Price and specifications of BlackBerry Evolve advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network Capabilities

The BlackBerry Evolve is equipped with impressive network capabilities to ensure seamless connectivity. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, providing users with reliable and high-speed mobile internet access. With 2G bands covering GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, 3G bands supporting HSDPA 900 and 2100, and 4G bands available in the form of 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, and 41, the device offers extensive compatibility with various networks. The device can achieve speeds of up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps, making it an ideal choice for users who demand fast and efficient connectivity.

Launch and Availability

First announced in August 2018, the BlackBerry Evolve made its debut in the competitive smartphone market. By October 2018, it was available for purchase, attracting a wide range of customers interested in its blend of design, performance, and BlackBerry’s signature security features. During the time of its release, the Evolve aimed to capture the attention of users looking for a modern Android experience while retaining the business efficiency that BlackBerry is known for.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Evolve showcases a sleek and sophisticated design, featuring dimensions of 158.9 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 170 grams, making it a convenient handheld device. It is offered in classic Black, and comes with the option of a Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or a Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) setup, providing flexibility to users in managing multiple networks and numbers simultaneously.

Display Quality

The smartphone sports a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.6%, a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 18:9, resulting in crisp, detailed visuals with a pixel density of around 403 ppi. For added durability, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which guards against scratches and minor impacts, thereby enhancing the Evolve’s longevity and reliability in day-to-day use.

Performance and Platform

Powering the BlackBerry Evolve is the Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 chipset, built on a 14nm process. This chipset features an Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 506 GPU, enabling it to handle everyday tasks efficiently while maintaining smooth operation for various applications. The device ships with Android 8.1 Oreo, offering a user-friendly interface alongside BlackBerry’s additional security enhancements, such as BlackBerry Hub and DTEK.

Memory and Storage

The Evolve is equipped with 4GB RAM to ensure efficient multitasking, alongside 64GB of internal storage to offer ample space for apps, media, and files. For those requiring additional storage, the device supports microSDXC cards through a shared SIM slot, making it a versatile option when it comes to expanding storage capabilities.

Camera Capabilities

The BlackBerry Evolve features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of two 13 MP sensors. The primary color sensor and the monochrome sensor both measure 1/3.1" with a pixel size of 1.12µm. The camera system boasts Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and is complemented by a Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama features, making it capable of capturing beautiful photographs in a variety of lighting conditions. It is also capable of recording video in 1080p at 30fps. Additionally, the 16 MP front-facing camera, with a f/2.0 aperture and an LED flash, allows for high-quality selfies and video calls, with the ability to record video at both 30fps and 60fps.

Audio and Communication

For audio, the BlackBerry Evolve is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing users with versatile audio options. In terms of connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG. Additionally, the device supports multiple global positioning systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO, ensuring reliable navigation and location services. However, the device does not support NFC.

Sensors and Additional Features

The BlackBerry Evolve includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, along with other essential sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These features enhance the device’s functionality, providing users with added convenience and security.

Battery Life

Powering the BlackBerry Evolve is a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance capable of supporting a full day of use without frequent recharging. The phone supports 18W wired charging using Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3), offering users fast charging options so they can quickly get back to their day-to-day activities.

Market Position and Pricing

The Evolve was marketed at around 300 EUR, positioning itself competitively within the mid-range smartphone bracket. Its combination of robust BlackBerry security features, decent performance specs, and pricing made it an attractive option for users looking to blend productivity and entertainment.

Conclusion

Overall, the BlackBerry Evolve stands out as a robust smartphone with a focus on security, design, and long battery life. While it competes in a crowded Android market, it distinguishes itself by staying true to BlackBerry’s hallmark of providing secure and efficient devices. The Evolve is well-suited for users seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone balanced with productivity features and entertainment capabilities.