
The BlackBerry Evolve, launched in August 2018 by Optiemus Infracom under the BlackBerry brand, is a premium mid-range smartphone designed for the Indian market, priced at ?24,990 ($360 at the time). It features a 5.99-inch FHD+ 18:9 display, Snapdragon 450 chipset, a dual 13MP + 13MP camera system, and a 4000 mAh battery with wireless charging, targeting users seeking a balance of security and modern design. It lacks a physical keyboard, focusing instead on a full touchscreen experience with BlackBerry’s security features like DTEK. In 2025, the Evolve is outdated, with no software updates beyond Android 8.1 Oreo, no 5G support, and hardware that struggles with modern demands. Its premium build and battery life still appeal to a niche audience, available used for around $80-$120.
Feature |
BlackBerry Evolve |
Release Date |
August 2018 |
Display |
5.99" IPS LCD, FHD+ (1080 x 2160), 18:9 aspect ratio, 403 ppi, Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, 14nm, Octa-core (1.8 GHz) |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
64GB, microSD support (up to 2TB) |
Rear Camera |
Dual: 13MP (f/2.0, RGB) + 13MP (monochrome, f/2.0), LED flash |
Front Camera |
16MP, f/2.0, LED flash |
Battery |
4000 mAh, Quick Charge 3.0, wireless charging |
OS |
Android 8.1 Oreo (no further updates) |
Build |
Aluminum frame, plastic back, IP67 water/dust resistant |
Connectivity |
4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Price (Launch) |
?24,990 / $360 (India) |
To make a modern BlackBerry Evolve competitive in 2025, the following enhancements could address its shortcomings while maintaining its focus on security and design:
The BlackBerry Evolve was a stylish mid-range smartphone in 2018, offering a large 5.99-inch FHD+ display, IP67 water resistance, and a 4000 mAh battery with wireless charging, a first for BlackBerry devices. Its security features like DTEK and a decent dual-camera system made it a compelling option for privacy-conscious users in India. However, in 2025, the Evolve is outdated, with its Snapdragon 450 chipset, lack of 5G, and stagnant Android 8.1 Oreo software, which hasn’t been updated since 2020. The camera also lacks modern features, and its India-only availability limits its reach. If you’re a BlackBerry fan and can find a used Evolve for $80-$120, it might suffice for basic tasks like email and media consumption. For most users, however, newer mid-range phones like the Samsung Galaxy A55 or Google Pixel 8a offer better performance, 5G support, and long-term software updates, making them far more practical choices in 2025.
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