[vegetto_456]

Warning: Wall of text incoming


I was walking by a Telus store at the mall where I spotted the Z30 front and centre, alongside the Q10. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the Z30 and was eager to show it off to me. To my surprise, they didn't attempt to steer me towards the latest android handsets or the new iPhone when I expressed interest in the Z30. They also didn't try to bs me with stories of BlackBerry going out of business and things of that nature, as I often read on the forums and how they won't be supporting these phones. I don't know, maybe it's a Canadian thing? But I digress.

This was my first time seeing the Z30 in person, and boy was I blown away! Wow. That's all I can say, wow . After reading the threads on here, bemoaning and lamenting the screen for being 720p and "subpar", I expected the worst picking up the Z30. But before I get to the screen, I want to talk about something else first. I was actually surprised by the weight of the phone. A lot of the reviews I read online pointed out the fact that the Z30 was supposedly heavy (perhaps in relation to competing handsets). Truth be told, it actually felt light and dare I say it, perfect in my hands. It felt very well balanced and I loved the feeling of the back cover. Overall, it felt like a high end handset and was quite the looker I might add. Although I didn't spend enough time with the handset to be to conclusively comment on the quality of construction, I will say this: The Z30 truly felt like a premium device when picking it up for the first time and fiddling with it. Everything from how it looks and feels, to how the big gorgeous screen just seems to dominate the front of the device. Mind you, this is just from the initial impression alone, and I suspect that it's a feeling that will solidify after using it for an extended time.

So getting back to the issue of screen resolution as I had mentioned earlier, so having read the negative threads and posts pertaining to the Z30 screen resolution/quality, I was expecting a terrible display with messy jaggies abound. WRONG. Using the phone and loading up my favourite sites, I was genuinely surprised at how good everything looked. As silly as it looked to the staff, I brought the phone real close to my face and I wasn't overwhelmed by the presence of visible pixels, as some very vocal users would seem to suggest. I also watched some online videos on sites such as Youtube and Dailymotion and holy moly the videos looked so vibrant, crisp and clear! Certainly not the horrible pixelated mess that I was expecting. I will admit however that the screen wasn't as bright as the Z10 and could stand to be brighter but it looked fine otherwise. Typing on the phone was a dream and I wasn't making mistakes like I would on the Z10 keyboard. I actually think that the BB10 OS might be a better fit for a larger screen and like many other fans, I wish that BlackBerry had released the Z30 as their first touchscreen BB10 handset instead of the Z10.

Now the problem is I really really want this phone now. And to top it off, it hasn't even 3 months since I purchased my Z10. I think I may have developed an addiction! I am never one to change phones frequently and in fact, I used the iPhone 4 up until last year when I switched to the 9900. The Z30 feels that much better to me, as compared to the Z10. Honestly I haven't been this excited about getting a phone since the iPhone 4 had originally came out.

I would like to end my post by saying that these are of course my personal impressions and opinions. I know that it might differ from the present prevailing theme of continuously bashing the Z30, but don't try to "explain" to me how 1080p screens are so much better due to numbers alone and that I can't possibly be right and how the Z30 is not good value for the money. There is more to this than just pure numbers. These are subjective matters and everyone has a different metric with which they judge the value of something, price notwithstanding.

While I don't deny the fact that 1080p screens have more pixels and thus a higher resolution, but comparing the Z30 screen to the S4 and other 1080p phones at the store, I honestly didn't see what all the criticism is about. One screen didn't look leagues better than the other. As it stands currently, the Z30 appears to be an excellent phone and certainly worth the upgrade. For me it is, anyway.

[jaydee5799]

Dang! Now I wanna try one too!
Thanks for the honest review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BenAKL]

I have had the Z30 for almost a month and IT ROCKS!

The battery lasts at least 12 hours (of moderate use) and I don't have to hunt for a power outlet (like other devices do). It gets a lot of stares whenever I use it in the train - swiping up to activate the screen, rather than pushing (a button) then swiping the screen. Especially wonderful when you have your other hand is carrying your workbag. I have lots and lots of good things to say about the Z30, but the ultimately, it is best to see/feel it yourself. :-)

[world traveler and former ceo]

Z30... best blackberry to date!!

Posted via CB10

[Falling]

Loving my Z30 as well. Had it for almost a month now and so happy with the phone in general. A solid phone, with great display and battery life.

[sandman10]

Disregard all the crap you read on the forums.

Go out and try the device for yourself and draw your own conclusion. Its not right for everyone, but it sure as hell was right for me.

I had no problems selling my Z10, and moving up to the Z30. Worth every penny and I can actually see myself keeping this phone for a year or 2.

