The BlackBerry Classic (Q20), launched in December 2014, brings back the iconic QWERTY keyboard alongside a modern touchscreen experience, running on BlackBerry OS 10.3.1. It combines the best of BlackBerry’s legacy with a robust build and essential smartphone features. Designed for productivity, the BlackBerry Classic focuses on efficient communication, security, and longevity, making it a great option for professionals. Despite its 3.5-inch display, the phone offers a balance of performance and endurance, with a solid 2515 mAh battery and excellent durability thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
BlackBerry Classic Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 (USA model) HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G Bands | LTE 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 25 (USA model) LTE 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Dimensions | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm |
| Weight | 177 g |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Optical Trackpad |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Keyboard | QWERTY keyboard |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 720 x 720 pixels (~294 ppi density) |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1, upgradable to 10.3.2 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| GPU | Adreno 225 |
| Internal Memory | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm, AF, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Li-Ion 2515 mAh, non-removable |
| Stand-by Time | Up to 365 hours (3G) |
| Talk Time | Up to 17 hours 10 min (3G) |
| Music Play Time | Up to 70 hours |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Bronze, Cobalt Blue |
| Price | About 120 EUR |
BlackBerry Classic Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Classic brings back the beloved physical QWERTY keyboard, making it a favorite for business professionals who need fast and accurate typing on the go. The keyboard is well-spaced and offers excellent tactile feedback, ideal for extended typing sessions. The device feels premium with its Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display and solid build, weighing 177 grams. The addition of the optical trackpad offers intuitive navigation, while the 3.5-inch display is protected by scratch-resistant glass for extra durability.
Display Quality
With a 720 x 720 pixel resolution on a 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the BlackBerry Classic provides decent sharpness and brightness for a small display. The 1:1 aspect ratio is perfect for productivity tasks such as email reading and document editing but might feel cramped for media consumption like watching videos or browsing social media. The screen is responsive, and the Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures that it remains durable through daily wear and tear.
Performance and OS
The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus processor with 2GB RAM may not match modern smartphones’ performance but is sufficient for the BlackBerry Classic’s main focus—productivity. Running on BlackBerry OS 10.3.1, the device offers seamless multitasking, secure messaging, and BlackBerry Hub, which consolidates messages, emails, and notifications into a single, easy-to-manage interface.
The operating system, though limited in app availability compared to Android and iOS, supports essential productivity applications, and users can download Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. The phone’s overall performance is smooth, especially for users focused on communication and multitasking rather than heavy app usage.
Camera Quality
The 8 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and autofocus delivers decent image quality for everyday use. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps and performs well in well-lit environments. However, in low light, the image quality drops, with some noise in photos. The 2 MP front camera is sufficient for video calls and occasional selfies but lacks the advanced features found in more modern phones.
Battery Life
The 2515 mAh battery offers great longevity, providing up to 17 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 365 hours of standby time. The battery easily lasts through a full day of moderate usage, thanks to the device’s optimized power management. For users who primarily rely on email, calls, and messaging, the BlackBerry Classic will comfortably last without frequent charging. The music playback time of up to 70 hours is impressive for a phone of this size.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Classic supports various LTE bands, making it compatible with many global carriers, including USA models and international versions. It features standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. The inclusion of an FM radio offers offline entertainment, and the microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) ensures that users can easily connect to external devices for file transfers or charging.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Classic is the perfect phone for users who value productivity, security, and the unmatched typing experience provided by the physical QWERTY keyboard. While it may not have the latest high-end features, its solid build, long battery life, and secure BlackBerry OS make it an excellent choice for business professionals and BlackBerry enthusiasts alike. Its compact size and robust design ensure durability, and despite being discontinued, the BlackBerry Classic remains a valuable tool for those who prioritize communication over entertainment.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
