Nostalgia for BlackBerry's physical keyboard is real, but which older model reigns supreme? We're pitting the BlackBerry Classic (the camera-less variant) against the BlackBerry Leap to help you decide which one offers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Leap edges out the Classic due to its camera and slightly more modern chipset. While the Classic offers a pure keyboard experience, the Leap provides a more well-rounded package for users needing basic photography and a bit more processing power. It's a close call, though!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - North America |
| 4G bands | 4, 13 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17 - North America |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, February. Released 2015, March | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm (5.16 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) | 144 x 72.8 x 9.5 mm (5.67 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~291 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 39.5 cm2 (~41.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | - | Adreno 225 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 384 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (3G) | Up to 25 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 45h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 45h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
BlackBerry Classic Non Camera
- Iconic physical keyboard
- Classic BlackBerry design
- Simple and focused user experience
- Durable build quality
- No camera
- Outdated processor
- Limited app support
- Lower screen quality
BlackBerry Leap
- Camera functionality
- Slightly more modern chipset
- Decent battery life
- Familiar BlackBerry experience
- Outdated processor
- Limited app support
- Basic camera quality
- Screen could be better
Display Comparison
Both devices feature 5-inch displays, but the Leap's screen is slightly brighter and offers better viewing angles. The Classic's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the Leap's.
Camera Comparison
This is where the Leap shines. The Classic lacks a camera entirely, making the Leap the clear winner for anyone wanting to capture photos or videos. The Leap's camera is basic by today's standards, but it's a significant feature the Classic lacks.
Performance
Both phones share the same dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor. Performance is adequate for basic tasks like email and messaging, but don't expect blazing speeds. The Leap's Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset offers a marginal performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 45 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under moderate usage. Real-world performance will depend on usage patterns, but both should provide a full day of use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Classic Non Camera is ideal for die-hard BlackBerry keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize physical keys above all else and don't need a camera. The BlackBerry Leap is better suited for users who want a functional smartphone with a camera, decent battery life, and a familiar BlackBerry experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Classic Non Camera worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're a die-hard BlackBerry keyboard enthusiast and don't need a camera. Otherwise, there are better options available.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both devices run BlackBerry 10. However, software updates are no longer provided, so security vulnerabilities may exist.
❓ Can I use modern apps on these phones?
App support is limited. While some apps are available, many modern apps are not compatible with BlackBerry 10.
