BlackBerry Z3: Pros and Cons
BlackBerry announced the launch of the Z3 smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8230 SoC, and 1.5 GB of RAM. The Z3 series was launched with BlackBerry OS 10.2.1 pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus).
Table of Contents
- BlackBerry Z3 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the BlackBerry Z3 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 Z3 specifications
| Brand | BlackBerry |
|---|---|
| Name | Z3 |
| Model | Z3 |
| Release date | 2014 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 5.78 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.51 x 2.87 x 0.37 inch |
| Colors | black |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of BlackBerry Z3 is about 5.78 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | BlackBerry OS 10.2.1 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8230 |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait 200 |
| GPU | Adreno 305 |
The BlackBerry Z3 comes with BlackBerry OS 10.2.1 out of the box. This CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | LCD |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5 inch |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1.5 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1.5 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Z3 has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 1.1 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Z3 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Z3 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 2500 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 battery of Z3 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, light, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment.
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
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
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.