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BlackBerry Motion Unveiling Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2017, December
Camera
12MP
Battery
4000mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 625
Screen
5.5"
Storage
32GB , microSDXC
Ram
4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.1

Introduction to BlackBerry Motion

The BlackBerry Motion represents BlackBerry’s attempt to meld their iconic features with modern smartphone trends. Released in October 2017, this device sports an Android operating system, a shift from the BlackBerry-specific OS of yore. It was designed for users who are fans of BlackBerry’s signature features but also desired a more mainstream Android experience.

Body and Design

With a dimension of 155.8 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm and weighing 167 g, the BlackBerry Motion is built with a blend of glass at the front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, giving it a sturdy yet sophisticated look. The device supports single or hybrid dual SIM configurations, allowing users flexible options for connectivity.

Display

The BlackBerry Motion features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing vibrant and clear visuals. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, ensuring durability in daily use.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Motion is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 chipset with an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 506 GPU. These specs ensure smooth performance for most daily tasks and light gaming. The device comes with Android 7.1 (Nougat) pre-installed, offering users a broad range of apps and a familiar user interface.

Memory and Storage

Equipped with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, the BlackBerry Motion provides ample space for apps and files. For users needing more storage, the device supports microSDXC cards, though it shares the SIM slot in the hybrid configuration, which may limit dual SIM use.

Camera

Main Camera

The primary camera is a 12 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). It features a dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes, and is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video also at 30fps. This setup caters to the needs of routine photography and videography.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. It can record video in 1080p at 30fps, making it suitable for video calls and casual selfies.

Battery Life

The BlackBerry Motion comes with a robust 4000mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, providing exceptional battery life. It supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, ensuring faster recharge times. This combination of a large battery and fast charging suits users who are frequently on the move.

Connectivity and Communications

For connectivity, the BlackBerry Motion supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS2, NFC, FM radio, and USB Type-C 2.0. These features ensure comprehensive connectivity options for users wherever they are.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, and it offers a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating users who prefer wired audio devices. This multi-faceted approach underscores its suitability for multimedia consumption and secure accessibility.

Sensors and Additional Features

The BlackBerry Motion is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its usability for a wide range of applications.

Market Position and Pricing

When it was released, the BlackBerry Motion was priced at approximately 390 EUR. This positioned it within the mid-range sector, aiming to attract users who seek BlackBerry’s security features along with a modern smartphone experience.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Motion serves as a solid option for users looking for a mid-range smartphone with reliable performance, robust battery life, and BlackBerry’s trademark security features, all wrapped in an iconic design. While it may not compete with high-end devices on specs alone, its unique features and brand reputation provide significant value for its target market.

Key Features of BlackBerry Motion

  • Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies.
  • Robust build with glass front, plastic back, and aluminum frame.
  • 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering ~403 ppi density.
  • Protected by scratch-resistant glass for enhanced durability.
  • Powered by Android 7.1 (Nougat) with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset.
  • Equipped with 4GB RAM and 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  • Main camera with 12 MP resolution capable of 4K video recording.
  • 8 MP selfie camera with 1080p video recording capability.
  • Features a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and USB Type-C.
  • Front-mounted fingerprint sensor alongside other essential sensors.
  • Powered by a robust 4000 mAh battery with 18W wired charging support (QC3).
  • Available in classic black color at approximately 390 EUR.

BlackBerry Motion Main Drawbacks

  • Operating System is Android 7.1 (Nougat), which is outdated for a device released in late 2017.
  • The chipset, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, is considered to be mid-range and may not perform optimally with power-intensive applications.
  • The internal storage of 32GB may not be sufficient for users with large data needs, especially considering apps and system updates over time.
  • The 12 MP rear camera may lack advanced features seen in competitors' models with higher megapixels and improved technology.
  • Lacks advanced wireless charging support, offering only 18W wired charging.
  • Screen-to-body ratio of ~70.2% is relatively low, which means thicker bezels compared to contemporary smartphones with more edge-to-edge displays.
  • Limited to 3G and 4G networks, which may become limiting as more advanced networks become more prevalent worldwide.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - BBD100-6 (EU, Global)
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2017, October
Status Available. Released 2017, December
Body
Dimensions 155.8 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.13 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)
Weight 167 g (5.89 oz)
Build Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~70.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Protection Scratch-resistant glass
Platform
OS Android 7.1 (Nougat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)
CPU Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 506
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 32GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 12 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS2
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C 2.0
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired, QC3
Misc
Colors Black
Models BBD100-1, BBD100-6, BBD100-2
Price About 390 EUR
Tests
Performance AnTuTu: 75057 (v7) GeekBench: 3567 (v4.4) GFXBench: 3.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 77dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 94h

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