The smartphone market has evolved significantly over the years, with new devices constantly being released. However, BlackBerry continues to hold a special place in the business and productivity world. Once the leader in mobile technology, especially for business users, BlackBerry has transitioned into a brand that focuses on security and productivity while outsourcing its hardware production.
If you’re wondering which BlackBerry is right for you, this guide will help you navigate the best BlackBerry phones currently available and how to choose one based on your needs.
Table of Contents
- The Evolution of BlackBerry
- Why Choose a BlackBerry Today?
- Top BlackBerry Models to Consider
- BlackBerry Classic
- BlackBerry Key2
- BlackBerry Bold 9780
- BlackBerry Passport
- BlackBerry Torch 9860
- BlackBerry Leap
- How to Choose a BlackBerry Based on Features
- Display
- Keyboard
- Processor, RAM, and Storage
- Battery Life
- Connectivity Options (4G/5G and Wi-Fi)
- Camera Quality
- Dual-SIM Capability
- System Operating Software
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The Evolution of BlackBerry
At its peak, BlackBerry was the go-to smartphone for professionals, particularly in the business world. It offered unparalleled security features and a physical keyboard, which made typing on the go effortless. However, with the rise of the iPhone and Android, BlackBerry faced increasing competition.
Though BlackBerry has shifted its focus to security software, it continues to produce smartphones in collaboration with third-party manufacturers. Its most recent partnership is with the American company OnwardMobility, offering advanced smartphones that still cater to business professionals.
Why Choose a BlackBerry Today?
Why would anyone choose a BlackBerry in today’s smartphone market dominated by Apple and Android? Here’s why:
- Security: BlackBerry continues to prioritize security, making it the top choice for users who need high levels of privacy and protection.
- Physical Keyboard: For those who prefer tactile feedback while typing, BlackBerry remains one of the few brands offering phones with physical keyboards.
- Business Focus: BlackBerry is still optimized for business applications, allowing seamless integration with emails, scheduling, and document management.
Top BlackBerry Models to Consider
BlackBerry Classic
The BlackBerry Classic brings back the iconic physical QWERTY keyboard that many BlackBerry fans love. With a 3.5-inch touchscreen and 4G connectivity, it’s an ideal device for professionals who need a robust, efficient phone for communication. The 16GB internal memory, expandable to 128GB, ensures that you have enough storage for your files.
- Processor: Krait Dual-Core 1.5 GHz
- RAM: 2GB
- Camera: 8 MP rear, 2 MP front
- Battery: Long-lasting lithium-ion battery for extended usage
BlackBerry Key2
The BlackBerry Key2 offers a modern twist with its 4.5-inch touchscreen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This phone merges Android’s flexibility with BlackBerry’s trademark physical keyboard.
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB, expandable to 256GB
- Camera: Dual 12 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
- Battery: 3500 mAh, offering extensive battery life
BlackBerry Bold 9780
For those seeking simplicity, the BlackBerry Bold 9780 is a reliable phone that offers 512 MB of internal memory, which is suitable for basic tasks like messaging and email.
- Display: 2.44-inch screen
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera
- Connectivity: 2G network with Wi-Fi for browsing
- Memory: 512 MB internal, expandable via microSD
BlackBerry Passport
With its square design, the BlackBerry Passport is one of the most unique smartphones available today. Its 4.5-inch touchscreen combined with a physical keyboard makes it perfect for professionals who prefer multi-tasking.
- Processor: Quad-core 2.2 GHz
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB, expandable to 128GB
- Camera: 13 MP rear, 2 MP front
- Battery: 3450 mAh
BlackBerry Torch 9860
The BlackBerry Torch 9860 offers a sleek, modern look with a 3.7-inch touchscreen and a 5 MP camera. It provides a high-quality display with touchscreen functionality.
- Processor: 1.2 GHz
- RAM: 768MB
- Storage: 4GB, expandable to 32GB
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera with HD video recording
- Battery: Standard lithium-ion for all-day usage
BlackBerry Leap
The BlackBerry Leap is a phone designed for simplicity and elegance. It offers a large 5-inch display with 16GB of internal memory.
- Processor: Dual-core 1.5 GHz
- RAM: 2GB
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera
- Battery: 2800 mAh with long-lasting performance
How to Choose a BlackBerry Based on Features
Display
When choosing a BlackBerry, consider your display preferences:
- Screen size: Ranges from 2.4 inches (BlackBerry Bold) to 5 inches (BlackBerry Leap).
- Touchscreen vs Physical Keyboard: If you need a larger display for viewing documents or watching videos, go for touchscreens like the Key2 or Passport.
Keyboard
BlackBerry is famous for its physical QWERTY keyboards, which provide fast and accurate typing. The Key2 and Classic offer physical keyboards, while models like the Torch and Leap rely on virtual touchscreens.
Processor, RAM, and Storage
The processing power and RAM affect how smoothly your phone runs. Phones like the Key2, with 6GB of RAM, are perfect for multitasking and running business apps. The Passport also performs well with 3GB of RAM and a quad-core processor.
For storage, phones like the BlackBerry Key2 offer up to 256GB with an SD card, perfect for storing large amounts of data.
Battery Life
All BlackBerry models offer reliable battery life, but phones like the Key2 and Passport excel with 3500 mAh and 3450 mAh batteries respectively. If you need a phone that lasts through long workdays, these are your best options.
Connectivity Options (4G/5G and Wi-Fi)
Most BlackBerry phones support 4G LTE networks, making them fast and efficient for browsing and communication. However, there are no current models with 5G, so if that’s a deal-breaker, you may need to look elsewhere. Dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities are available in most newer models.
Camera Quality
While BlackBerry is not known for its camera quality, newer models like the Key2 and Passport offer decent photography with 12 MP dual cameras. If camera quality is important, choose one of these models over the older BlackBerry Classic or Bold.
Dual-SIM Capability
Some BlackBerry phones, like the Key2, offer dual-SIM support, which is ideal if you need to manage two numbers for work and personal use.
System Operating Software
BlackBerry phones today are either running Android or the old BlackBerry OS. The most secure and versatile phones, like the Key2 and KeyOne, run Android with BlackBerry’s added security features. Models with BlackBerry OS 10 are less ideal, as the operating system is no longer supported.
Conclusion
BlackBerry might not be as dominant as it once was, but it remains an excellent choice for those who value security, business tools, and a physical keyboard. Whether you’re looking for the nostalgic experience of the Classic, the power of the Key2, or the productivity features of the Passport, there’s a BlackBerry for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are BlackBerry phones still secure?
Yes, BlackBerry phones are known for their security features, especially with Android models that include additional security measures.
2. Can I run Android apps on BlackBerry OS?
Only BlackBerry 10 devices can run Android apps, but the experience is limited.
3. Does BlackBerry offer any phones with 5G?
Currently, no BlackBerry phones offer 5G connectivity.
4. Which BlackBerry model is best for typing?
The BlackBerry Key2 and BlackBerry Classic are best for those who prefer a physical keyboard.
5. Can I use two SIM cards in BlackBerry phones?
Yes, some models like the Key2 offer dual-SIM functionality.
6. Are BlackBerry phones good for photography?
While BlackBerry phones are not known for their cameras, models like the Key2 and Passport offer decent photography options.
7. What is the battery life like on BlackBerry phones?
BlackBerry phones generally offer good battery life, with models like the Passport and Key2 providing long-lasting performance.
8. Is BlackBerry OS still supported?
No, BlackBerry OS is no longer supported as of January 2022, and it’s recommended to opt for Android-powered BlackBerry devices.
