Hold onto your hats, because the Blackberry-style phone is making a comeback, and Unihertz is leading the charge with its latest offering: the Titan 2 Elite. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world dominated by sleek, all-screen smartphones, does a physical keyboard still have a place? Unihertz seems to think so, and they’re doubling down on this retro-meets-modern design.
Unihertz, a brand known for its unconventional slab phone designs, has just unveiled the Titan 2 Elite, a device that feels like a love letter to Blackberry enthusiasts. This new model is smaller and more refined than its predecessor, the Titan, and comes in a trendy orange hue that’s sure to turn heads. And this is the part most people miss: while it’s undeniably Blackberry-inspired, the Titan 2 Elite isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a thoughtfully updated device with features that cater to both old-school fans and modern users.
Back in January, Unihertz teased the Elite, hinting at a compact design with rounded edges. After seeing it in person at MWC, I can confirm it’s exactly as promised—a smaller, sleeker version of the Titan 2. The keys are slightly smaller, making it more pocket-friendly, and the absence of a secondary screen on the back keeps the design clean and focused. Like its predecessor, the keyboard doubles as a trackpad, and you can program custom shortcuts for the physical keys. The Elite also swaps out the Titan’s 4.5-inch LCD for a crisp 4.05-inch OLED display, adding a touch of modern flair.
In the hand, the Titan 2 Elite feels remarkably light and easy to carry. It includes a programmable side key and a physical SIM slot, though the lack of a headphone jack was a letdown—especially after mistaking the IR control for one at first glance. Here’s a bold question: Is the absence of a headphone jack a dealbreaker, or is it a small sacrifice for a device that brings back the joy of tactile typing?
While Unihertz hasn’t announced a price yet, the Titan 2 Elite is set to launch on Kickstarter this March. Whether you’re a die-hard Blackberry fan or just curious about the resurgence of physical keyboards, this phone is worth keeping an eye on. What do you think? Is the physical keyboard phone a welcome revival, or a relic of the past? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
