual media consumers.
• Casual Gamers: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (AnTuTu ~700,000) supports games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings, suitable for casual gamers.
• Mid-Range 5G Buyers: Kenyan consumers in the KES 50,000–65,000 range seeking 5G, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack will find it a compelling alternative to the Samsung Galaxy A35 or HTC U24.

The Motion 2 would appeal to Kenyan professionals, urban youth, and nostalgia-driven users valuing security and affordability.

Strongest Features

1. AMOLED Display: The 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED with 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10 offers vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, ideal for multimedia and productivity, surpassing IPS LCDs on rivals like the Infinix Note 50x 5G.
2. Security Features: BlackBerry Secure OS, DTEK suite, and BlackBerry Locker provide robust data protection, a hallmark of BlackBerry’s business appeal, as praised in Motion reviews.
3. Expandable Storage: The hybrid microSDXC slot (up to 1TB) offers flexibility for media-heavy users, unlike competitors like the Honor X9c without expandable storage.
4. IP67 Durability: The IP67 rating ensures dust and water resistance (up to 1m for 30 minutes), making it robust for Kenya’s variable conditions, matching the original Motion’s durability.
5. 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Inclusion of a headphone jack adds convenience for users with wired audio devices, a rare feature in 2025 mid-range phones.

Weakest Features

1. No Official Release: BlackBerry’s exit from smartphone manufacturing and terminated licensing deals make the Motion 2’s existence highly unlikely, with no official support or after-sales service in Kenya, a significant barrier.
2. Average Camera Performance: The 50MP main camera with OIS performs well in daylight but struggles in low light, and the 8MP ultrawide and 2MP depth lack versatility compared to rivals like the Tecno POVA 7 Pro, echoing critiques of the Motion’s 12MP camera.
3. Limited Software Updates: The 2-year OS update promise (to Android 17) is shorter than Samsung’s 7 years or Honor’s 5 years, reducing long-term value, as noted in HTC U24 reviews.
4. Modest Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery, while solid, is standard compared to 6000mAh batteries in rivals like the ZTE Nubia Neo 3 5G, potentially limiting heavy usage.
5. Niche Brand Appeal: BlackBerry’s diminished market presence may deter mainstream buyers in Kenya, where brands like Infinix and Samsung dominate, as highlighted in PhoneArena’s analysis.

Addressing the “Upcoming BlackBerry Motion 2” Query

The BlackBerry Motion, launched in October 2017, featured a 5.5-inch FHD IPS LCD, Snapdragon 625, 4GB/32GB, 4000mAh battery with 18W charging, and IP67 rating, priced at ~$460 USD (KES 50,000–69,000 in Kenya). No credible leaks confirm a Motion 2 for 2025, and speculative sources like smart-phoneprice.com claim unrealistic specs (e.g., 108MP quad camera, 7100mAh battery) that don’t align with BlackBerry’s mid-range focus. Reddit and X posts express nostalgia for BlackBerry’s all-touch devices, but OnwardMobility’s failed 5G project and TCL’s expired license confirm no new BlackBerry phones are planned. This article assumes a hypothetical Motion 2 with realistic mid-range specs (Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, 6.6-inch AMOLED, 5000mAh battery) to align with the user’s request and 2025 trends, comparable to the HTC U24.

Conclusion

The hypothetical BlackBerry Motion 2, imagined for a Q3 2025 launch in Kenya, would be a mid-range 5G smartphone priced at KES 50,000–65,000. Its 6.6-inch 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, 5000mAh battery with 33W charging, and BlackBerry Secure OS would make it ideal for professionals, BlackBerry loyalists, multimedia enthusiasts, and casual gamers. The IP67 rating, expandable storage, and 3.5mm headphone jack would enhance its appeal for Kenyan users seeking security and value.

However, its unlikelihood of release, average low-light camera, limited software updates, standard battery capacity, and BlackBerry’s niche brand status may limit its competitiveness. Compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Infinix Note 50x 5G, it would excel in security and display quality but lag in camera versatility and market presence. If launched, Kenyan consumers could expect it at retailers like Jumia or Safaricom in mid-2025, with potential offers like free accessories or EMI options boosting its value in the KES 50,000–65,000 segment.

Sources: Information compiled from GSMArena, Smartprix, TechRadar, Android Authority, PhoneArena, kenyaprice.com, Mobile57 Ke, and Reddit posts, with Kenyan pricing estimated based on original Motion pricing and 2025 market trends.

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