Display:540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density)
Camera:5 MP, f/2.4, 30mm (standard), AF
Battery:
Released:Released 2014, May
The BlackBerry Z3: A Review of the Discontinued Device
Released in 2014, the BlackBerry Z3 was one of the last devices produced by the once-popular tech brand. Launched with the now-defunct BlackBerry OS 10.2.1, the Z3 was a budget-friendly option for those who preferred physical QWERTY keyboards and the traditional BlackBerry design. Let's take a closer look at this device and see what it had to offer.
Design and Display
The BlackBerry Z3 had a typical BlackBerry design, with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. It had a thickness of 9.3mm and weighed 164g, making it slightly bulkier than the average smartphone at the time. The device featured a 5.0 inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 220 ppi. While this display may seem mediocre compared to today's standards, it was decent and offered good viewing angles.
Platform and Performance
The Z3 was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, which was a low-end processor even at its release. With only 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, the Z3 was not meant for heavy usage or downloading large apps. However, the device did come with expandable memory through a microSDHC slot. It ran on BlackBerry OS 10.2.1, which could be upgraded to 10.3.1, but as the device was discontinued shortly after its release, it did not receive further updates.
Camera and Features
The Z3's main camera was a 5MP shooter with features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, which produced decent quality photos. The front-facing camera was a 1.1MP shooter, adequate for video calls and basic selfies. Other features included FM radio, GPS positioning, and a 2500 mAh non-removable battery, which offered enough juice for moderate usage.
Connectivity and Price
The Z3 had Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities, but lacked NFC and 4G connectivity. It also had a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. At its release, the device was priced at around 90 EUR, making it an affordable option for those looking for a BlackBerry device.
Final Thoughts
Although the BlackBerry Z3 was released in 2014, it did not make much of an impact in the smartphone market. With its outdated specs and limited features, it failed to compete with other budget-friendly options. However, for loyal BlackBerry fans or those looking for a device with a physical keyboard, the Z3 may still be a suitable choice.
It's important to note that the BlackBerry Z3 has been discontinued by the brand, meaning it is no longer supported or receiving updates. However, for those who are still using this device, its reliable build and simple design can still make it a useful device for basic tasks.
