BlackBerry Leap: A New Take on a Familiar Shape

BlackBerry Leap: A New Take on a Familiar Shape
An employee holds a new BlackBerry Ltd. Leap smartphone for an arranged photograph at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The event, which generates several hundred million euros in revenue for the city of Barcelona each year, also means the world for a week turns its attention back to Europe for the latest in technology, despite a lagging ecosystem. Photographer: Pau Barrena/Bloomberg via Getty Images

BlackBerry has faded into the background of the smartphone world in recent years. They made a huge wave in the news with the Passport but it hasn’t brought them back to the forefront of technology like they were in the good ol’ days when every serious businessman and woman had a BlackBerry.
I, for one, am glad to see that BlackBerry is still alive and kicking. The Passport was a stark departure from the familiar smartphone design philosophy and seemed to indicate a bolder approach to smartphones. Apparently, I was wrong because we now have the BlackBerry Leap which harkens back to the Z30 and Z10 models that were solid but unimpressive. Is the Leap truly a leap forward?

leap-fb

Looks

The Leap isn’t shocking or bold; it’s rather reserved and utilitarian which works as a BlackBerry device because of the brand image and stigma. You see the Leap and you know it’s meant to do work. It’s solidly built, all the pieces and panels and buttons and such fit snugly and securely. Considering its price point in the mid range, this kind of quality is an excellent surprise.

That being said, the Leap is a bit chunky. Personally, I don’t find thickness to be a huge factor in my smartphone purchasing decisions but the technological advances usually result in a thinner package. The Leap makes up for it by having a great texture on the back panel. All in all, not a standout but not disappointing either.

blackberry-leap-back-hand-hero

What It Does

As for power, the Leap is a mid range device and the internals reflect the price. It’s not a flagship killer, it’s an average performer. A 720p screen will never compare to the screens on flagship devices. However, the battery life is excellent, the camera is exceptional, and you get all the usual BlackBerry security.

If I had to choose a mid range smartphone, I would choose the Leap. It boils down to my expectations from the quality of device and I believe the Leap provides a unique experience. The solid build quality with the no nonsense styling would represent my commitment to my work while the software is intuitive with the gestures; I find gestures to be more engaging and immersive than poking. I think BlackBerry is learning from previous iterations and have found a great niche. If you need a work phone, the Leap is a great choice. If you want a flagship, you’re in the wrong place. But hey, everybody has different needs, what works for you?

Weston is our professional gadget reviewer. Nothing thrills him more than being able to get his hands on the latest and greatest in electronics.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

The latest smart vacuums for efficient house cleaning

The latest smart vacuums for efficient house cleaning

We recently got a sneak peek at the IFA 2023 conference of the latest cleaning devices and gadgets. These revolutionary products will transform your cleaning routine, making it more competent, more efficient, and a whole lot easier. Join us as..
SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

Meet the SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster Editions. These kinetic sand sculptures are completely wireless. Plus, you can create your own sand designs via the companion app. Life gets chaotic, I know. Between work and family responsibilities, it can seem like..
Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

I’ve got adventurers in my family. So when the holidays roll around or their birthdays are near, I know exactly what to buy: EDC gadgets. A palm-size, lightweight design characterizes EDC products, so they’re ideal for my favorite boaters and..
Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

We’re following the Apple September event. Everyone who follows Apple know that this one’s all about the—you did not hear it!—new iPhone 15. The event began at the Apple Park with Tim Cook and showed us glamorous Apple Watch upgrade..
Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Elevate your home pizza nights with the Everdure KILN R Series. This pizza oven for your backyard cooks pizza in 2 minutes. Plus, it has a rotating table, giving you an evenly-cooked pie, every time. Anyone who loves pizza knows..
Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Want to drink fresh, safe water while you hike? Maybe you’re not sure about the water quality at your school or office. Well, that’s where the Vitaloop can help. This filtration water bottle cleans water from pretty much any source...