The BlackBerry Q10 and Z10 represented BlackBerry's attempt to stay relevant in a rapidly changing smartphone landscape. Both offered unique features, but catered to different user preferences. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which device was the better choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Q10 edges out the Z10 thanks to its superior battery life and the tactile experience of a physical keyboard. While the Z10 offered a more modern, all-screen design, the Q10's longevity and keyboard appeal to users prioritizing practicality and extended use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - SQN100-1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - STL100-1 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 17 - SQN100-1, SQN100-5 | 3, 7, 8, 20 - STL100-2 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE (market dependent) | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | 25 - SQN100-4 | 13 - STL100-4 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, January. Released 2013, April | 2013, January. Released 2013, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 130 x 65.6 x 9 mm (5.12 x 2.58 x 0.35 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 139 g (4.90 oz) | 137.5 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~328 ppi density) | 768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~355 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.1 inches, 31.0 cm2 (~38.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.2 inches, 50.2 cm2 (~58.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| 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) | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | Adreno 225 (LTE version)/ PowerVR SGX544 (Non-LTE) | Adreno 225 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 10.3.1 | BlackBerry OS 10, upgradable to 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port | HDMI port |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h (3G) | Up to 312 h |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 10 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB |
Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 56h
|
Endurance rating 46h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1532 (nominal) / 2.051:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -89.6dB / Crosstalk -82.7dB | Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 56h | Endurance rating 46h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.856:1 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1532 (nominal) / 2.051:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB | Voice 70dB / Noise 67dB / Ring 73dB |
BlackBerry Q10
- Excellent Battery Life (56h)
- Physical QWERTY Keyboard
- LTE Connectivity (LTE version)
- Durable Build Quality
- Outdated Design
- Mediocre Camera
- Limited App Ecosystem (compared to Android/iOS)
BlackBerry Z10
- Full Touchscreen Display
- Slightly More Modern Design
- Generally Brighter Screen
- Shorter Battery Life (46h)
- No Physical Keyboard
- Similar Camera Performance to Q10
Display Comparison
Both devices featured LCD displays, but the Q10 boasts a theoretically 'infinite' contrast ratio (though realistically closer to 2.856:1 in sunlight) while the Z10 offered a measured 1532:1 nominal contrast and 2.051:1 in sunlight. The Q10's display, while technically impressive in its nominal rating, didn't always translate to noticeably better viewing in real-world use. The Z10's screen was generally considered brighter and more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance was a weak point for both devices. Both featured basic photo and video capabilities, but image quality was unremarkable, especially in low-light conditions. The Z10's camera might have had slightly better color reproduction, but overall, neither phone excelled in photography.
Performance
Both phones utilized a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, with the Q10 featuring the LTE version (Krait core) and the Z10 using the Snapdragon S4 Plus. Performance was generally comparable for everyday tasks, but the Q10's LTE capabilities provided a slight edge in network speeds where available. App loading times and multitasking were similar on both devices.
Battery Life
The Q10 significantly outperformed the Z10 in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 56 hours compared to the Z10's 46 hours. This difference was a major factor for users who needed a phone that could last through multiple days of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Q10 is ideal for users who value a physical keyboard for efficient typing and appreciate longer battery life. The BlackBerry Z10 is better suited for those who prefer a full touchscreen experience and a more contemporary design, though at the cost of battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Q10's keyboard good?
Yes, the Q10's physical keyboard is highly regarded for its tactile feedback and accuracy, making it ideal for fast and comfortable typing.
❓ Which BlackBerry has better performance?
Performance is generally comparable between the Q10 and Z10. The Q10's LTE version offers slightly faster network speeds.
❓ Are these phones still usable today?
While both phones are outdated, they can still be used for basic tasks. However, software updates are no longer available, posing security risks and limiting app compatibility.
