BlackBerry Motion
BlackBerry Motion

The BlackBerry Motion, released in October 2017 by TCL Communications under the BlackBerry Mobile brand, is a mid-range Android smartphone that ditched the physical keyboard for a full touchscreen design. Priced at $449/£399 at launch, it features a 5.5-inch FHD IPS LCD, Snapdragon 625 chipset, a 12MP camera, and a 4000 mAh battery, targeting users who want BlackBerry’s security features without the keyboard. It also boasts IP67 water resistance, a rarity for BlackBerry devices at the time. In 2025, the Motion is outdated, with no software updates beyond Android 8.1 Oreo, no 5G support, and hardware that struggles with modern demands. Still, its battery life and durability make it a niche option for BlackBerry fans, available used for around $80-$120.

 

Feature

BlackBerry Motion

Release Date

October 2017

Display

5.5" IPS LCD, FHD (1080 x 1920), 401 ppi, Dragontrail Glass

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, 14nm, Octa-core (2.0 GHz)

RAM

4GB

Storage

32GB, microSD support (up to 2TB)

Rear Camera

12MP (f/2.0, 1.55μm, PDAF), LED flash

Front Camera

8MP, f/2.2

Battery

4000 mAh, Quick Charge 3.0

OS

Android 7.1 Nougat (upgradable to 8.1 Oreo, no further updates)

Build

Aluminum frame, plastic back, IP67 water/dust resistant

Connectivity

4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack

Price (Launch)

$449 / £399

  • IP67 Water Resistance: Rare for BlackBerry devices, offering protection against water (up to 1m for 30 minutes) and dust.
  • Long Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery lasts up to 32 hours of mixed use, with Quick Charge 3.0 for fast top-ups.
  • Security Features: BlackBerry Hub and DTEK provide a unified inbox and robust security monitoring, ideal for privacy-focused users.
  • Large Display: The 5.5-inch FHD IPS LCD is decent for media consumption, with Dragontrail Glass for scratch resistance.
  • Convenience Key: A programmable key for quick access to apps or functions enhances productivity.
  • Outdated Software: Stuck on Android 8.1 Oreo with no updates since 2019, limiting app compatibility and security.
  • Underpowered for 2025: The Snapdragon 625 and 4GB RAM can’t handle modern apps or multitasking efficiently.
  • No 5G Support: Lacks 5G connectivity, a major drawback in 2025’s 5G-centric market.
  • Average Camera: The 12MP camera lacks modern features like night mode or 4K 60fps recording, and struggles in low light.
  • Limited Availability: No longer in production, only available used, with no official repair support.

To make a modern BlackBerry Motion competitive in 2025, the following enhancements could address its shortcomings while maintaining its focus on security and durability:

  • 5G Connectivity with mmWave Support: Add a 5G modem supporting sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands for faster data speeds, low-latency streaming, and secure cloud-based workflows, catering to business users who need reliable connectivity in 2025’s 5G landscape.
  • Upgraded Chipset to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1: Replace the Snapdragon 625 with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, featuring a 4nm process, up to 2.4 GHz clock speeds, and improved AI performance. This would offer a 50% performance boost, better efficiency, and support for modern apps, making the Motion a strong mid-range contender.
  • 120Hz AMOLED Display: Upgrade the 5.5-inch IPS LCD to a 6.0-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400). This would provide smoother animations, richer colors, and better contrast, enhancing the media experience while keeping the display size manageable.
  • Enhanced Camera System with Night Mode: Upgrade to a triple 48MP (main, f/1.8, OIS) + 8MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 5MP (macro, f/2.4) setup, adding night mode, AI enhancements, and 4K video at 60fps. This would improve low-light photography and video quality, addressing the Motion’s outdated camera capabilities.
  • Latest Android with Extended Support: Ship with Android 15 and guarantee 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. This would ensure long-term app compatibility, bolster security, and rebuild trust in BlackBerry’s software support, which has been lacking since TCL’s exit.
  • Improved Battery and Charging: Increase the battery to 4500 mAh, support 45W wired fast charging, and add 15W wireless charging with 5W reverse wireless charging. This would cater to power users needing all-day battery life and versatile charging options for accessories like earbuds.
  • IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Upgrade to IP68 certification for better water resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes) and dust protection, enhancing durability for users in rugged environments, building on the Motion’s existing IP67 rating.
  • Advanced Security with Biometric Enhancements: Enhance BlackBerry Hub and DTEK with AI-driven threat detection and add an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster, more accurate unlocking. Include 3D facial recognition with infrared mapping for secure face unlock in all lighting conditions, reinforcing BlackBerry’s security focus.
  • Global Availability and Repair Network: Expand availability to global markets like the US and Europe, ensuring compatibility with regional 5G bands. Establish a repair network with official service centers and spare parts availability, addressing the current challenge of sourcing repairs for the Motion.
  • Sustainable Design with Modular Components: Use recycled materials for the frame and back, and introduce a modular design allowing users to replace the battery, camera, or display without professional help. This would extend the device’s lifespan and appeal to eco-conscious consumers in 2025.

The BlackBerry Motion was a bold departure for BlackBerry in 2017, offering a full touchscreen design with IP67 water resistance, a large 4000 mAh battery, and BlackBerry’s security features like DTEK and BlackBerry Hub. Its 5.5-inch display and durable build made it a solid mid-range option for users who didn’t need a physical keyboard. However, in 2025, the Motion is severely outdated, with its Snapdragon 625 chipset, lack of 5G, and stagnant Android 8.1 Oreo software, which hasn’t been updated since 2019. The camera also lacks modern features, and its availability is limited to the used market. If you’re a BlackBerry fan and can find a used Motion for $80-$120, it might suffice for basic tasks like email and browsing. 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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  • Published: 4/16/2025
  • Company: BlackBerry
  • Category: Mobile