The BlackBerry Q10, released in April 2013, is a powerful smartphone featuring the iconic QWERTY keyboard combined with a 3.1-inch Super AMOLED display. This smartphone is designed for users who value efficiency and productivity, while still offering a high-quality 8MP camera, robust build, and the reliable BlackBerry OS 10. Although discontinued, the Q10 remains a standout option for those who prefer a tactile keyboard and a compact form factor. In this review, we will take a deep dive into the phone’s features, performance, and overall user experience.
BlackBerry Q10 Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 – SQN100-1, others available in different models |
| 4G Bands | LTE, market dependent |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE |
| Launch Date | January 2013, Released in April 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 119.6 x 66.8 x 10.4 mm |
| Weight | 139 g |
| Keyboard | QWERTY |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED, 3.1 inches, 720 x 720 pixels (~328 ppi) |
| Operating System | BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 10.3.1 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon S4 (LTE) / TI OMAP 4470 (Non-LTE) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait (LTE) / Cortex-A9 (Non-LTE) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 (LTE) / PowerVR SGX544 (Non-LTE) |
| Internal Storage | 16GB, 2GB RAM |
| Expandable Storage | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2, LED flash, HDR, panorama, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, 720p |
| Battery | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | FM radio (after software update) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, HDMI port |
| Colors Available | Black, White |
| Price | About 110 EUR |
| Battery Endurance | Up to 360 hours standby, 13h 30m talk time (3G) |
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Q10 brings back the much-loved QWERTY keyboard, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize physical keys over touchscreens. The phone has a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, and at 139 grams, it feels sturdy and durable in the hand. The design includes a 3.1-inch Super AMOLED display that is sharp and responsive, although the screen-to-body ratio of 38.8% makes the display somewhat small for today’s standards. The phone’s compact size and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and use for long periods.
Display
One of the standout features of the Q10 is its 3.1-inch Super AMOLED display, with a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels. The 328 ppi density ensures that text and images appear sharp and clear, making it ideal for reading emails or browsing the web. The contrast ratio is infinite (nominal), meaning that the colors are vibrant and blacks are deep, typical of AMOLED screens. However, the small size of the display may feel limiting, especially for users accustomed to larger screens for media consumption.
Performance
The BlackBerry Q10 is powered by either a Snapdragon S4 chipset for the LTE version or a TI OMAP 4470 chipset for the non-LTE version. The dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor ensures smooth performance for most tasks, and the 2GB RAM is adequate for handling multiple apps simultaneously. The BlackBerry OS 10, upgradeable to 10.3.1, is intuitive, and features like the BlackBerry Hub centralize communications into one easy-to-access interface. However, like its predecessor, the Q10 struggles with the limited app ecosystem compared to Android or iOS.
Camera
The 8 MP main camera is capable of capturing decent-quality photos in well-lit conditions, with features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama adding versatility. It can record 1080p video at 30fps, producing relatively good video quality for a phone from 2013. The 2 MP front camera is modest by modern standards, but it works well for video calls and casual selfies. Overall, while the camera won’t compete with today’s flagship phones, it gets the job done for basic photography needs.
Battery Life
The 2100 mAh removable battery provides solid battery life, with a stand-by time of up to 360 hours and talk time of up to 13 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. The 56-hour endurance rating makes the Q10 a reliable choice for those who need their phone to last throughout the day without frequent charging. The fact that the battery is removable adds to the convenience, allowing users to swap in a fresh battery if needed.
Connectivity
The BlackBerry Q10 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. It also features NFC for wireless payments and data transfers. An FM radio is available after a software upgrade, and the inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port makes data transfer and charging straightforward. The phone also includes an HDMI port, which is a handy feature for connecting the device to external displays.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Q10 remains a nostalgic favorite for users who appreciate the combination of a physical QWERTY keyboard and a modern smartphone interface. Its compact design, strong battery life, and productive software features make it an excellent option for business users or those who prefer tactile typing over touchscreens. However, its small display, limited app availability, and aging hardware might be drawbacks for users looking for more advanced smartphone features.
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