The Right ClickBlackBerry Q5 coming August 13, but makes ‘no sense’ in Canada, marketing expert says
Back in May, we learned that one of the devices BlackBerry would be introducing this year would be the Q5. Unlike the Q10 and Z10, it appeared to be a lower-priced version better suited to emerging markets, with a plastic exterior and isolated buttons.
But instead of just being released overseas, it looks like Canadians will be able to get their hands on the new smartphone, too: the BlackBerry Q5 will be hitting store shelves in Canada on August 13.
[ Related: The BlackBerry Q5: A low-priced BlackBerry for emerging markets ]
For some, the news is extremely welcome; Yahoo! Canada readers were upset when the news initially broke that Canada wouldn’t be the first to get that phone. Here’s a sample of what our readers said at the time:
“The Q5 is the phone that I would ideally purchase as my next phone. Bring it to the Canadian market soon please. I currently have a Curve 9320, it does all I need in a phone. If Blackberry needs a tester I'm on board lol.” – R.L.
“Seriously this is part of BlackBerry's and many other companies problems. They will sell the cool, cheaper products worldwide when back home in North America we get ripped off with expensive junk.” – Kayori
“should be available in Canada 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” – VIOLET G
Not everyone thinks it’s a wise move, however. Marketing expert John-Kurt Pliniussen says the decision “makes no sense,” reports Global News. He says that releasing the phone in North America was not part of the original plan, and that it was indeed intended for emerging markets.
“It was not a misconception. They were clearly going for that market – they needed more market share and you can only gain market share in markets that are emerging – North America isn’t emerging,” Pliniussen said to Global.
“Can they go over there with a low-cost phone and get into markets where they have some perceived credibility – that was their plan, without a doubt and it made sense… on paper.”
[ More Right Click: Google’s instant translation devices could turn science fiction into reality ]
At the time of the initial Q5 announcement, the device was also seen as a possible way to connect with the youth smartphone market, offering something colourful and inexpensive compared to the much more business-like Q10 and Z10. The BlackBerry Q5 has been confirmed for national carrier Telus, selling for $350 without contract, but no other carriers have confirmed they’ll be offering the phone.
While the Q5 is significantly cheaper, Pliniussen says it isn’t cheap enough to make a real dent in the already saturated North American market.
“Even at $350 is not a good deal (sic) - $50 would be a good deal.”
Pliniussen adds that the biggest challenge will be the features that the Q5 is missing when compared to the Q10.
“Basically, they are saying the Q5 is half of what the Q10 is. Why would anyone want a phone that’s half, or a third, or even 61 per cent of what the phone should be?”
Need to know what’s hot in tech? Follow @YRightClick on Twitter!
