Devices Arena Logo
  1. Home
  2. compare devices

BlackBerry Leap vs BlackBerry Z10: A Detailed Comparison

Nostalgia for BlackBerry devices is real! The Leap and Z10 represent different eras of BlackBerry's smartphone journey. Both offer the classic BlackBerry experience, but which one is the better choice in 2024? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images
BlackBerry Leap vs Z10: Which Classic Phone Reigns?

🏆 Quick Verdict

The BlackBerry Z10 edges out the Leap thanks to its slightly better display contrast and marginally improved battery life. Both share the same processor, but the Z10's screen provides a more visually appealing experience. Ultimately, both are aging devices, but the Z10 offers a slight advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names BlackBerry Leap BlackBerry Z10
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - North AmericaHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - STL100-1
4G bands1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17 - North America3, 7, 8, 20 - STL100-2
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global13 - STL100-4
Launch
Announced2015, March. Released 2015, April2013, January. Released 2013, January
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions144 x 72.8 x 9.5 mm (5.67 x 2.87 x 0.37 in)130 x 65.6 x 9 mm (5.12 x 2.58 x 0.35 in)
SIMMicro-SIMMicro-SIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)137.5 g (4.83 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~355 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio)4.2 inches, 50.2 cm2 (~58.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD,TFT
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.5 GHz KraitDual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 PlusQualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
GPUAdreno 225Adreno 225
OSBlackBerry OS 10.3.1BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 10.3.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP2 MP
Video720p720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE4.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -HDMI port
Battery
Stand-by-Up to 312 h
Talk timeUp to 25 hUp to 10 h
TypeLi-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 1800 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteBlack, White
PriceAbout 80 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR-1.07 W/kg (head)     1.07 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.87 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB
Battery life Endurance rating 45h Endurance rating 46h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1532 (nominal) / 2.051:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 70dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB
OUR TESTS
Audio quality-Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB
Battery (old)Endurance rating 45hEndurance rating 46h
CameraPhoto / VideoPhoto / Video
Display-Contrast ratio: 1532 (nominal) / 2.051:1 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker-Voice 70dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB

BlackBerry Leap

  • Rugged and durable design
  • Good security features
  • Decent battery life (45h)
  • Classic BlackBerry keyboard-free experience
  • Outdated processor
  • Limited camera quality
  • Lower display quality compared to Z10
  • Aging software support

BlackBerry Z10

  • Slightly better display contrast
  • Good security features
  • Decent battery life (46h)
  • More modern design (for its time)
  • Classic BlackBerry keyboard-free experience
  • Outdated processor
  • Limited camera quality
  • Aging software support
  • Can be harder to find replacement parts

Display Comparison

Both the Leap and Z10 feature 4.3-inch displays. The Z10 boasts a contrast ratio of 1532:1 (nominal) and 2.051:1 in sunlight, suggesting better outdoor visibility and overall image quality compared to the Leap, which lacks specific contrast ratio data. While both are LCD panels, the Z10's numbers indicate a superior viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both devices is comparable and unremarkable by modern standards. Both feature rear cameras capable of capturing photos and videos, but image quality is limited by the sensors and processing capabilities of the time. Low-light performance will be particularly weak. Expect grainy images and limited detail.

Performance

Under the hood, both devices are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset and a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU. Performance will be similar, adequate for basic tasks like email, messaging, and light web browsing, but expect limitations with demanding apps or multitasking. Don't expect flagship-level speed.

Battery Life

The BlackBerry Z10 has a slightly better endurance rating (46h) compared to the Leap (45h). While both offer decent battery life for their time, real-world usage will vary depending on usage patterns. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.

Buying Guide

The BlackBerry Leap is ideal for users prioritizing a rugged, durable design and a focus on security. The BlackBerry Z10 is better suited for those who value a slightly better display and a more modern (at the time) design, though both are best for users seeking a secure, keyboard-free BlackBerry experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
Software support for both the Leap and Z10 has largely ended. Security updates are unlikely, so use with caution and consider the security implications.
❓ Where can I find replacement parts for these devices?
Finding replacement parts can be challenging. Online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet, but availability may be limited.