The BlackBerry era evokes nostalgia for physical keyboards and secure communication. Two titans of that time, the Q10 and Bold 9900, offer distinct experiences. This review pits them against each other to determine which device holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Q10 edges out the Bold 9900 thanks to its superior battery life and slightly more modern chipset. While the Bold 9900 boasts a sleek design, the Q10's longevity and LTE option (in some versions) give it a slight advantage for those seeking a functional classic.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - SQN100-1 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 17 - SQN100-1, SQN100-5 | - |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE (market dependent) | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 25 - SQN100-4 | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, January. Released 2013, April | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 119.6 x 66.8 x 10.4 mm (4.71 x 2.63 x 0.41 in) | 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm (4.53 x 2.60 x 0.41 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 139 g (4.90 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~328 ppi density) | 640 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.1 inches, 31.0 cm2 (~38.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait (LTE version)/ Cortex-A9 (Non-LTE) | 1.2 GHz QC 8655 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon S4 (LTE version)/ TI OMAP 4470 (Non-LTE) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 225 (LTE version)/ PowerVR SGX544 (Non-LTE) | - |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 10.3.1 | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, BlackBerry Maps |
| Radio | FM radio (after SW upgrade) | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h (3G) | Up to 307 h (2G) / Up to 307 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 6 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB |
Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 56h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB | Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 56h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB | Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB |
BlackBerry Q10
- Excellent battery life
- Potentially better performance (Snapdragon S4)
- Physical keyboard with touchscreen
- LTE option available
- Slightly more modern chipset
- Camera quality is dated
- Design is less premium than Bold 9900
- Software updates ceased long ago
BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900
- Premium, compact design
- Classic BlackBerry feel
- Good build quality
- Sleek aesthetics
- Poor battery life
- Slower performance
- Camera quality is dated
- Software updates ceased long ago
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays of similar size (around 3.2-3.5 inches). The Bold 9900's 1304:1 contrast ratio is respectable, but the Q10's 'infinite' nominal contrast (likely a marketing term) and 2.856:1 sunlight contrast suggest potentially better outdoor visibility. Color accuracy on both is likely limited by the era's display technology.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is a weakness by modern standards. Both offer Photo/Video capabilities, but resolution and image quality are limited. The Q10 might have a slight edge due to potentially better image processing, but neither will satisfy today's photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The Q10, particularly the LTE version with the Snapdragon S4, generally offers better performance. Its dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor is faster than the Bold 9900's 1.2 GHz QC 8655. The Q10's chipset also benefits from slightly more modern architecture. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Q10.
Battery Life
This is where the Q10 truly shines. With an endurance rating of 56 hours, it significantly outlasts the Bold 9900. The Bold 9900's battery life is considerably shorter, likely struggling to last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Q10 is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and appreciate a physical keyboard with a touchscreen. The Bold 9900 is best suited for those who value a premium, compact design and a more traditional BlackBerry experience, accepting shorter battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it worth buying a BlackBerry Q10 or Bold 9900 in 2024?
Only if you're a BlackBerry enthusiast seeking a nostalgic experience. Don't expect modern smartphone features or security updates. They are primarily collector's items or for users with very specific needs.
❓ Which BlackBerry has better software support?
Neither. Both devices have long ceased receiving software updates, posing security risks. Using them on modern networks may also present compatibility issues.
