BlackBerry Q10 SIM-Free Smartphone - Black

I love this phone! Being a lover of BlackBerry with some not-so-good models previously, this phone is a breath of fresh air. I love the keyboard (which, let's face it, is what keeps any BlackBerry user loyal) - it's got a soft key feel. I also got used to the rest of it being touchscreen much quicker than I anticipated (though I was terrified about giving up the back button and the menu button). The BlackBerry hub is great. The speed of loading pages is fantastic and the phone works actively to switch to Wifi whenever it's in range or available, decreasing the amount of data you use through your phone network. I think it's useful to list the positives and negatives so here's a list:Postives:BlackBerry OS10 - sleeker and faster and more efficient than any of its predecessorsBlackBerry Hub - combines emails, texts, What's App, social media and BBM all in one placeCalendar - synchronises with other web-based calendars you may have (eg. Google)Very quick to lock/unlock the screenTouchscreen screenIn-built torchLovely feel keyboardGreat tutorials to help you understand using Q10Wireless syncing/back-ups and updating with a PC - planned/unplannedAbility to download non-BlackBerry World apps (such as Android apps)Massive internal storage (16MB)Extend storage up to a massive 64MB with a micro media cardQuick to turn off notifications with clock app/bedside modeBetter battery life than previous BlackBerriesMuch bigger screen than previous BBsMuch faster switching on and reboot than previous BBsNegatives:Limited ringtones and text tones (but you can download/use your own music)Not Android or iOS so no Google Play or App store installedTurning off the device will not allow alarm to switch back on - turning it off will reboot device on switching back on - so phone needs to stay on to use alarmSo, as you can see, not many negatives and they aren't important. I bought this phone outright on Amazon and am using it with a sim-only contract, which over 24 months, works out cheaper than previous 24-month contracts with previous phones. I envisage this phone lasting longer than 24 months, however as it is built well and functions seamlessly. I couldn't be happier!

Bought to replace a 9900 which I liked until it died unaccountably.Dislikes:Lack of track padLack of physical call/cancel buttonsLack of programmed time auto-on and -off function.Lack of auto-bcc to own address of emails sentNot as good as the BB9900 all-in-allBattery life not as good as the 9900Likes:Connects to my car (2007 MB COMAND system) successfully via BluetoothEmail, wifi, functions adequatelyRemovable battery (I carry a spare)The Q10 was OK until the Z key got very sensitive after about 9 months and the keys around it also only gave "Z"'s.Amazon allowed me to return/refund it and I have purchased another Q10. Did consider the Classic, but decided against to ensure I can easily re-load my existing backup.

My comments will have to be limited to the phone's looks and stated capabilities as I am still awaiting a new SIM card from O2!The phone looks and feels tremendous, somehow sleeker than the BB Bold 9700 with a larger screen area but still the familiar (and, for me, indispensable) BB keyboard. The use of up and side swipes to control access to different, frequently used areas of the phone's software is a great idea and, from what I've read, the new OS is also an improvement upon the 9700. I look forward to coming back and editing this entry once I've been able to use the Q10 in real life! (It's currently a very expensive desk ornament - are you listening O2?).Revision: I've now got a micro G4 SIM card and been able to put the phone through its paces for over a month so, on with the proper review.Firstly, set-up: Blackberry have probably the best in-built set up system I know of (I've never used an iPhone and, for ideological reasons, never will), my previous Blackberry (9700 Bold) was pretty good and the Q10 follows in the same vein. Simply enter your main details, preferences and any email addresses you wish to access with the phone and it sets them - no murmur of complaint, no extra questions, very little waiting, it just does it.Usage: The phone is actually a dual touch screen (3.1" super AMOLED) and, for me, the essential QWERTY keypad - the mix works beautifully (though the diagrammatic instruction sheet could be a little clearer on what gestures to use). The phone as a phone is comfortable in the hand, quality of call (barring carrier supplier vagaries) is excellent. The phone as a mini computer is also exceptionally well laid out, using the "Hub" as a base for all operations, and easy to master. In operating mode this is a thing of beauty as well as a practical tool.The dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is extremely fast and it does feel much more responsive than the 9700, the 16Gb of internal memory is more than adequate for my needs (not that this matters as the phone is linked to my various cloud storage accounts) and a joy to use. The Blackberry App store is getting better and there are more useful (rather than half formed, cribbed or plain useless) app's to choose from, many free.The connect and backup software have been updated and are a light year improvement upon the old (pre v10 O/S) version. Load it on your laptop or PC, connect the phone, activate your Blackberry account and sit back for about 30 seconds, Sync will have completed and a back-up can be performed which (dependent upon your laptop/PC spec') will add about another 30 to 60 seconds to your day.Activate Blackberry Protect on the phone, by entering your Blackberry account details, and the phone is now Geo-tracked in case of loss or theft. Dedicated Blackberry AV, from the App store for about £8.00, if desired and you're good to go.As with, I suspect, most smartphone users I feel an emotional attachment to my phones - not surprising as they do, to some extent, become an extension of your id - some have left me feeling a bit unsatisfied (some have been given away as soon as possible as being just plain terrible), a couple felt nearly there, the Bold felt "right" from day one and the Q10 feels like an old friend with a few new tricks.I only have two negative comments: using the phone hard (not a daily occurrence) will make a severe dent in battery life (as will leaving the phone on WiFi roaming mode - embarrassed look) but I haven't actually drained it - yet. The second is a bit more of a problem for those of us who fall into the large (or buttered) finger group - it is a little too easy to touch the wrong screen icon or cover two at the same time - something I've practised at now and have got to a minimum (even using my thumb).I'm willing to forgive that though as the Q10 is so deliciously attractive and efficient at everything it does.