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 hold appeal? Unihertz seems to think so, and they’re doubling down on this nostalgic 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 streamlined 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 may look like a Blackberry, the Titan 2 Elite packs modern features that make it more than just a retro novelty.
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 version of the Titan 2, but with a few notable tweaks. The keys are slightly smaller, and the secondary screen on the back has been removed. However, the keyboard still doubles as a trackpad, and you can program custom shortcuts for the physical keys, a feature that’s both practical and fun. The Elite also swaps out the Titan’s 4.5-inch LCD for a 4.05-inch OLED display, offering sharper visuals in a more compact form.
In the hand, the Titan 2 Elite feels remarkably light and pocket-friendly. It includes a programmable side key and a physical SIM slot, though the absence of a headphone jack is a minor letdown—especially after mistaking the IR control for one at first glance. Here’s a bold question: Is the lack of a headphone jack a dealbreaker, or is the overall design and functionality enough to win you over?
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. But here’s the real question: In a world of touchscreens, is there still a place for the tactile satisfaction of a physical keyboard? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this divisive topic!
