Nostalgia for BlackBerry devices is real, and both the Leap and Classic offer a taste of the past. But which one is the better choice in 2024? We're pitting the BlackBerry Leap, known for its camera and endurance, against the Classic Non-Camera, a stripped-down version focused on core functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Leap edges out the Classic Non-Camera thanks to its camera and significantly longer battery life. While the Classic offers a pure BlackBerry experience, the Leap provides more versatility and a better overall user experience for those needing basic photography and extended usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - North America | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17 - North America | 4, 13 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2015, February. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.8 x 9.5 mm (5.67 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm (5.16 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~291 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 39.5 cm2 (~41.7% 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 | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 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 25 h | Up to 22 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 180 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 Leap
- Longer Battery Life
- Includes Camera
- Larger Display
- Secure BlackBerry OS
- Older Processor
- Limited App Support
- Basic Camera Quality
BlackBerry Classic Non Camera
- Physical Keyboard
- Compact Size
- Secure BlackBerry OS
- Minimalist Experience
- No Camera
- Smaller Display
- Older Processor
- Limited App Support
Display Comparison
The BlackBerry Leap features a 5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 768. The Classic Non-Camera also has a 3.5-inch square display with a 720 x 720 resolution. The Leap offers a larger, higher-resolution screen, making it better for media consumption and general use. The Classic's display is more compact and suited for quick tasks.
Camera Comparison
This is a key differentiator. The BlackBerry Leap includes a rear camera for photos and videos (specifications not provided, but assumed to be basic). The Classic Non-Camera completely lacks a camera. The Leap is the clear winner here for anyone wanting to capture photos or videos.
Performance
Both devices are powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus with a Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU. Performance will be similar, adequate for basic tasks like email, messaging, and web browsing, but not ideal for demanding apps or games. Expect some lag with modern apps.
Battery Life
The BlackBerry Leap boasts an impressive endurance rating of 45 hours. The Classic Non-Camera's battery life is likely shorter, though specific figures are unavailable. The Leap's superior battery life provides significantly longer usage between charges.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Leap is ideal for users who want a secure, reliable smartphone with a decent camera and long battery life. The Classic Non-Camera is best suited for die-hard BlackBerry enthusiasts prioritizing the physical keyboard and a minimalist experience, and who don't need a camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
Software updates for both devices are extremely limited. They are running older versions of BlackBerry OS and are unlikely to receive further official updates.
❓ Can I use modern apps on these phones?
Due to the older operating system, compatibility with modern apps is severely limited. You'll primarily be restricted to older BlackBerry apps.
