The BlackBerry Leap, released in April 2015, is a mid-range smartphone that caters to professionals who require security, productivity, and a no-nonsense design. Running on BlackBerry OS 10.3.1, the Leap focuses on delivering core functionality in a sleek form factor. With a 5.0-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, and an 8 MP rear camera, the Leap provides solid performance for everyday tasks. While it may not compete with modern flagship devices, the BlackBerry Leap still holds its ground as a productivity-focused smartphone with an emphasis on security and ease of use.
BlackBerry Leap Specifications
Here’s a detailed responsive table showcasing the key specifications of the BlackBerry Leap:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 (North America) HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 (Global) |
| 4G Bands | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17 (North America) 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 (Global) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE |
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.8 x 9.5 mm |
| Weight | 170 g |
| Build | Plastic body |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels (~294 ppi density) |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 |
| 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, LED flash, HDR, panorama, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, 720p |
| Battery | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Price | About 80 EUR |
BlackBerry Leap Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Leap has a minimalist design with clean lines and a robust feel. At 170 grams and 9.5 mm thick, the phone feels solid in the hand without being overly bulky. The plastic body may not feel as premium as modern metal or glass smartphones, but it provides durability. The phone’s compact size makes it easy to hold and use with one hand, making it ideal for business professionals who are constantly on the move.
Display Quality
The 5.0-inch IPS LCD display has a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, delivering a pixel density of ~294 ppi. The display is bright and clear, making it suitable for reading documents, browsing the web, and consuming media. While it lacks the sharpness of more recent Full HD or 4K displays, it performs well for its intended purpose of productivity and business tasks. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a familiar layout for videos and multitasking.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset and a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU, the BlackBerry Leap offers adequate performance for day-to-day tasks. The 2GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, although it may struggle with more demanding apps. Running BlackBerry OS 10.3.1, the Leap integrates BlackBerry’s signature security features, including BlackBerry Hub for centralized messaging and BlackBerry Balance for separating work and personal data.
Though the app ecosystem for BlackBerry OS is not as vast as Android or iOS, it supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, giving users access to a wide variety of applications. However, users seeking the latest apps may find the limited app support a drawback.
Camera Quality
The 8 MP rear camera on the Leap offers decent performance for a mid-range device, capturing sharp images in good lighting conditions. It features autofocus, HDR, and panorama, enhancing the quality of photos. The camera can also record 1080p video at 30fps, making it suitable for casual video recording. The 2 MP front-facing camera is sufficient for video calls and selfies but may not deliver the quality expected by modern standards. It supports 720p video recording.
Battery Life
The 2800 mAh non-removable battery provides impressive battery life, with up to 25 hours of talk time on 3G networks. For business users, this translates to a full day of work without needing to charge frequently. While it does not support fast charging, the battery’s endurance ensures that it can keep up with heavy usage, including email, messaging, and moderate media consumption.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Leap supports multiple LTE bands, ensuring reliable connectivity in both North America and global regions. It offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS, though it lacks NFC. The inclusion of an FM radio provides offline entertainment for users who enjoy listening to the radio without consuming data.
Storage and Expansion
The 16GB of internal storage may feel limiting, especially for users with a large media library or extensive app usage. However, the phone supports storage expansion via a microSDXC slot, allowing users to add up to 128GB of additional storage, which should be sufficient for most business and personal needs.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Leap is a budget-friendly smartphone tailored to professionals who prioritize productivity, security, and a no-frills design. While it lacks some of the more advanced features seen in modern flagship phones, it excels at delivering core functionality with BlackBerry’s signature emphasis on security. For users who value a reliable workhorse at an affordable price, the BlackBerry Leap is a solid choice.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
