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."
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Alex Kidman, APCThe 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...
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileIf 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...
- Christen Costa, Gadget ReviewDespite 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...
- Meraj Chhaya, Phone Report v2.0The 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...
- James A., GSM DomeThe 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...
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.
Ask the Community
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- BlackBerry Z10 Manual (PDF)
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