Review: Blackberry Q5

BlackBerry's hold on the smartphone market has fallen in recent months, with the Canadian manufacturer grabbing only 3% of sales during the first quarter of 2013. The firm is, however, doing everything it can to regain its contender status by releasing a variety of devices to suit every type of mobile user.

Unveiled at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando on 14 May, the compact Q5 is the third BlackBerry 10 handset to come to the market.
The mid-range model has been introduced to target potential new consumers. Thorsten Heins, BlackBerry CEO, said the company "understands the importance of having devices to suit all markets and needs."
We take a look at the handset to see what it has to offer.
Key Features of the BlackBerry Q5
- 1.2GHz dual-core processor
- 3.1-inch LCD display
- 8GB internal storage
- 5 megapixel camera
- 2 megapixel front-facing camera
- BlackBerry 10 operating system

Design
BlackBerry Q5 ReviewSince its release in July, the BlackBerry Q5 is almost reminiscent of the BlackBerry Curve handsets, due to its QWERTY keyboard and iconic rounded square shape – making it ideal for quick, one-handed use.
This physical keypad has been combined with a plastic body and curved backplate making for a slick design, similar to that seen on BlackBerry's high-end QWERTY flagship, the Q10.

Specifically built for people who are message-centric and do a lot of typing, the Q5 is part of the Canadian manufacturer's attempt to rebuild itsentire brand around the concept of getting things done, whether it's social or business.
This is demonstrated by the Instant Action typing shortcuts, which lets users complete common tasks quickly. Tapping in commands such as 'tweet', 'email Dad' or 'text Mum' from any homescreen will take users directly to their desired social network, website or app.

Display
Although it is positioned lower than the Q10, the BlackBerry Q5 houses similar display specifications. The 3.1-inch touchscreen has a respectable resolution of 720p, although the display is IPS LCD compared to the Super AMOLED offering found on the Q10.
That aside, the Q5′s LCD screen delivers sharp, detailed images and produces crisp colours and crystal clear text, with the only downside being its size.

Camera
On the rear of the device is a 5 megapixel camera with BlackBerry's innovative Time Shift feature. The function, which captures the milliseconds before and after the shutter button is pressed, allows users to scroll backwards and forwards to find the best frame, before selecting their desired shot.
Performing well in challenging lighting conditions, the camera also has anLED flash and a secondary 2 megapixel front-facing lens – perfect for video calling.

Software
Operating on the 10.1 version of BlackBerry 10, the mobile platform is simple and intuitive to use with the swipe and gesture-based controls quickly becoming second nature.
Carried forward from BB7 OS is BlackBerry Balance, a feature which essentially 'splits' the handset into two sections – personal and business. Users can flit seamlessly between the two profiles keeping all messages and contacts separate.
The BlackBerry Hub is also on board bringing texts, emails and social updates together into one easy to reach place, saving users from returning to the homescreen every time they receive a new notification.

There also won't be any waiting around for apps to be transitioned over tothe new device as those available on the Q10 will immediately work on the Q5.
The company's BlackBerry World app store features Facebook, Twitter and BBC iPlayer, but unfortunately the likes of Instagram, eBay and Spotify are all still missing from the arsenal.
BlackBerry's free BBM messenger service is also on board with a new function in the form of BBM Video Chat, allowing users to have audio and visual conversations as well as the standard text-based exchanges.

Hardware
The mid-range model houses a 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM, which ensures performance is excellently smooth and lag-free, even when multitasking.
The 8GB of internal storage is expandable up to 32GB via the microSD card slot, so there is plenty of space for all your photos, app downloads and games.
The multi-purpose Q5 serves as a respectable personal and business phone highlighting BlackBerry's abilities in creating a device to suit your every need.
To see all the fantastic features and functions of the Q5 in more detail, why not take a look at our in-depth video review below.

BlackBerry's hold on the smartphone market has fallen in recent months, with the Canadian manufacturer grabbing only 3% of sales during the firstquarter of 2013. The firm is, however, doing everything it can to regain itscontender status by releasing a variety of devices to suit every type of mobile user.

Unveiled at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando on 14 May, the compact Q5 is the third BlackBerry 10 handset to come to the market.
The mid-range model has been introduced to target potential new consumers. Thorsten Heins, BlackBerry CEO, said the company "understands the importance of having devices to suit all markets and needs."
We take a look at the handset to see what it has to offer.
Key Features of the BlackBerry Q5
- 1.2GHz dual-core processor
- 3.1-inch LCD display
- 8GB internal storage
- 5 megapixel camera
- 2 megapixel front-facing camera
- BlackBerry 10 operating system

Design
BlackBerry Q5 ReviewSince its release in July, the BlackBerry Q5 is almost reminiscent of the BlackBerry Curve handsets, due to its QWERTYkeyboard and iconic rounded square shape – making it ideal for quick, one-handed use.
This physical keypad has been combined with a plastic body and curved backplate making for a slick design, similar to that seen on BlackBerry's high-end QWERTY flagship, the Q10.
Specifically built for people who are message-centric and do a lot of typing, the Q5 is part of the Canadian manufacturer's attempt to rebuild itsentire brand around the concept of getting things done, whether it's social or business.
This is demonstrated by the Instant Action typing shortcuts, which lets users complete common tasks quickly. Tapping in commands such as 'tweet', 'email Dad' or 'text Mum' from any homescreen will take users directly to their desired social network, website or app.

Display
Although it is positioned lower than the Q10, the BlackBerry Q5 houses similar display specifications. The 3.1-inch touchscreen has a respectable resolution of 720p, although the display is IPS LCD compared to the Super AMOLED offering found on the Q10.
That aside, the Q5′s LCD screen delivers sharp, detailed images and produces crisp colours and crystal clear text, with the only downside being its size.

Camera
On the rear of the device is a 5 megapixel camera with BlackBerry's innovative Time Shift feature. The function, which captures the milliseconds before and after the shutter button is pressed, allows users to scroll backwards and forwards to find the best frame, before selecting their desired shot.
Performing well in challenging lighting conditions, the camera also has anLED flash and a secondary 2 megapixel front-facing lens – perfect for video calling.

Software
Operating on the 10.1 version of BlackBerry 10, the mobile platform is simple and intuitive to use with the swipe and gesture-based controls quickly becoming second nature.
Carried forward from BB7 OS is BlackBerry Balance, a feature which essentially 'splits' the handset into two sections – personal and business. Users can flit seamlessly between the two profiles keeping all messages and contacts separate.
The BlackBerry Hub is also on board bringing texts, emails and social updates together into one easy to reach place, saving users from returning to the homescreen every time they receive a new notification.

There also won't be any waiting around for apps to be transitioned over tothe new device as those available on the Q10 will immediately work on the Q5.
The company's BlackBerry World app store features Facebook, Twitter and BBC iPlayer, but unfortunately the likes of Instagram, eBay and Spotify are all still missing from the arsenal.
BlackBerry's free BBM messenger service is also on board with a new function in the form of BBM Video Chat, allowing users to have audio and visual conversations as well as the standard text-based exchanges.

Hardware
The mid-range model houses a 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM, which ensures performance is excellently smooth and lag-free, even when multitasking.
The 8GB of internal storage is expandable up to 32GB via the microSD card slot, so there is plenty of space for all your photos, app downloads and games.

Verdict
The BlackBerry Q5 is available across all of the major networks, including Orange and Vodafone, offering users an excellent alternative to the many touchscreen devices currently packing out the market.
The multi-purpose Q5 serves as a respectable personal and business phone highlighting BlackBerry's abilities in creating a device to suit your every need.