ET Review: BlackBerry Q10

 Within four months of the launch o f the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry has launched the second BB10 phone, this time, with a full QWERTY keypad. The Q10 is similar to the Bold 9900 in shape & size, but has a larger 3.1-inch super amoled touchscreen and improved keypad. The four-row keypad now has larger keys, a wider layout and feels more comfortable to type on.

The display is fantastic but the 1:1 (square) aspect ratio sometimes ruins the video experience. Since most videos are 16:9, they run in a smaller frame on the phone. Plus, not all third-party apps are compatible yet — the interface will either get crunched or you have to scroll up and down to view all the content.

Hardware is similar to the Z10 — a dual core processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage (expandable).

Performance is great — games and HD videos ran without any hitch even with multiple email and social networking accounts running in the background. It also shares the rear 8MP and front 2MP camera with the Z10. Like the Z10, the performance from the camera is fantastic — you get rich colours, sharp details and minimal noise.

The Q10 has a 2,100mAh battery that easily lasted us over a day and half — impressive for a BlackBerry device. For those who love physical QWERTY keypads, the Q10 is the ultimate device.

However at Rs 44,990, it's also insanely expensive. Because of the price, the Q10 has very stiff competition: the HTC One, Samsung's Galaxy S4 and the Apple iPhone 5.

Devices like Xperia Z and Note II are way cheaper. And if you still want a BlackBerry with a touchscreen and QWERTY keypad, you could consider the Bold 9900.

Specifications

3.1-inch super amoled (720 x 720 pixels) display, 1.5Ghz dual-core, 2GB RAM, 16GB + microSD, 8MP/2MP camera, BlackBerry 10, 2,100mAh, 139g

Fantastic keyboard, stunning display, camera and audio performance, battery life

Expensive, 1:1 aspect ratio not ideal for watching videos, not all apps compatible

BlackBerry Bold 9900

2.8-inch (640 x 480 pixels) touchscreen, 1.2Ghz single core processor, 768MB RAM, 8GB + microSD, 5MP rear camera, BlackBerry 7.1, 1,230mAh, 130g. Rs 30,499