BlackBerry

BlackBerry Passport: Pros and Cons

BlackBerry OS 10.3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AA
Adreno 330
3 GB / 32 GB
4.5 inch (1440 x 1440 px)
13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

BlackBerry announced the launch of the Passport smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AA SoC, and 3 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the BlackBerry OS 10.3 operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BlackBerry Passport smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

BlackBerry Passport / 1

BlackBerry Passport specifications

BrandBlackBerry
NamePassport
ModelPPRT
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.91 oz
Dimensions5.04 x 3.56 x 0.37 inch
Colorsblack, black&gold, red, silver, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the BlackBerry Passport is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionBlackBerry OS 10.3
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AA
CPUQuad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The BlackBerry Passport comes with BlackBerry OS 10.3 out of the box. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

BlackBerry Passport / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.5 inch
Resolution1440 x 1440 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM3 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Passport has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage of the Passport (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

BlackBerry Passport / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4128 x 3096 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Passport offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes, with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This BlackBerry phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Passport smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Passport has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3450 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Passport does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Passport smartphone has an accelerometer. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this BlackBerry phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add BlackBerry Passport to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / BlackBerry / BlackBerry Passport