Gadget Review: Can BlackBerry Classic attract Android or iOS users?

BlackBerry Classic

PRICE: Rs 31,990

SPECIFICATIONS: 1,5Ghz dual core, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage + microSD (up to 128GB), 3.5-inch LCD (720 x 720 pixels), 8MP rear + 2MP front cam, 4G, Wifi, FM, BT 4.0, 177 grams, 2,515mAh.

PROS: Much-loved classic BlackBerry design with 4-row keypad, the best keypad on a mobile device, Android app compatibility, great price.

CONS: Dated hardware specs, not the best camera for the price, non-removable back cover and battery, heavy.




Once upon a time, the BlackBerry was the trusted workhorse of the business community. It had rock-solid reliability, guaranteed up-time and a great QWERTY keyboard that you could use to bang out long texts and emails. Over the years, consumer preferences changed and large touchscreens became the norm.

But as any long-time BlackBerry user who switched to these new fangled shiny slabs will tell you, the keyboard was sorely missed. It was second nature — and muscle memory ensured that many power users could type without glancing at the keyboard at all.

A RETURN TO FORM

BlackBerry tried to change with the times too. The Z10, Z30, Z3 were devices that embraced the all-touch philosophy with updated software that was compatible with Android apps. But they still ignored the demands of the true BlackBerry fanatic.

The Classic is, in many ways, a return to form for the company. It draws a lot of inspiration from the Bold 9900. It has a similar design (though is significantly larger and heavier), a 4-row keyboard with individually sculpted keys that ‘direct’ your thumbs to the right place and the familiar navigation row — complete with optical trackpad, answer/end keys, menu and back. Like with the Bold 9900, you don’t have to use the touchscreen if you don’t want to — you can exclusively use the optical trackpad & nav buttons.

MIXING THE OLD & NEW

The Classic is unmistakably a BlackBerry. But it’s also powered by the latest BB OS 10.3, which includes Amazon’s App Store by default, in addition to BlackBerry World. It includes the Hub, which efficiently organises all communication (including Whatsapp, BBM and social media accounts) in one place. And it includes most of the usual trappings of a modern smartphone: BT 4.0, NFC, WiFI N with hotspot, FM, active noise cancellation, 1080p video recording and 2GB RAM for multi-tasking. The choice of the low-end hardware might seem puzzling but the ethos is clear.

Granted, it ‘only’ has a dual core processor, the screen resolution could be a lot better (it’s 294 pixels per inch; the Passpport is 454) and camera quality is somewhat basic. But these cut corners have ensured that the price stays low. The only thing we could have wished for (and gladly paid a bit more for) is the superb touch-sensitive keyboard from the BB Passport.

Ultimately, the Classic is a niche device. It’s not going to pull away Android or iOS loyalists. But to anyone else desperately holding on to a Bold or Curve, we say, your prayers have been answered!

Also See: BlackBerry Q10



Price: Rs 28,990

Specs: 1.5Ghz dual core Snapdragon, 2GB RAM, 16GB + microSD (up to 64GB), 3.1-inch super amoled screen (720 x 720 pixels), 8MP rear + 2MP front cam, WiFi, BT 4.0, NFC, FM, micro HDMI, 2,100mAh battery, 139 grams