The BlackBerry Q5 was launched in June 2013 as a budget-friendly smartphone with the classic QWERTY keyboard and a focus on messaging and productivity. With a compact 3.1-inch IPS LCD display, BlackBerry OS 10.2 (upgradable to 10.3.1), and powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, the Q5 delivers reliable performance for basic tasks. This smartphone is designed for BlackBerry enthusiasts who prefer physical keyboards and need a secure, efficient device for communication. While it is discontinued, the Q5 remains a solid option for users who appreciate BlackBerry’s legacy.
BlackBerry Q5 Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 – SQR100-1 |
| 4G Bands | LTE 2, 4, 5, 17 – SQR100-1 |
| Dimensions | 120 x 66 x 10.8 mm |
| Weight | 120 g |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD, 720 x 720 pixels (~328 ppi density) |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.2, upgradable to 10.3.1 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait |
| GPU | Adreno 225 |
| Internal Memory | 8GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 5 MP, f/2.4, LED flash, HDR |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, 720p video recording |
| Battery | Li-Ion 2180 mAh, non-removable |
| Stand-by Time | Up to 336 hours (3G) |
| Talk Time | Up to 12 hours 30 minutes (3G) |
| Colors | Black, White, Red, Gray, Pink |
| Price | About 70 EUR |
BlackBerry Q5 Review
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Q5 stays true to the BlackBerry tradition, offering a compact device with a physical QWERTY keyboard that ensures comfortable and accurate typing. The device measures 120 x 66 x 10.8 mm and weighs just 120 grams, making it light and easy to carry around. The 3.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels delivers sharp visuals, although the screen size might feel small for users accustomed to larger modern smartphones. The Q5’s plastic build feels solid and durable, with multiple color options adding a touch of personalization.
Display Quality
The 3.1-inch IPS LCD display has a 1:1 aspect ratio, making it ideal for productivity tasks such as typing emails or messages. The display offers 720 x 720 resolution with a pixel density of ~328 ppi, resulting in crisp and clear text, making it easy to read even on a smaller screen. Although the screen size is modest, it provides a good viewing experience for users who prioritize typing and communication over multimedia consumption.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset and a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Q5 delivers smooth performance for basic tasks such as messaging, browsing, and light app usage. The 2GB of RAM is sufficient for multitasking, and BlackBerry OS 10 ensures a secure and efficient user experience. The Q5’s OS is upgradable to BlackBerry 10.3.1, which offers enhanced features such as the BlackBerry Hub, providing a unified messaging inbox for emails, texts, and social media notifications.
Camera Quality
The 5 MP rear camera captures decent photos, especially in good lighting conditions. It includes HDR, panorama mode, and an LED flash for low-light scenarios. The camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps, offering decent video quality for a budget device. The 2 MP front camera is capable of recording 720p videos, making it suitable for video calls, though it may not satisfy users looking for high-quality selfies.
Battery Life
The 2180 mAh battery offers a good battery life for a device of this size and capability. It provides up to 12.5 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 336 hours of standby time. The battery performance is reliable enough to last through a day of moderate use, making the Q5 a great choice for those who need a phone that can keep up with their daily activities without constant charging.
Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry Q5 supports LTE Cat3, providing download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps. It includes standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. Additionally, the device features NFC (market dependent), which allows for contactless payments and quick data transfers. The microSD slot enables storage expansion, supporting up to 32GB, which is useful for users with more storage needs.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Q5 is a practical smartphone for users who value a QWERTY keyboard and the productivity features BlackBerry is known for. While the hardware might seem dated by modern standards, the Q5’s focus on communication, efficiency, and security makes it a solid choice for business professionals or those who prioritize messaging and email.
Disclaimer
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