Remember the BlackBerry days of physical keyboards and secure communication? We're revisiting two iconic models: the BlackBerry Q10 and the BlackBerry Classic. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one offers the best experience today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Q10 edges out the Classic Non-Camera due to its superior battery life and LTE capabilities (depending on the variant). While both offer the beloved physical keyboard, the Q10's longevity and connectivity give it a slight advantage for modern use, despite the Classic's simpler design.
| 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 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 17 - SQN100-1, SQN100-5 | 4, 13 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE (market dependent) | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 25 - SQN100-4 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, January. Released 2013, April | 2015, February. Released 2015, March |
| 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) | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm (5.16 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 139 g (4.90 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~328 ppi density) | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~291 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.1 inches, 31.0 cm2 (~38.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 39.5 cm2 (~41.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait (LTE version)/ Cortex-A9 (Non-LTE) | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| 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 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 | - |
| 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 | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio (after SW upgrade) | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port | MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h (3G) | Up to 384 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 22 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 56h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB | - |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 56h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB | - |
BlackBerry Q10
- Excellent battery life (56h)
- LTE connectivity (LTE variant)
- Physical keyboard
- Functional camera
- Outdated display resolution
- Older chipset
- Limited app support compared to modern smartphones
BlackBerry Classic Non Camera
- Classic BlackBerry design
- Physical keyboard
- Potentially slightly faster responsiveness (due to lack of camera processing)
- No camera
- No LTE connectivity
- Limited app support
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 3.5-inch display, but the Q10 boasts a slightly better contrast ratio in sunlight (2.856:1) compared to the Classic's likely lower ratio. However, both displays are relatively low resolution by today's standards, offering a pixel-dense but not visually stunning experience. The Q10's 'Infinite' nominal contrast ratio is likely a marketing term and not a measurable value.
Camera Comparison
This is a clear win for the BlackBerry Q10. It includes a photo and video camera, while the Classic Non-Camera, as the name suggests, lacks a camera entirely. The Q10's camera is basic by modern standards, but it's a functional addition.
Performance
Both phones share a Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU, ensuring similar performance for basic tasks like email, messaging, and web browsing. The Q10's LTE variant has a Snapdragon S4, potentially offering slightly better overall performance and connectivity compared to the Classic's likely reliance on older cellular technologies. The Classic's lack of camera processing might result in marginally better responsiveness in some scenarios.
Battery Life
The BlackBerry Q10 holds a significant advantage here. It boasts an endurance rating of 56 hours, a substantial improvement over the Classic's likely shorter battery life. This makes the Q10 a more practical choice for extended use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Q10 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and LTE connectivity who appreciate a physical keyboard and a functional camera. The BlackBerry Classic Non-Camera is best suited for those seeking a minimalist BlackBerry experience, focusing solely on the keyboard and core functionality, and don't need a camera or LTE.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Q10 still worth buying?
If you value a physical keyboard, secure communication, and decent battery life, the Q10 can be a worthwhile purchase, especially for basic tasks. However, be aware of its limitations in terms of app support and modern features.
❓ Why does the BlackBerry Classic have no camera?
The 'Non-Camera' designation indicates a stripped-down version of the Classic, likely intended for specific markets or users who didn't require a camera functionality.
