TMCnet News
Phone for work and play [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The new BlackBerry Z3 is packed with friendly features, writes Siti Syameen Md Khalili. WITHOUT heavy bevy bells and whistles in terms of specification, the BlackBerry Z3 is still a standout model for three reasons: Interesting features, robust operating system and affordability. The design is as solid as any of its predecessors in the same class, if not better. Its textured back panel goes nicely with the minimal buttons on the side as well as slim bezel front panel that hosts the 5-inch, 540 x 960 qHD touchscreen. Meanwhile, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 1.5GB RAM and 8GB Flash memory combination to make the Z3 a mid-range device that is suitable for both work and play. In terms of sensors and connectivity, the Z3 is armed with many. The accelerometer, proximity and ambient light sensors play their part discreetly via apps like games and power savers. Its connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi with mobile hotspot, DLNA and Miracast support. Users also get GPS in many flavours (assisted, autonomous and simultaneous) to work with the BlackBerry Maps app. The list of consumer-friendly features begins with the imaging hardware. With a 5-megapixel auto focus camera that comes with flash and image stabilisation, it is hard to take a bad picture with this phone. The ability to record in 1,080p HD video recording is also a plus point for those who love posting short movies on Facebook or Instagram. For selfie and wefie purposes, the 1.1 megapixel fixed focus front camera does not disappoint. It can record in 720p HD too. Both considered, the Z3 may not be the best imaging phone, but it can do the job well enough. As a multimedia-consumption device, the Z3 tackles almost all of the regular formats used for photo, audio, video as well as web streaming. So when you surf, you get to view websites in their full glory, and with the BlackBerry 10 Browser, the loading is swift too. Moreover, in terms of video and audio performance, you'll be pleasantly surprised with what this little device can deliver. As a communication device, features like the BlackBerry Hub is a powerful tool that ensures users don't miss much. Your email, BBM, text messages and social media notifications are all pushed neatly to fit one screen via the Instant Preview feature and you can respond quickly using the Reply Now option. With the new hub, those you interact with the most will appear at the top of your list, as your favourites. You can also download Android apps from the new operating system. Though not as straightforward as downloading from its own app store, the capability to do so once you have downloaded the Android app APK files, opens up the device to more apps. Try a few Android games and you won't even notice the difference. The OS 10.2.1 also brings in a smoother user experience. More importantly, to Qwerty aficionados, the typing experience on the touchscreen remains consistent and more intuitive. To say it is highly user-friendly is a fallacy, but once you know that a swipe up gets you to unlock the phone and exit the active app, you're good to go. In terms of performance, the dualcore processor appears less swift when you are playing games or browsing multimedia rich web pages. However, the battery lasted through a day of full use with activities such as creating documents, email, posting pictures on social media account, receiving updates and watching videos. Lastly, RM699 is a pretty attractive tag. For all the features and a heritage in better security and reliability that is quintessentially BlackBerry, the Z3 is a compelling package for its fans. This is recommended as a secondary device for those who need to use two phones. It makes a great for-work-only device. BlackBerry Z3 Weight/Dimensions: 164g / 140 (H) x 72.8 (W) x 9.26 (D) mm Display: 5-in 540 x 960 qHD OS: BlackBerry 10 OS Network: Tri band UMTS/HSPA+ 1, 2, 8 (2100/1900/900 MHz), Quad band GSM,GRPS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) Processor: Dual core 1.2 Ghz Qualcomm MSM 8230 Memory: 1.5GB RAM, 8GB Flash, microSD memory card slot Ports: USB 2.0, headphone jack Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz, Bleutooth 4.0 LE, GPS Battery: 2,500mAH (15.5. hours talk time) Camera: Rear 5MP/ Front 1.1MP Apps: Documents To Go, Box, Dropbox, Evernote, Maps, Universal Search Security: Password protection, screen lock, BlackBerry Balance Our verdict: ***1/2 Physical design: ***1/2 Documentation: *** User-friendliness: *** Features: ***1/2 Performance: *** Value for money: **** (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |