BlackBerry Q5 Review.

BlackBerry Q5 Review

Austerity Measures

Following the expectational BlackBerry Q10, the Canadian manufacturer releases an even less expensive version on the market dubbed BlackBerry Q5. For an RRP of 399Euros(=$534), the smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard inherits a lot of traits from it's Q10 sister model, such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus SoC with 1.2 GHz, 8GB flash memory and 2GB ram.

Following the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 top-models that we tested,BlackBerry now conquers the upper mid-range with a smartphone. The BlackBerry Q5 however looks like a stripped-down Q10. It's configuration is largely like that of the BlackBerry Q10. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM 8960 SoC (system-on-a-chip) with a clock rate of 1.2 GHz and an integrated Qualcomm Adreno 225 graphics card. Apart from that, it also support 2GB of RAM and 8GB (net: 5.66 GB) of internal storage. The latter can be expanded by up to 32 GB via a micro sd card an the 3-1-incher,which also features a bright IPS screen and a resolution of 720x720 pixels. Again, the latest BlackBerry OS 10 version is used as the operating system.

Compared with the Q10, the catalog price ha been reduced by a whole 250 Euros (=$334).That is also noticed in our matte-black review sample. But more that later. The smartphone range of below 400 Euros (=$535) is already cramped but there are barely any comparably equipped contenders. Our BlackBerry Q5 review sample will have to face the very similar BlackBerry Q10 sister model as well as Google's Nexus 4, Samsung's Galaxy S4 Mini, HTC's One Mini, Sony's Xperia SP and Nokia's Lumia 720.

Our test report will reveal whether the phone can assert itself in a shorter update from due to the technical similarities with the tested BlackBerry Q10.

Case

Unlike the BlackBerry Q10 model, the casing of BlackBerry's Q5 is made of polycarbonate. The design based on matte-black plastic is timeless. It is also available in red, white, and pink. Nevertheless, the smartphone makes a slightly cheap impression particularly on the back.

This is due to it's slightly inferior feel and the unfashionable looking plastic. The casing's stiffness is satisfactory and does not creak even under higher force. The display's pane is also very solid. The power button is comprised of aluminium but the other keys are also plastic.

The build of BlackBerry's Q5 is decent, which the allover even gaps underline. The size of 66x 120 mm is almost equal with that of BlackBerry's Q10. It's weight of 120g is much lower than the 140g of BlackBerry's Q10. That is due to the plastic construction and omission of mental. The 2180 mAh battery is regrettably not removable and the user cannot replace it. The micro-SIM and micro-SD slots are underneath a dubious-looking flap.

BlackBerry's Q5 looks bulkier than it's rivals due to its squarish screen and the wide QWERTY keyboard although it's dimensions are smaller than almost all it's contenders. Only HTC's One only marginally thiner than the 10.8 mm of BlackBerry's Q5.

Connectivity

Unlike BlackBerry's Q 10, the Q5 does not sport a micro-HDMI port. Thus, only a micro-USB 2.0 port and the obligatory 3.5 mm jack for connecting external audio devices are available. 

Since the 2180 mAh battery is non-removable, the micro-Sim slot and micro-SD interface for memory cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB have been placed underneath a flap on the casing's left. This flap is also the only major point of criticism in terms of build. It makes a very unstable impression and should be opened carefully.

Software 

The operating system BlackBerry 10 OS and the pre-installed software on the Q5 are exactly the same as on BlackBerry's Q10. Therefore we refer to the corresponding in-depth review. The operation system version differ marginally but we barely noticed any differences in use (BlackBerry Q5: 10.1.0.2309 vs. BlackBerry Q10:10.01.0.1483).

Communication and GPS

The equipment and performance is virtually identical with that of BlackBerry's Q10. Thus, we again refer to the corresponding review. The review sample features Bluetooth 4 LE (low energy), telephony and data transfer via quad-band GSM, UMTS and even LTE (long term evaluation). A-GPS and NFC (near-field communication) are also available and create an extensive communication bundle. BlackBerry barely made any cutbacks here. Although BlackBerry's Q5 "only" supports Wi-Fi b/g/n, the signal length quality of the wireless module equals that of the BlackBerry Q10 model.

Cameras and Multimedia

Like BlackBerry's Q10, the front-facing camera has a resolution of 2 MP. The Canadian manufacturers makes cutbacks in the primary camera and installs a 5 MP lens. Although it also features an f/2.4 aperture as well as autofocus and LED flash like the Q10, the picture quality is not satisfying. The pictures exhibit intense image noise, look milky and lack focus and brilliant colors even in well-lit rooms. All in all, the camera modules cannot compete with the contenders.

Accessories

the manufacturer adds a few quick-start suides in te black and red besides the smartphone and it's non-removable 2180 mAh battery. Beyand that, a modular 4.25 watt power supply. with a 0.90 m USB data cable and a standard BlackBerry stereo headset are included. More accessories, such as cases or external stereo speakers, are listed on BlackBerry's website.

Warranty

blackBerry limits the Q5's warranty period to 12 months on the device and accessories. Optional upgrades or longer warranty periods are not offered.

Input Devices and Controls

The 3.1 inch touchscreen of BlackBerry's Q5 has a squarish design and implements inputs quickly and accurately. The display's glass pane allows the fingers to glide over it easily and scrolling as well as swiping are detected precisely without problems. The content is not rotated automatically due to the 1:1 aspect ratio.

Although the buttons are not as ergonomically perfect as those of it's sister model, the illuminated, mechanical QWERTY keyboard is a highlight of the review sample, like it was in BlackBerry's Q10. The pressure point and decent key drop ensure very good feedback. The other physical keys are absolutely on a par with the keyboard.

Display

Like BlackBerry's Q10, our review sample features a 3.1-inch screen with a resolution of 720x720 pixels. Unlike BlackBerry's Q10, an IPS LCD screen that is not a brilliant but much brighter is in the review sample. Regardless of that, BlackBerry's Q5 scores full points in this exercise.

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