BlackBerry, once a major player in the smartphone market, has found itself slowly fading into the background over the years. However, in a bid to reinvent themselves, BlackBerry has released their newest addition, The BlackBerry Z10. Take a look at the features of this new phone, compared to iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z.
| Specifications | BlackBerry Z10 | iPhone 5 | Samsung Galaxy S4 | Sony Xperia Z |
| Size | 130mm x 65.6mm x 9mm | 123.8mm x 58.6mm x 7.6mm | 136.6mm x 69.8mm x 7.9mm | 139mm x 71mm x 7.9mm |
| Screen Size | 4.2 inches | 4.0 inches | 5.0 inches | 5.0 inches |
| Resolution | 1280 x 768 pixels | 640 x 1136 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Camera | 8MP rear facing camera2MP front facing camera720p video recording | 8MP rear facing camera1.2MP front facing camera1080p video recording | 13MP rear facing camera2MP front facing camera1080p video recording | 13.1M rear facing camera2MP front facing camera1080p video recording |
| Software | BlackBerry 10 OS | iOS 6 | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 |
| App store | BlackBerry World200,000 apps | iTunes App Store800,000 apps | Google Play800,000 apps | Google Play800,000 apps |
Experts say
“In a recent analysis, I found that only 34 percent of the top 102 apps on iOS and Android are currently available for BlackBerry 10.”
– Sasha Segan, reviewer from IT website PCMag
“The Web browser is solid and fast. The lack of apps I use on other devices is concerning.”
– Kevin C. Tofel, reviewer from business magazine Businessweek
“For a company with a short, terrible track record with touch-screen devices, the Z10 looks good, has desirable specs, and gets the basics right.
– Jessica Dolcourt, reviewer from IT website CNet
“Web browsing deserves a special mention as we were seriously impressed with the speed of the BlackBerry Z10 when it came to loading pages.”
– JohnMcCann, reviewer from IT website Techradar
Verdict
With a sharp display and screen slightly bigger than iPhone 5, BlackBerry Z10 is ideal for people who enjoy watching videos. This smartphone can be a companion for students who travel long distances to and from school as you can just spend your time watching your favourite shows.
However, in terms of apps, BlackBerry is still behind other software like iOS and Android. Those who are used to apps like Instagram might be shocked to find that few steps need to be taken before you can use the app. (http://crackberry.com/how-get-instagram-working-again-your-blackberry-z10).
From a student’s perspective, BlackBerry Z10 would not be my choice. This is because I want to explore all the possible apps and download the latest ones. I am an instagram addict (I admit!) and if I need to take multiple steps just to use Instagram, well I can say this smartphone is definitely not my type.
I also love taking pictures and I am always on the lookout for the latest camera apps and picture editing apps. BlackBerry World does not provide me the different variety of such apps, hence, I cannot foresee myself using this smartphone as it does not cater to my needs.
If BlackBerry World has more apps, I might consider this phone. As for now, I would rather stick to my iPhone 5.
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