The smartphone landscape has drastically changed since the BlackBerry Classic’s heyday. Now, devices like the Plum Flipper LTE attempt to offer modern connectivity in a compact form factor. This comparison examines whether the Flipper LTE’s contemporary features outweigh the Classic’s enduring appeal, particularly its physical keyboard and focus on secure communication.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing modern features and LTE connectivity, the Plum Flipper LTE is the better choice, despite limited available specifications. The BlackBerry Classic, while offering a unique typing experience, is hampered by its aging hardware and limited software support. However, those deeply invested in the BlackBerry ecosystem or requiring a physical keyboard will find value in the Classic.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 41, 66 | 4, 13 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2015, February. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 103 x 53 x 21.2 mm (4.06 x 2.09 x 0.83 in) | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm (5.16 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 80 g (2.82 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~291 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~32.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 39.5 cm2 (~41.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD, |
| | External display: 1.77 inches, 128 x 160 pixels | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| OS | - | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 64MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 0.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 384 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 22 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, Blue | Black |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Plum Flipper LTE
- Modern LTE connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Likely benefits from a more powerful and efficient processor.
- Potential for a more secure Android experience (depending on ROM).
- Limited publicly available specifications.
- Unknown camera quality and features.
BlackBerry Classic Non Camera
- Iconic physical keyboard for enhanced productivity.
- Focus on security with no camera.
- Familiar BlackBerry OS experience for existing users.
- Aging hardware and limited performance.
- Outdated software and limited app support.
- Small screen size may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the Plum Flipper LTE, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the BlackBerry Classic features a 3.5-inch display. The Classic’s smaller screen size is geared towards efficient one-handed use and readability, while the Flipper LTE likely aims for a balance between screen real estate and portability. The Classic’s display technology is dated, lacking the color accuracy and brightness of modern panels, which the Flipper LTE likely possesses.
Camera Comparison
The BlackBerry Classic Non Camera, as the name suggests, lacks a camera. This was a deliberate design choice focused on security. The Plum Flipper LTE’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume it includes at least a basic camera module. For users who require photographic capabilities, the Flipper LTE is the only option. However, the Classic’s absence of a camera is a feature for those prioritizing privacy and security.
Performance
The BlackBerry Classic is powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor. This chipset, while adequate for basic tasks during its release, is significantly slower than modern processors. The Plum Flipper LTE, while lacking specific CPU details, benefits from being a more recent device and likely utilizes a more efficient and powerful chipset. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness for the Flipper LTE. The Classic’s performance will struggle with demanding applications and modern web browsing.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, the BlackBerry Classic’s older processor and smaller screen size likely contribute to better battery efficiency compared to a modern smartphone. The Plum Flipper LTE, despite potentially having a larger battery, may experience faster battery drain due to its more powerful processor and LTE connectivity. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and network conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Flipper LTE if you need reliable LTE connectivity, a potentially more secure Android experience (depending on its custom ROM), and a compact device with modern features. Buy the BlackBerry Classic Non Camera if you prioritize a physical keyboard for productivity, a familiar BlackBerry OS experience, and are comfortable with the limitations of older hardware and software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Classic's keyboard worth the trade-off in performance?
For users heavily reliant on physical keyboards for email, messaging, and document editing, the Classic’s keyboard is a significant advantage. However, the performance limitations of the dual-core processor and outdated software may be frustrating for those accustomed to modern smartphone speeds and app availability. It's a niche benefit with substantial compromises.
❓ How secure is the Plum Flipper LTE compared to the BlackBerry Classic?
The BlackBerry Classic prioritized security through its lack of a camera and hardened OS. The Plum Flipper LTE’s security depends heavily on the Android ROM it runs and any custom security features implemented by Plum. While Android offers security features, it's generally less secure 'out of the box' than the Classic’s original OS. Users should investigate the ROM’s security track record and implement best practices like strong passwords and app permissions.
❓ Can I easily find apps for the BlackBerry Classic?
App availability for the BlackBerry Classic is severely limited. The BlackBerry World app store is no longer actively maintained, and many modern apps are not compatible with the Classic’s older operating system. Users will primarily rely on sideloading apps, which can be complex and pose security risks.
