Blackberry Z10 Review 

I wanted one so bad back in the day. Still looks good to me in 2019!

These gestures are the ones in today’s phones right??

Blackberry already had this home gesture back in 2013.. IOS and Android uses this gesture just recently..

Blackberry Z10 was my favorite smartphone of all. Sincerely, Ivicron

I really used to love that BB10 Keyboard

My last blackberry 😢 Good times with it.

I wasn't referring to anything to do with Apple or Google, I was referring to how the Verge will find a way to make any phone look bad

Best keyboard even by today's standards. I could type sloppily and it will get 97% of words correct. And the flick gesture is also awesome. It predicts what I want to type really well and I just flick them into the text box.

The information on this video is out of date. With all the OS updates, and now 10.2.1 that can download, install, and even update Android apps directly from the phone, changes everything. Were also not talking Android 2.3. We're talking Android 4.2.2 Jelly bean support in the new emulator. Pretty much all the Android apps, with the exception of those that have functions like widgets and animated wall papers etc, that BlackBerry 10 does not support, work very well, and very smoothly.

I hope it does well. Competition is best for the consumer.

Is it weird that I watch all The Verge's reviews in 1080p? They're just so pretty and well-made!

The thing is, you can easily install an app (GMD Gesture command) to enable gestures as your means of navigating the android UI. It works perfectly and the great thing is you can add "custom gestures" to multitask or even to launch apps.

argee with everything you just said except i think Blackberry(they changed their name) will survive

True multitasking with gesture base are a really innovative and strong combination. You literally fly on the operating system. Interaction among apps is awesome.

I can't believe you went through the entire review and didn't mention the ease of input with the keyboard, Josh. Blackberry's implementation of predictive text is pretty cool. And say what you will about appearances to the iPhone, I give BB credit for doing more with design than Samsung has with its flagship phones.

By the looks of things, this doesn't seem a bad phone at all, considering Amazon sells these for £60 UK. I'm talking in 2024!

Most reviewers have the phone like 1 week earlier to test it and prepare a review, they are only allowed to upload it when Blackberry (RIM) specifies a date, which is today!

A bit of a downer that Josh pointed out so many flaws on the new OS but alas, keep in mind this is build from the ground up and is NEW so i do hope Blackberry keeps on going and improve the OS more. Would, love to see Blackberry be on top again. Love my current iphone, but you can never get rid of blackberry nostalgia.

I have to give you credit this was a very insightful and informative review, compared to the pre launch bashing you did back in December. Also you failed to mention that the browser experience is a fuller richer and faster experience then Android or IOS.

i totally agree with your statement, ive been feelin that way too, they dont give new platforms the same treatment they give android apple. for example they criticize every windows phone 8 phone for basically being the same phone and mark them down for that but apple has been doing the same thing for several years and they have yet to make that a huge criticism about the platform

The number of people wondering cluelessly about how they got the review out so fast is mind-blowing. Ever heard of review units?

I love how this and Ubuntu make use of screen edges to get rid of buttons completely.

I really like the touchscreen and this has traditionally been the only reason I haven't gone with Blackberry. The interface on the z10 is amazing, love it.

This review was done before that announcement was made. I think Josh actually gives that away when he talks about the battery life.

RIM definitely did a lot of work here. But BB10 seems hit or miss on how intuitive it is, depending on what you're doing. Though, this doesn't seem to be too bad since it's nothing an update can't fix. Problems come with any new product right out of the gate. All in all, I'm interested to see what comes out of Blackberry in the near future.

He said several times at the end that the phone, platform and OS were very good. So not so much of a fan boy in my eyes. His issue is more with the fact that the phone doesn't really bring anything new that sets it apart from other platforms.

Seems elegant. Almost tempted to try but won't because of the apps. Was on iPhone, loved the quality of apps. But Android is the one in the right direction, and the app quality in Play Store is getting better everyday. Maybe I will try BB in two years? Maybe..

It has potential to be great in my opinion. It's in its first phase so it was bound to have problems. And apps will be developed over time including quality apps. All new OS take time in the beginning. I really hope it does well in the market.

We've sort of hit a feature saturation with modern day Smartphones. The thing to change this would be new hardware like pop up buttons on a touchscreen (it exists) and actual tactile feedback by dynamically changing the feel of the screen (this also exists). We'll probably see these implementations within a year or two.

The menu screen really looks the menu screen from the iPhone. But in my opnion, this phone really made progress when you look at the Black Berry touch. Good job.

+1 There's many reviews out there already comparing BB10 to android, windows, and iOS and it's proving to be quite capable and on par, if not better. I'd also say that there are a lot more positive reviews than negative ones so far.

BlackBerry is already in third place, WP is in forth.

Good review. Looks pretty decent, but like you say, no killer features yet. I think the target market is lost for them, sadly.

