Nostalgia for BlackBerry devices is real, and the Leap and Z3 represent different points in the company's later smartphone journey. Both offer a physical keyboard and BlackBerry's security focus, but which one delivers a better experience today? Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Leap edges out the Z3 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and potentially better camera capabilities (though both are dated). However, the Z3's more modern Snapdragon 400 chipset and smaller size might appeal to users prioritizing portability and efficiency. Ultimately, the Leap offers a marginally better overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - North America | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 17 - North America | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2014, February. Released 2014, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.8 x 9.5 mm (5.67 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) | 140 x 72.8 x 9.3 mm (5.51 x 2.87 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait 200 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | Qualcomm MSM8230 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 | BlackBerry OS 10.2.1, upgradable to 10.3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 30mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 1.1 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 84 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 384 h |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h | Up to 15 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 45h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 45h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
BlackBerry Leap
- Slightly more powerful processor
- Potentially better camera
- Larger display
- Longer battery life (45h)
- Larger size
- Older chipset
- Limited app compatibility
BlackBerry Z3
- Compact and pocketable
- More modern Snapdragon 400 chipset
- Potentially more affordable
- Less powerful processor
- Smaller display
- Shorter battery life (estimated)
Display Comparison
The Leap features a 5-inch display, while the Z3 has a 3.5-inch screen. The Leap's larger size offers more screen real estate for browsing and media consumption, but the Z3's smaller form factor makes it more pocketable. Both displays are LCD and offer standard resolution for their respective sizes.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have cameras, neither is particularly impressive by today's standards. The Leap likely has a slightly better camera sensor, but image quality on both devices will be limited by their age and processing capabilities. Video recording is also basic on both.
Performance
The Leap's Snapdragon S4 Plus with a 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait CPU provides a slight performance advantage over the Z3's Snapdragon 400 with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Krait 200 CPU. However, both phones will struggle with modern, demanding applications. Expect lag and slower loading times.
Battery Life
The Leap boasts a significantly higher endurance rating of 45 hours, suggesting superior battery life compared to the Z3. This is a major advantage for users who need a phone that can last through extended periods of use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Leap is for users who value a slightly more powerful processor and a potentially better camera, even if it means a larger device. The BlackBerry Z3 is ideal for those prioritizing a compact design, efficient performance for basic tasks, and a more affordable price point (if you can find one).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still receiving software updates?
No, both the BlackBerry Leap and Z3 have reached their end of life and are no longer receiving official software updates. Security vulnerabilities are a significant concern with these devices.
❓ Can I use modern apps on these phones?
While you can access the BlackBerry World app store, many modern apps are not compatible with these older operating systems. You may be limited to older versions of apps or basic functionality.