[WArcher]

Well done, well written, and Yes - you badly need one.

[LeeU1911]

Warning: Wall of text incoming


I was walking by a Telus store at the mall where I spotted the Z30 front and centre, alongside the Q10. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the Z30 and was eager to show it off to me. To my surprise, they didn't attempt to steer me towards the latest android handsets or the new iPhone when I expressed interest in the Z30. They also didn't try to bs me with stories of BlackBerry going out of business and things of that nature, as I often read on the forums and how they won't be supporting these phones. I don't know, maybe it's a Canadian thing? But I digress.

This was my first time seeing the Z30 in person, and boy was I blown away! Wow. That's all I can say, wow . After reading the threads on here, bemoaning and lamenting the screen for being 720p and "subpar", I expected the worst picking up the Z30. But before I get to the screen, I want to talk about something else first. I was actually surprised by the weight of the phone. A lot of the reviews I read online pointed out the fact that the Z30 was supposedly heavy (perhaps in relation to competing handsets). Truth be told, it actually felt light and dare I say it, perfect in my hands. It felt very well balanced and I loved the feeling of the back cover. Overall, it felt like a high end handset and was quite the looker I might add. Although I didn't spend enough time with the handset to be to conclusively comment on the quality of construction, I will say this: The Z30 truly felt like a premium device when picking it up for the first time and fiddling with it. Everything from how it looks and feels, to how the big gorgeous screen just seems to dominate the front of the device. Mind you, this is just from the initial impression alone, and I suspect that it's a feeling that will solidify after using it for an extended time.

So getting back to the issue of screen resolution as I had mentioned earlier, so having read the negative threads and posts pertaining to the Z30 screen resolution/quality, I was expecting a terrible display with messy jaggies abound. WRONG. Using the phone and loading up my favourite sites, I was genuinely surprised at how good everything looked. As silly as it looked to the staff, I brought the phone real close to my face and I wasn't overwhelmed by the presence of visible pixels, as some very vocal users would seem to suggest. I also watched some online videos on sites such as Youtube and Dailymotion and holy moly the videos looked so vibrant, crisp and clear! Certainly not the horrible pixelated mess that I was expecting. I will admit however that the screen wasn't as bright as the Z10 and could stand to be brighter but it looked fine otherwise. Typing on the phone was a dream and I wasn't making mistakes like I would on the Z10 keyboard. I actually think that the BB10 OS might be a better fit for a larger screen and like many other fans, I wish that BlackBerry had released the Z30 as their first touchscreen BB10 handset instead of the Z10.

Now the problem is I really really want this phone now. And to top it off, it hasn't even 3 months since I purchased my Z10. I think I may have developed an addiction! I am never one to change phones frequently and in fact, I used the iPhone 4 up until last year when I switched to the 9900. The Z30 feels that much better to me, as compared to the Z10. Honestly I haven't been this excited about getting a phone since the iPhone 4 had originally came out.

I would like to end my post by saying that these are of course my personal impressions and opinions. I know that it might differ from the present prevailing theme of continuously bashing the Z30, but don't try to "explain" to me how 1080p screens are so much better due to numbers alone and that I can't possibly be right and how the Z30 is not good value for the money. There is more to this than just pure numbers. These are subjective matters and everyone has a different metric with which they judge the value of something, price notwithstanding.

While I don't deny the fact that 1080p screens have more pixels and thus a higher resolution, but comparing the Z30 screen to the S4 and other 1080p phones at the store, I honestly didn't see what all the criticism is about. One screen didn't look leagues better than the other. As it stands currently, the Z30 appears to be an excellent phone and certainly worth the upgrade. For me it is, anyway.

Sell me your Z10! LOL

Thanks for the review anyways. Heading the store this weekend to check it out!

[canuckvoip]

Me want... must wait 2 weeks...

[rtang1007]

I don't have a chance to get my hands on a Z30. I must go to Telus in order to touch one and compare with my baby Z10! Darn it, Future Shop doesn't have any yet.

Posted via CB10

[jonno_atamaniuk]

Yeah I'm one who is also enjoying the phone quite a bit and have no complaints over anything about the device concerning anything on / in the phone itself.

Posted by my Z30 via CB10

[hazarder]

I applaud your post OP, well written.
This is what I like to see, truth! Not just speculation but truth and experience.
Great, just great

Posted via that z10!

[jafrul]

I'm getting mine tomorrow.
I'm sure i will get the best experience from this Z30 and possibly hold on to it for another year or two.

[blackberryfunboy]

I am getting mine today and very excited to touch and experience it. Thanks for your honest review.

