Leaked mid-range LTE BlackBerry is actually pretty sharp

In all the lead-up to MWC, we've come across something from BlackBerry! This alleged device is actually pretty snappy, too. A mid-range device, the handset has reportedly ditched its 'Rio' moniker for the 'Leap' mid-range brand BlackBerry is believed to be launching. Sporting a composite shell, the handset doesn't offer up many details, and we even see an OS that might be in early development. But for BlackBerry fans, and those in emerging markets, the handset might prove very useful.We'll call this 'Leap' for the sake of brevity, as we don't have any details on what the final name might be.

A 5-inch 1280 x 720 screen is reportedly going to have a 295ppi, and carry a dual-core 15GHz MSM 8960 SoC. 2GB RAM compliments a 16GB memory, which is expandable via micro SD. An 8MP rear camera offsets a 2MP front-facing shooter. Dual microphone, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast support, and a 2800 mAh battery round out the core specs. The handset is also said to have LTE capabilities, and will be 9.5mm thick.

Standard fare, sure, but if BlackBerry can hit the right price point, they might find themselves with a new market. Unfortunately, we're not hearing anything on pricing for this one yet, but it's expected to come in sub-$200.

Though BlackBerry once squared off with Android and iOS, it's best thought of as an also-ran stateside at this point. In an emerging market, they might find favor. The advent of web apps will help handsets like this along. In regions like South America, this 'Leap' handset is more akin to a Firefox phone.

Source: N4BB

Via: TechnoBuffalo