BlackBerry Q5 vs. BlackBerry 9720: A Classic Comparison

Nostalgia for BlackBerry devices is real. The Q5 and 9720 represent different eras of BlackBerry, offering distinct features and experiences. This comparison dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The BlackBerry Q5 offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its Snapdragon processor and better display. However, the 9720's simpler OS and potentially longer software support (depending on carrier) might appeal to users prioritizing stability and a more traditional BlackBerry experience. The Q5 is the overall winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	BlackBerry Q5	BlackBerry 9720

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - SQR100-1	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	2, 4, 5, 17 - SQR100-1	-
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps	HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA
	3, 7, 8, 20 - SQR100-2	-

Launch
Announced	2013, May. Released 2013, June	2013, August. Released 2013, August
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	120 x 66 x 10.8 mm (4.72 x 2.60 x 0.43 in)	114 x 66 x 12 mm (4.49 x 2.60 x 0.47 in)
Keyboard	QWERTY	QWERTY
SIM	Micro-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	120 g (4.23 oz)	120 g (4.23 oz)
	-	Optical trackpad

Display
Resolution	720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~328 ppi density)	480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~214 ppi density)
Size	3.1 inches, 31.0 cm2 (~39.1% screen-to-body ratio)	2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait	806 MHz Tavor MG1
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus	-
GPU	Adreno 225	-
OS	BlackBerry OS 10.2, upgradable to 10.3.1	BlackBerry OS 7.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	8GB 2GB RAM	512MB ROM, 512MB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash
Single	5 MP, f/2.4, 30mm (standard), AF	5 MP
Video	1080p@30fps	480p@30fps

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, LE	2.1, A2DP, EDR
NFC	Yes (market dependent)	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS
Radio	FM radio (after SW upgrade)	Stereo FM radio, RDS
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, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, proximity
	-	BBM key MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/Flac player MP4/H.264/WMV player Organizer Document viewer Voice memo/dial Predictive text input

Battery
Music play	-	Up to 30 h
Stand-by	Up to 336 h (3G)	Up to 432 h
Talk time	Up to 12 h 30 min (3G)	Up to 7 h
Type	Li-Ion 2180 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Red, Gray, Pink	Black, White, Purple, Blue, Pure Pink
Price	About 70 EUR	About 130 EUR
SAR	1.33 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	1.38 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body)	1.10 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.7dB / Crosstalk -90.7dB	-
Battery life	Endurance rating 55h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1293:1 (nominal) / 1.682:1 (sunlight)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 75dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 76dB	-

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	Noise -91.7dB / Crosstalk -90.7dB	-
Battery (old)	Endurance rating 55h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1293:1 (nominal) / 1.682:1 (sunlight)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 75dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 76dB	-

BlackBerry Q5

Better Performance
Brighter & Higher Resolution Display
Potentially Longer Software Support (carrier dependent)
Slightly Better Camera

Can feel slightly bloated compared to the 9720
Older Device - limited app availability

BlackBerry 9720

Simpler, More Traditional BlackBerry OS
Potentially Longer Software Support (carrier dependent)
Compact and Lightweight
More Affordable (typically)

Slower Performance
Dim Display
Limited App Availability
Outdated Processor

Display Comparison

The Q5 boasts a significantly better display with a contrast ratio of 1293:1 (nominal) and an impressive 1.682:1 in sunlight, making it much more readable outdoors. The 9720's display, while functional, lacks the same vibrancy and outdoor visibility. The Q5 also has a higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image.

Camera Comparison

Both devices have basic camera capabilities. The Q5's camera is likely to offer slightly better image quality due to its more modern chipset and potentially better image processing. However, neither phone is a photography powerhouse. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.

Performance

Here's where the Q5 truly shines. Its Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait CPU provides a substantial performance advantage over the 9720's 806 MHz Tavor MG1 processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the Q5.

Battery Life

The Q5 claims an endurance rating of 55h, which is impressive. While the 9720's battery capacity is likely smaller, its less demanding processor could result in comparable real-world battery life, especially with light usage. However, the Q5's larger battery gives it a slight edge.

Buying Guide

The BlackBerry Q5 is ideal for users who want a slightly more modern BlackBerry experience with better performance and a brighter display. The 9720 is best for those seeking a very basic, reliable smartphone with a focus on messaging and a familiar BlackBerry OS feel, and who don't need high-end performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which BlackBerry has better software support?

It depends on your carrier. Both devices are older, but some carriers may still provide updates for the 9720 due to its longer lifespan. Check with your carrier for specific details.

❓ Are apps readily available for these devices?

App availability is limited for both. They primarily support BlackBerry 10 apps, which are not as numerous as Android or iOS apps. Some legacy apps may still be available.