HMD Global is at it again with another interesting feature phone that mixes nostalgia with modern twists. This time, leaks point to a device that looks inspired by classic BlackBerry phones.
According to design sketches leaked by reliable source smashx_60, the upcoming phone has a compact, rounded body with a horizontal front panel and a traditional T9 numeric keypad. What makes it really stand out is that it appears to be a clamshell flip design. The flip part is expected to support touchscreen operation, creating a hybrid experience that blends old-school physical keys with modern touch capabilities.
This fits right into HMD’s current strategy of making “hybrid” phones, devices that are smarter than basic feature phones but not as overwhelming as full smartphones. It’s expected to run on the lightweight RTOS Touch operating system, which supports “cloud phone” services. That means you’ll be able to access some browser-based apps for messaging (through HMD’s Express Chat app), news, weather, video streaming, and other essentials without needing a full Android experience.
HMD has been quite active in this space lately. Late last year they launched the HMD Touch 4G, a compact touchscreen hybrid with Wi-Fi, a dedicated app for cross-platform messaging and video calls, and cloud features. On the flip side, models like the HMD 2660 Flip focus on durability, big buttons, excellent battery life, and simple call/text functionality.
The new leaked design stands out because it combines that BlackBerry-style keyboard vibe with a flip mechanism and touch support. It could appeal to people who miss physical keyboards or those looking for an affordable, reliable daily driver or secondary phone.
While we don’t have an official model number, full specs, battery details, or pricing yet, the RTOS Touch platform usually means great battery efficiency and focused, distraction-free usage. For reference, the HMD Touch 4G can last up to 2.5 days on a 1,950mAh removable battery.
At MWC earlier this year, HMD talked about its 2026 plans to reimagine feature phones with better connectivity, AI assistance, and a strong focus on accessibility, especially for the “next billion” users. This mystery flip phone seems to fit perfectly into that vision.
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