BlackBerry's Spiritual Successor, the Titan 2 Elite, Launches on Kickstarter

Daily Technology

25/03/2026

Nostalgic for the satisfying click of a physical keyboard? The Unihertz Titan 2 Elite, a new Android smartphone reminiscent of classic BlackBerry devices, has launched on Kickstarter. Promising a full QWERTY keyboard experience in a modern package, the campaign has already surpassed its funding goal, indicating strong demand for tactile input on smartphones.

Key Takeaways

The Unihertz Titan 2 Elite, featuring a physical QWERTY keyboard, has launched on Kickstarter.
The campaign has significantly exceeded its $100,000 goal, raising over $2.1 million.
The phone offers customizable keyboard shortcuts and modern Android features.
Two versions, the standard Elite and the Pro, are available with different storage and processor options.
Estimated shipping for the standard version is June 2026, with the Pro version shipping in October 2026.

A Modern Take on a Classic Design

The Titan 2 Elite aims to bridge the gap between the tactile satisfaction of older phones and the functionality of modern smartphones. It boasts a full backlit QWERTY keyboard that fits comfortably in a pocket, a feature largely absent from today's glass-and-screen devices. This Android smartphone is designed for users who miss the efficiency and feel of physical keys.

Enhanced Keyboard Functionality

Beyond just typing, the Titan 2 Elite's keyboard offers advanced customization. Users can assign short- and long-press shortcuts to specific keys, allowing for quick access to apps or text editing functions. A unique feature is the ability to use the keyboard as a mouse for scrolling and navigation, an upgrade from BlackBerry's traditional trackball. Additionally, a programmable side button can be set to launch any desired application.

Pricing and Availability

The Titan 2 Elite is available in orange and black. Early backers can secure the standard version for a pledge of $396, a discount from its full retail price of $489. Shipping to the US is an additional $10, with estimated delivery in June 2026. The Titan 2 Elite Pro, offering enhanced performance and storage, requires a pledge of $486 plus shipping, with an estimated delivery in October 2026.

Several package deals are available for couples, families, friends, and wholesale purchasers. The phones are currently undergoing necessary certifications, including those from Google, the FCC, and other international bodies, with these expected to be completed before mass production begins in May.

Elite vs. Elite Pro

The primary differences between the standard Titan 2 Elite and the Elite Pro lie in their internal specifications:

Processor: The standard Elite uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip, while the Pro features a more powerful Dimensity 8400.
Storage: The standard model comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Pro model offers the same 12GB of RAM but doubles the storage to 512GB.

Both versions share a 4.03-inch AMOLED display, dual 50-megapixel rear cameras, a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, a 4,050-mAh battery, dual-band GPS, fingerprint and face unlocking, Bluetooth 6.0, global 5G connectivity, and support for two physical SIM cards and an eSIM. The SIM slots can also accommodate a microSD card for up to 2TB of additional storage. Unihertz has committed to providing five years of OS updates and security patches for Android 16, extending support until 2031.

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