The BlackBerry Z10, announced and released in January 2013, marked BlackBerry’s attempt to make a comeback in the smartphone market with its BlackBerry OS 10 operating system. Though discontinued, the device still holds a special place in the hearts of loyal BlackBerry users. Featuring a 4.2-inch display, 16GB internal storage, and 8MP camera, it aimed to deliver an experience catering to both personal and professional use. In this review, we will explore the BlackBerry Z10’s design, features, and performance to help you understand its strengths and weaknesses.
BlackBerry Z10 Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – all versions |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 – various models |
| 4G Bands | LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 – various models |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Launch Date | January 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 130 x 65.6 x 9 mm |
| Weight | 137.5 g |
| SIM Type | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | TFT, 4.2 inches, 768 x 1280 pixels (~355 ppi density) |
| Operating System | BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 10.3.1 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| GPU | Adreno 225 |
| Internal Storage | 16GB, 2GB RAM |
| Expandable Storage | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, 720p@30fps |
| Battery | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, HDMI port |
| Colors Available | Black, White |
| Price | About 120 EUR |
| Battery Endurance | Up to 312 hours stand-by, Up to 10 hours talk time |
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Z10 comes with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, maintaining a relatively slim profile at just 9 mm thick. Weighing 137.5 grams, the device feels solid and comfortable to hold. The overall build quality is decent, although it does not quite match the premium feel of some competitors from that time. The removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery adds flexibility for users who prefer swappable batteries.
Display
Featuring a 4.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 768 x 1280 pixels, the BlackBerry Z10 delivers crisp and clear visuals with a pixel density of 355 ppi. Although the contrast ratio (1532:1 nominal) is respectable, the display struggles under direct sunlight, with a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.051:1. Despite this, the overall display quality is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and media consumption.
Performance
Under the hood, the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, coupled with 2GB RAM, powers the BlackBerry Z10. The dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and Adreno 225 GPU offer decent performance, though not exceptional by today’s standards. The phone handles basic multitasking well but may experience slowdowns when running more demanding applications.
The BlackBerry OS 10, upgradeable to 10.3.1, provides a unique experience with features like BlackBerry Hub for managing all communications in one place. The OS is intuitive, although some users might find the app ecosystem lacking compared to Android or iOS.
Camera
The 8MP main camera on the BlackBerry Z10 delivers good quality photos with features like HDR, panorama, and LED flash. In well-lit environments, the images are clear and detailed, but the camera struggles in low-light conditions. The phone can also record 1080p video at 30fps, which was competitive at the time of its release.
The 2MP front camera is adequate for video calls and casual selfies, but don’t expect top-tier quality, especially in lower light.
Battery Life
Equipped with an 1800 mAh removable battery, the BlackBerry Z10 provides up to 10 hours of talk time and a stand-by time of up to 312 hours. Its 46-hour endurance rating indicates average battery life, and users may need to charge it once or twice a day with moderate use.
Connectivity
The BlackBerry Z10 supports a wide array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. The lack of a radio is a minor downside, but the inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port and an HDMI port adds versatility for transferring data and connecting to external displays.
Conclusion
Though discontinued, the BlackBerry Z10 offers a solid build, respectable display, and a decent camera. However, its limited app ecosystem and aging hardware mean that it might not meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy users. Still, for loyal BlackBerry fans, this phone offers a nostalgic experience with some practical features, especially in professional settings.
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
