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BlackBerry Z10 review

7.5/10 AVG.
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BlackBerry Z10
BlackBerry Z10
BlackBerry Z10
BlackBerry Z10
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7.5/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Z10 currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 67 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Miles behind in the wake of the iOS and Android era, BlackBerry has overhauled its hardware and software.

Its first offering, the BlackBerry Z10, is indeed a phone that devoted followers (current and former) will love. As Laptop Magazine puts it, "...the company has created a platform that should not only keep many faithful from jumping ship, but also win some back."

However, those used to the workings of iOS and Android and unfamiliar with BlackBerry will find the Z10 not worth the transition. Business Insider makes that clear saying, "There's next to no incentive for anyone currently using an iPhone or Android phone to make the switch to BlackBerry..."

But for the BlackBerry faithful, the Z10 will not let you down. The creators of the phone have overhauled everything you know about the previous devices (even the recent Storm series) and shown that it can create compelling hardware relevant to this day and age. Phonedog details this when saying in their review that the "...Z10 is a substantial leap forward for BlackBerry. It brings the company into the 21st century with a modern smartphone with a dual-core processor, HD display, LTE connectivity, and an improved camera."

While the hardware and technical specs are a plus, the software is a let-down. Compared to the dedicated and wide-ranging services of the App Store and Google Play, the BlackBerry Z10 fails to have an adequate competitor. Gaj-it say that "there aren't enough apps to tempt consumers away from Android and iOS, and there aren't enough consumers to tempt app developers to make BB10 apps as a priority."

The clear result is that the BlackBerry Z10, while an overhaul and modernization of the once great smartphone giant, isn't quite up-to-date in terms of software and accessibility for consumers used to the two big rivals, Android and iOS. Loyal buyers will rejoice, however, in the best BlackBerry handset to date.

Above all, the Z10 gives a new hope for the future of BlackBerry. Luke Johnson from TrustedReviews best sums this up with saying, "The BlackBerry Z10 has seemingly given its new iOS and Android rival[s] the best possible platform from which to grow."


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.2"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1800 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


APC
APC

The Z10 is certainly a solid phone. It’s also nice to have another smartphone OS option and those who love having quick direct action to their messaging and social media will love the Hub features. However, up against the heavyweights of the iOS, Windows Phone and Android worlds, it falls shor...

- Alex Kidman, APC
GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

If you already own a BlackBerry and or are required to use a BlackBerry for work, and can switch away from a physical QWERTY keyboard the BlackBerry Z10 is worth considering. However, if you are using an iPhone or Android device, switching to the BlackBerry Z10 will not be an easy experience. Learn...

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
Gadget Review
Gadget Review

Despite Blackberry building what appears to be a solid OS that can handle just about anything that is thrown at it, it still lacks the feeling of belonging. Perhaps part of this is derived from the rather nascent and desolate app store that is devoid of the main stream applications I depend on, such...

- Christen Costa, Gadget Review
Phone Report v2.0
Phone Report v2.0

The BlackBerry Z10, together with its operating system BlackBerry 10, is a smartphone that is worthy of belonging to the high-end segment of the mobile market, but it may be too late to steal market-share from iOS and Android devices. Featuring a 4.2″ touchscreen with HD resolution, a dual-co...

- Meraj Chhaya, Phone Report v2.0
GSM Dome
GSM Dome

The keyboard here is also unique, very, very comfortable to use and it has frets like a guitar. Said frets will have written on them suggestions and if you swipe up, the suggestions will reach the text writing area. You get suggestions for 3 languages at once, by the way. The keyboard will learn you...

- James A., GSM Dome


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


BlackBerry Z10 prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. BlackBerry's suggested retail price is $449.00. You can compare Z10 prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Z10 user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Z10 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Z10 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.2"

The BlackBerry Z10's screen size is 4.2 inches with 768 x 1280 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the BlackBerry 10 (Update Available: 10.2.1) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1800mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1800 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 660 minutes.

BlackBerry Z10 Specs

Overview
Release Date February 2, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System BlackBerry 10 (Update Available: 10.2.1)

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.07 W/kg
Body: 1.07 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Image stabilization, Time Shift mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 768 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density 356 pixels
Size 4.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1800 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 660 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 242 minutes
Talk Time Up to 660 minutes
Standby Time Up to 13 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 5.1 x 2.6 x 0.3 cm (2 x 1 x 0.1 in)
Weight 137 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Blackberry
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
ECML / Digital Wallet: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AMR, AMR-WB, MP3, MP4, M4A, OGG, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, ASF, AVI, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, PDF
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry Surfboard, BlackBerry London
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Z10 Reviews
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