I don't mind betting against the odds in BB. When you hit the bottom there is only 2 ways to go...either stay and drown or resurface...what I see it's that they are starting to resurface and who knows...maybe they can bring other surprises along the way.

i completely agree, it seem much more intutive with the gesture base navigation than ios and android but lack that openiness of android that android so great

Looks like a good first attempt. Hope they sell enough to keep the ball rolling. I like the idea of more competition. I'd love to come back in a few years and see Microsoft, Google Apple and Rim all trying to outdo each other.

I agree, but it is now officially BlackBerry, not RIM anymore. I for one is kind of happy about that.

Ummm, maybe you should go back and watch/read their iphone 5/4S reviews. They clearly mentioned that the OS has stagnated. Furthermore, The Verge gave the BB Z10 a 7/10 which is actually very good for a "1.0" device. Your quarrel should be RIM which had over 2 years to build a new device and released a product that clearly still has UI issues.

You can pin the frames you want to stay up no matter what, such as that weather frame. And how else do you delete multiple messages? Nice video BTW.

I think whats cool about android is that android is the most changing software between versions, doeant develop into a totally new software but still changes and never gets u bored from it. still this phone is obviously great but the new stuff it got can be develped into a app on android or apple, plus its homescreen is just the usage of androids multitasking menu as a homescreen. still its a pretty awesome phone!!

They probably had the device for some time now, and just couldn't release a review until BlackBerry's announcement.

The review didn't say that it's bad. When Ios was released it was new and diferent, BB10 just doesn't have something that will make people change their phone and buy it.

Basically, if you get a message from person 1, look at that message, and leave the app followed by person 2 messaging you, you're still looking at person 1's message and not person 2's.

Blackberry Z10 makes a good competitor... to the galaxy nexus, which was release in November 2011, in terms of specs; iOS/ Android aftertaste; doesn't set itself apart from other flagship competitors. While it remains to be seen whether it will be a success or failure, to me the competition seems to be too harsh. Wishing well, Blackberry.

I have to agree with you. Although I'm a committed Chrome user (Chromebook and all). The Z10 browser is by far the fastest browser (mobile or desktop) I've ever experienced.

it's an interesting device, i think it had a lot of potential but i would not buy it right now. and that's the problem, i dont know if RIM will stay afloat long enough for the next version to be released, or if they will further develop it

As long as BB can regain it's past elite status when they were associated with men/women in suits with important jobs, that'll be a win for them. There's a difference between "cool" and what's "in" right now (where everyone has an S3 or iPhone) and what's "elite status" (where doctors, business people in suits, etc would want one for the functionality and "business" appeal to it).

what blackberry has done and im impressed is that anyone with blackberry developer tools (available 4 free) can grab an android app (.apk file) and turn it automatically on a BB10 app, without the need to know anything that is just amazing

very good start for RIM, much better than what WP started with. I could see BB gaining 3rd place for its hold on the enterprise market and how its developers are already on board on making apps while there aren't many exclusive developers for WP8 still. After a couple of tweaks and overhauls (like for notification), BB10 could very well become a very solid OS (potentially on par with iOS).

There has been an update that improved the battery a lot!

In the SDK, there's a game kinda mode where it'll basically make the sensing bezel area smaller.

So wait the galaxy s3 is $100 on contract where I am and the BB10 is $ 200 SCREW THAT

And Android isnt really boring. iOS maybe but with customization, custom roms and launchers you can make your phone a different device every week. Mycolorscreen is a good example of how different your phone can look.

Agreed, It is like webos, it wasn't appreciated and thrown out (and palm killed it that was their fault). The hub is so customizable, nobody tries that.

I think people in South Africa would buy this product because of rim's data package, because other phones like iphone 5 and S3 work out very expensive because of its data usage.

Seemed like a very honest review to me.....similar to the WP7 reviews,

I guess it depends on your personal preference. to be honest, I wouldn't wanna have a phone with too many new gestures. besides, it will take a long time for this OS to be on the same boat with iOS and android (talking about app support here). I might consider giving it a go in the future. But again, by that time, I'm pretty sure both iOS and android will have many new things to offer.

I think BB should keep trying because they're not quite there yet. They have improved their phones with blackberry 10, but compared to today's high end smartphones (i.e. Android/ iOS) that they seemed to have been competing with, it doesn't have that special spark that users would want in the long term. Yeah, it's revolutionary for BB, but not for other companies who have already stepped up their game; BB is about 2 years behind.

I agree with this, my first phone was a blackberry bold, switched to iPhone 4s and from their went to s3/iPhone back and forth, i find the iPhone more simple then the s3. i like the Q10 blackberry, I'm bored with a touch screen keyboard that can't keep up with my typing speed. apps are apps, if they don't have it now, they'll have it later, or have apps that iPhone and s3 won't have. people will get over it. people barely notice the devices specs, we only txt/fb/email/surf the web/call/games.

I think this looks quite promising, once they refine it, it should be quite nice.

Good for you buying the stock at $7.15. What if you'd been one of the people who bought it just three years ago when a share was $150?

