BlackBerry Classic Specs Prices Perks & Pitfalls Unveiled

Overview of the BlackBerry Classic

The BlackBerry Classic is a nostalgic device that captures the essence of BlackBerry's iconic design and functionality, appealing to users who value a physical QWERTY keyboard in a smartphone. Announced in June 2014 and released in December of the same year, this device offered a blend of traditional BlackBerry elements with modern smartphone capabilities, albeit with certain limitations typical of its time.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Classic measures 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm and weighs 177 grams, giving it a solid and robust feel. Its design harks back to earlier BlackBerry models, featuring a physical QWERTY keyboard that many professionals appreciated for its tactile feedback and typing accuracy. The device incorporates a 3.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Display Technology

While the BlackBerry Classic's display is modest by modern standards, the 3.5-inch screen with a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi is sufficient for reading emails, browsing, and other typical smartphone activities. The square aspect ratio might feel peculiar to those accustomed to widescreens but suits productivity applications well.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood, the BlackBerry Classic runs on a Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, paired with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card slot. While these specifications may seem outdated today, they were capable of handling the BlackBerry OS 10.3's multitasking and basic app operations comfortably.

Operating System

One of the highlights of the BlackBerry Classic is its operating system—BlackBerry OS 10.3.1, upgradable to 10.3.2. Designed to enhance productivity, the OS offered features like the BlackBerry Hub, a unified inbox for emails, texts, and notifications; BlackBerry Assistant for voice commands; and BlackBerry Blend which allows users to access messages and content from a computer or tablet. It also supported Android apps via the Amazon Appstore.

Camera Capabilities

The device is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, 31mm focal length, and autofocus capabilities. It includes camera features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, and can record 1080p video at 30fps. The 2 MP front camera is basic, suited for standard selfies and video calls, reflecting its design focus on business rather than media consumption.

Network and Connectivity

The BlackBerry Classic supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, allowing for stable connectivity and fast data speeds where available. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC for seamless device pairing and transactions. The device also features GPS for navigation and an FM radio, adding to its media options.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Ion 2515 mAh battery provides respectable endurance for a device of its type. It offers standby time of up to 348 hours on 2G networks or up to 365 hours on 3G networks. Talk time extends up to 11 hours 40 minutes on 2G and up to 17 hours 10 minutes on 3G. Additionally, users can enjoy up to 70 hours of continuous music playback, appealing to those who use their device for entertainment during commutes.

Additional Features

The device comes with various sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its utility in navigation and interactive applications. It also retains the 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing easy audio access, and the microUSB 2.0 port, which supports SlimPort technology for high-definition video output to external screens.

Color Variants and Pricing

The BlackBerry Classic was available in multiple colors: black, white, blue, bronze, and cobalt blue, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Upon release, it retailed for about 120 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range option suitable for both personal and professional use.

Concluding Thoughts

While the BlackBerry Classic has been discontinued, its impact remains notable among avid fans of the brand. Its balance of traditional and contemporary smartphone features made it a desirable choice for users accustomed to the physical keyboard experience. Despite its dated specifications compared to modern devices, it served its market segment well by emphasizing productivity and functional design. For BlackBerry enthusiasts, the Classic represents a significant chapter in the evolution of smartphones.