[RyanGermann]

Yep, the Z30 is a great device. I have a Nexus 5 with a 1080p screen, and sure it's marginally sharper (illustrated by the finer stroke of type on the screen) but it comes across as a design decision, not a "capability" of the 1080p screen.

BB10 on the Z30 is the best BB10 experience yet, and almost as satisfying as my Torch 9810 (but BB10 is getting closer every leak!)... I'm sure that those who love the physical keyboard would sing the praises of the Q10, but for me, until the portrait slider comes out, the Z30 is a purchase no BB10 fan would regret.

[jrohland]

OP, you didn't even discover the best parts, amazing audio (by mobile phone standards), rock solid radio performance, loooong battery life, USB Host Mode and Miracast. This is the most usable BlackBerry to date. Couple the great hardware with the super efficient and secure BB10 OS and you've got a phone on par with the top line phones from any other maker.

Wish you would get a USB adapter and carry a memory stick with a sample of different songs. Ask the shop staff if you can play a little music loudly so you can check the audio. Do this when the store is busy for maximum effect. I can assure you, it will turn some heads.

[N Mac]

Hi,
I went through the same scenario when I bought mine. The Telus rep was very helpful and showed me the features of the phone not bashing it at all. Just like you said the unit is very well built!! There were no cases at the store so I went to the other phone stores at the mall looking for a case.. Holy cow!! I couldn't believe all the bashing of Blackberry I was hearing, It pissed me off. The phone is so easy to use and has a very intuitive interface. Well to make a long story short I work overseas in Papua New Guinea and travel through Australia on the way through to work. I went to six phone stores looking for a phone case and not one store sold Blackberrys, or cases. Kinda depressed me. Marketing needs to be addressed right away! People don't know what there missing with this unit.

[Insync]

I think all the comments in this thread tell the same story : an excellent phone, w/r/t screen, audio, size &feel, functionality. I loved the Z10 but this is easily the best BlackBerry ever, giving substance to "mobile computing"

Posted via CB10

[ArsenG]

Love your review and that is how exactly I felt. I love the feel of this phone, the weight is perfect, feels so balanced in your hands.. When I upgraded to the z10 from my Torch, I wasn't excited and was little disappointed with the actual hardware, love the OS10 , but the hardware didn't get me to jump through the hoops. When I finally picked up the z30 on the weekend, wow,, can't stop putting it down.. So fast, smooth, amazing speakers and call quality.. The best of all it has a battery that lasts the entire day. My wife caught me playing Despicable me 2 on my phone, she goes what are you doing, I said I am trying to drain the battery to see how long it can last. It was 10pm at night and still had 75% left on my phone..

I think if BB released a top notch quality phone like this on Launch day, they would have done amazing on the market. The OS is truly the best on the market.. as a heavy business user, I actually use my phone to make calls, use the internet, BBM, emails and some business applications.. The ability to use your phone as a laptop is truly amazing. I stopped taking my laptop with me now because the Z30 actually can do most of what I need.

The thing that BB needs to do next in my opinion is: Create the Best Handset on the market with cutting edge technology also make it so sexy that people have to have it.. Put in the best Display, Best Camera, lots of memory and build a solid phone and people will buy it. My wife who switched to IPhone last year, now really loves my Z30 and is talking about picking one up for me. IPhone is so overrated,, terrible typing experience on the phone, lots of lag, terrible browser and email. But has great design and great marketing..

Blackberry please make a killer hardware and people will buy it..

[Patrick Pierobon]

When I saw it in person I actually liked the feel and weight of the device. Justifies the money I am spending and gives the impression it will hold up to daily use for years to come.

Getting mine soon! Can't wait!

[gnirkatto]

It is the first touchscreen device that makes me feel like I could potentially give up on a physical keyboard.
None of the alleged not totally up to date technical specs do have any negative impact in real life. Smooth and fast operations, great screen.
Battery rocks. Sound & call quality is outstanding. Addictive OS.
A great overall user experience.

[Spitvurk]

Wonderful device!!

[seemsixty7]

I've had mine now for about 5 days, and LOVE IT!. The screen is fantastic. The sounds is amazing. the experience with this phone is great!

[ibpluto]

I dismissed the phone for my personal use, because I figured it would be too big (I contested the Z10 was about as big as I would go). After playing with one in the store I realized that was an unfair prejudice. It really does feel nice in the hand. I agree on the screen resolution as well....maybe it's my middle aged eyes, but Damn, it looks pretty darn sharp and clear to me.

I won't get one just yet, but I think I could see me with one by the end of the winter.

CB10'n it via da Z

[rayzian]

people complain about the screen quality is only due to the icons being resized to fit 5 rows instead of 4 causing them to look pixilated, has nothing to do with it being 720p