With the Blackberry Z3, Blackberry have gone way out of their comfort zone in an attempt to take on the low-priced smartphone market currently dominated by ultra affordable Android smartphones that have proliferated the market. Blackberry wants provide consumers with the same level of security and reliability that they are known for, at an attractive price point.
Like the Z range of Blackberry devices before it, the Blackberry Z3 will run on the Blackberry 10 OS platform, specifically version 10.2.1. That means you should expect all the same features Blackberry Hub, Blackberry Keyboard, Time Shift camera, Instant previews etc with some minor bug improvements. Users will be able to download and install Android apps directly, via the Blackberry Browser. However compatibility is not guaranteed. Also, consumers who purchase a Blackberry Z3 this month also get an exclusive app offer to install paid apps worth N8000 from the Blackberry App world for free.
Speaking at the press event, Territory Director for Blackberry East, West and Central Africa, Charles Asinugo said the Blackberry Z3 is set to be the replacement for the popular Blackberry Z10. The Blackberry Z3 is essentially a stripped down (for cost considerations) version of the Z 10. However it has a bigger screen and twice the battery life (theoretically) of the Z10. Asinugo also hinted that the Z10 is on the path of scarcity, as Blackberry is looking to gradually phase it out of the market. This most likely spells spike in retail prices of the Z10.
The Blackberry Z3 is immediately available for purchase at authorized dealers, for a recommended retail price of N39,000.