It looks pretty good considering Blackberry trying to come up in tech. I believe they'll get big quick. Just like Android, everyone had to get use to the software this is no different. I say two thumbs up for a new start.

gesture base os is the future, allow u simply navigate your phone with having to take finger the screen to press softkey or having virtue buttons take up screen spaces allows for maximum screen uses for the phone

The phone is pretty good, and being the first released device, it runs nice.

God the verge fucking sickens me yet I still watch it. they know how to make a good product seem like shot.

Blackberry should increase its screen a little bit ...it has thick border.. it do not look good when we switch on this phone.. but the OS is birlliant... overall this is great

This is how you do a review ... great work buddy !!

your right, this looks like a promising os it just a couple versions of the os and a improved way to handle notifications and it will be a great os but for now it good and looks promising

Totally!! There should be only one OS around everybody has to use with no other choices.

Excellent and thorough review, best yet. Don't let the BB fanboys get you down.

So the bottom line if you are in a store what would you buy ? BlackBerry 10 device or iPhone or Samsung GS 3 ?

Fair review. I'll buy it asap when it's released in Germany. You have to consider that it's the first version of BB10. They will improve continously. Even Apple had problems with there battery at the Iphone3, but could resolve it with a softwareupdate. Give BB10 a few more month and it will be just epic! I'm pretty sure about it. I'm just tired of Android n iOS.

Thanks for uploading to RU-vid. I am completely unable to view any video content on your site, unless it's in RU-vid. So, many thanks. On top of the Z10, I think BB has a decent enough user-base to be the 3rd ecosystem, supplanting even WP8. Say what you will about the portrait QWERTY, people love that form-factor, especially overseas (i.e. not the US).

I bet RIM will fix those flaws on the next BB10 update.

I actually prefer Windows Phone 8. I'm kinda dissapointed with the appearance of BB10. It reminds me of MotoBlur to much and I had a bad experience with MotoBlur. But I do like the actual design of the phone. So hopefully it gets better with updates. Also they never talked about the keyboard.

70K at launch is good. Windows Phone has 125K, some of the top 50 aren't fully functional

Shouldn't do a review on a phone if you're going to mostly talk about the flaws and compare it to the outdated iPhone. BlackBerry just released the phone. It has GREAT potential. Carry on.

Looks great, apps will ask always take their time to come in, for now it would be cool to switch

Pretty good fairly unbiased review..however some of your facts are wrong, and you cannot mention a BB without talking about the keyboard

You swipe up from the bezel to go the home screen. In temple run you jump by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, not from the bezel, so that doesn't matter.

I hate how they dismiss new operating systems but suck up to incumbents for incremental updates.

What would you prefer him compare it too? It's a smartphone.

hey apple...seems like you forgot to Sue somebody...

I dont know why some people are complaining about the ability of the new BB10.The idea it's bring something new,practical, faster and better. iOS and Android is already boring and outdated.I agree that of 70000 applications only 1000 is useful but this happens to all smartphones.Besides, the most important are there. Just missing instagram (which has already been confirmed) and netflix. This is a new OS, will receive improvements, applications and upgrades.I think that blackberry made a good job

actually the iphone wasn't the first. Google lg prada 2007, they were the first ones to commercially sell a finger based touch screen phone. The htc touch was also released 3 days after the first iPhone. if anything Samsung copied lg.

they got the phone yesterday! every popular tech site got one device!

Does it now have apps unlike the other apps they had before? As in apps i meant like does it have apps like for android or apple?

they are getting near to the competition lvl, but still need some polish.

It looks like they cramped everything in one file it makes it look all mixed up rather than just keeping each app individual rather than combining them so you dont have to do in and out of apps , its a good idea but the concept just looks like a maze

well done Josh. Well done review. I can't put my finger on it but even with the Blackberry playbook, the tablet I was destined to own, fell flat nce it got beyond the colorful presentations. This feels like more of the same with the z10. As cool as he gestures are on the z10, there seems to be too many of them. Almost like this could be another android launcher and I'm sure one is in the works for that platform. I'll have a review unit soon so I'll see if I'm right.

Then you'd probably replace the video app with the music or camera app. Email/BBM and calendar is built into the Hub.

I am pretty sure that you are not right. RBC research team estimates that BlackBerry delivered in February 500k, up from their estimations of 350k in May. All the indicator show that the first projections are wrong, they are 40% lower then the reality will be. The target is 2 million, i guess that is going to happen. What the hell are you talking about ?

this is THE best z10 review i have seen yet... I think the future of bbry will depend upon its responsiveness to valid observations such as were listed here. To compete this phone needs app oversight especially since bbry is giving app designers a superdeal. I also want a phone that has expansive app-tile control...eight aint it. Tests show the z10 has the fastest browser on the market; it needs complementary home screen.THX JOSHUA,,, tiredrummertube

Never covered that personal and office mode for home screen!

Yeah, my nexus 4 was the right choice for me. Good review thanks.

PLEASE tell me which what camera did u record this video!

no i just when people immediately write off an new or redisign os and not really not allowing it to improve or fail on its own

I honestly really like this phone and might get one!

Best review so far....

this was a very fair review.... Fanboys get so angry about scores, etc.. Kinda sad really