TechRadar rating
/5
For
- Great web browsing
- Expandable storage
- Decent camera
- Messaging hub
Against
- Plastic case not premium
- Lack of apps
- UI not for everyone
- Some apps lack features
Tasked with saving BlackBerry, can the first BB 10 handset deliver?
The BlackBerry Z10 was the first handset from the company formerly known as RIM, now renamed BlackBerry, to run its new operating system BlackBerry 10, and there was much more on the line here than simply making a few pennies – arguably the companys survival rested on the success of this device and the BlackBerry Q10.
Its no secret that BlackBerry is on the rocks, with the company even admitting that it hasnt been in the best shape of late, and the 4G toting Z10 was the start of what it hoped would be a successful revolution.
Since its launch in January the BlackBerry Z10 has received a few software updates which has seen things become more stable, plus the app store has also witnessed some new arrivals, so weve taken the time to update the keys parts of our review with the latest information.
In the UK the handset has witnessed a massive price drop since launch and you can pick up the Z10 free on contracts starting at £32 per month, while youll need to fork out just £149.95 if you want it SIM-free.
Sporting a 4.2-inch 1280 x 768 display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and lower price tag, the BlackBerry Z10 finds itself jostling for position with the Nokia Lumia 925, Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and iPhone 5C.
Lock eyes on the BlackBerry Z10 and youll notice its an unassuming slab of black glass and plastic that mimics the general aesthetical design of many a smartphone these days.
The Z10 is a little bezel-heavy with a sizable gap above and below the screen, and thats before we even get to the additional plastic chunks stuck on both ends of the handset.
It all seems a little unnecessary but luckily it doesnt make the BlackBerry Z10 overly cumbersome, with the handset measuring a comfortable 130 x 65.6 x 9mm (5.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches).
Weight wise the BlackBerry Z10 finds a happy medium – weighing 137.5g (4.85 oz), its nowhere near as heavy as the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, yet its not as feather light as the iPhone 5.
The weight gives it a reassuring presence in the palm and while the chassis is distinctly plastic, the handsets heft at least restores some form of premium feel.
Around the back youre greeted with a textured plastic rear that is slightly rubberised, providing a decent level of grip.
There are only a couple of things to note on the back of the BlackBerry Z10: the 8MP camera with a single LED flash, sat in the top-left corner, and the shiny metallic BlackBerry logo in middle.
We were pleased to find that the rear can be removed easily by placing a finger in the indented speaker grill at the base of the Z10, enabling us to simply peel off the plastic.
Underneath youll find microSIM and microSD slots, with the latter capable of supporting cards up to 32GB in capacity, although weve been told that a future update may see this support boosted to the 64GB variants.
This means you can build nicely on the already decent 16GB of internal storage, which will appeal to many who have been put out by the likes of the iPhone range and HTC One, which dont offer storage expansion.
An added boon is the removable 1,800mAh battery, enabling you to switch out a dead battery for a fully charged one if youre someone who likes to carry multiple power packs around.
On the rear cover itself youll notice the NFC pad, which enables the BlackBerry Z10 to interact with other compatible wireless devices.
On the right-hand side of the Z10, anyone familiar with the BlackBerry PlayBook will instantly recognise the triple button setup, with volume rocker switches separated by a central key – used for playing/pausing music and activating voice control when held down.
Up top you get a centralised power/lock key next to a 3.5mm headphone jack, while on the left theres a couple of handy connectivity ports.
The metal finish of the keys gives the handset a touch of class - if not a little sharp when you catch your finger on them - and all are well positioned, enabling us to reach them easily when using the Z10 one-handed.
The now standard microUSB port that features on pretty much every phone these days (bar the iPhone) is present, alongside a miniHDMI port. This enables you to connect the BlackBerry Z10 directly to a TV for big screen viewing.
Theres no HDMI cable in the box so youll need to pick one up separately, but there is at least a USB cable so you can hook the Z10 up to your computer.
The BlackBerry Z10 doesnt wow us with a new design, but its a sturdy handset with a decent build quality and functional layout that makes it easy to handle.
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