South Africans who still miss the feel of a physical phone keyboard now have a new option.
Chinese smartphone maker Unihertz has made its Titan 2 Elite and Titan 2 Elite Pro devices available for pre-order in South Africa, with prices starting at R10,999, according to MyBroadband.
The phones are being pitched at users who want a modern smartphone, but still prefer the tactile typing experience once made popular by BlackBerry.
The Titan series combines a physical QWERTY keyboard with newer smartphone features, including 5G connectivity, dual-SIM support, physical keyboard shortcuts and modern security and software features.
Built for BlackBerry Fans and Professionals
Unihertz launched the Titan 2 in mid-2025, with the device later reaching South Africa in November 2025.
The company described it as a rugged, premium smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard.
The Titan 2 Elite and Titan 2 Elite Pro are smaller and more refined versions of the Titan 2. Unihertz announced these models in March 2026.
Pre-orders in South Africa opened on 11 June 2026. The company’s website states that the Titan 2 is ready to ship, while shipping for the Elite Pro is expected to begin in August 2026.
Unihertz said the new devices are aimed at professionals, business owners, field workers, travellers and long-time BlackBerry fans.
The company added that customers who pre-order through Unihertz South Africa will receive priority allocation from incoming shipments, with early stock expected to be limited due to global demand and limited production.
What the Phones Offer
Both the Titan 2 Elite and Titan 2 Elite Pro include a 4.03-inch OLED display with a 1,200 x 1,080 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
For cameras, both devices feature dual 50MP rear sensors and a 32MP front camera.
The Titan 2 Elite runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of storage.
The Titan 2 Elite Pro gets a stronger MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, also with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, but with 512GB of storage.
Both models use the same QWERTY keyboard and are available in black and orange.
For many South Africans, the launch taps into a very specific kind of nostalgia. BlackBerry was once a major player in the country, helped by BBM, affordable Curve devices and the BlackBerry Internet Service.
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