BlackBerry Z3 launched with a price tag of Rs 15,990

Apart from a dual-core, 1.2GHz CPU, 1.5GB of RAM, the phone also has BlackBerry Maps, a first in India

Canadian-handset manufacturer and services firm Blackberry today announced the launch of Blackberry Z3 smartphone for the Indian market. The phone first launched in Indonesia will be available for Rs 15,990.

The new BlackBerry Z3 smartphone is available for pre-book with The MobileStore, Flipkart, and all BlackBerry exclusive stores from June 25 to July 2.

The smartphone, the first from the maker in the sub-Rs 18,000 category will come with Blackberry 10 OS version 10.2.1, it is an all-touch smartphone with 5" display and a 2500mAh battery. Other features include a dual-core, 1.2GHz CPU from Qualcomm, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB onboard storage, expandable memory up to 32GB as well as connectivity options like NFC, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB 2.0.

"The BlackBerry Z3 is also the first smartphone to be introduced from our strategic partnership with Foxconn and it further strengthens our commitment to enhance our devices portfolio," said Sunil Lalvani, Managing Director for India at BlackBerry. "BlackBerry Z3 is the ultimate smartphone that gives users more ways to connect, share and communicate, providing the best tool for secure, reliable communications and collaboration with friends, family and co-workers."

The phone will also port BlackBerry Maps. This is the first time ever that BlackBerry launched BlackBerry Maps for its users in India. This app provides 2D maps, local search and 3D voice guided turn-by-turn directions- just like an advanced GPS navigation system.

The user acceptance of the phone in India market will be keenly watched. This will be crucial for the company as with this launch it is entering into the volumes game.