A new device from BlackBerry will usurp the position of Q10 and Z10 as the company’s flagship smartphone, according to CNET. The device, dubbed BlackBerry A10, will be an all-touch device succeeding the Z10. Expected to launch in November, the A10 will be well-equipped to compete with high-end players like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S4.
Specs-wise, the A10 will have an all-round enhancement over the existing Z10, which features a dual-core Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon chip, 16GB internal storage and 8MP camera. A10’s codename is supposed to be Astro.
Sprint will likely be A10’s carrier in the U.S. However, neither BlackBerry nor Sprint has revealed anything officially. Analysts opine that Sprint has been waiting to place its marketing momentum on A10, the new flagship, rather than Z10. Though Z10 is the first touchscreen phone running on BlackBerry’s new BB10 platform, Sprint probably had some clues that it would be worth waiting for the new A10. Other U.S. carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are likely to support A10 post launch, but Sprint is the only one rumored for now.
CNET recalls an interview in March, when BlackBerry CEO expressed excitement about a new device that would launch by the end of 2013. Perhaps, it was the A10, which, upon arrival will push Q10 and Z10 to the mid-range status. BlackBerry is expected to launch a budget variant called Q5, and also a supposed Z5. The Q10, which was released on T-Mobile and Verizon just days ago, will arrive on AT&T and Sprint shortly.
With some sensational devices, such as the iPhone 5S and Galaxy Note 3 launching shortly, smartphone enthusiast are eager to see how the BB A10 will stand out. The Q10 and Z10 created much stir before launch, as BlackBerry trusted their new platform to restore its splendor in the mobile market.