OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Tablets Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:TI OMAP 4430

Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

90%

5.0

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 92% of tablets
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

22%

4.0

Performance

20%

5.1

Display

16%

5.4

Camera

14%

4.4

Battery

12%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.8

Software & Features

5%

6.1

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

â–¼Worse than 87% of tablets
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £440

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

22%

4.0

Performance

20%

5.1

Display

16%

5.4

Camera

14%

4.4

Battery

12%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.8

Software & Features

5%

6.1

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

5.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is higher than 65.8% of Tablets.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

60%

5.0

Overall score

40%

8.2

Price

6.0
RAM capacity
1 GB
RAM capacity
1 GB
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 1 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 77.8% of tablets and equal to that of 19.3% of tablets.
Process node
45 nm
Process node
45 nm
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 45 nm process node, which is larger than the node size used in 94.9% of tablets and equal to the node used in 4.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Internal storage
16 GB
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 16 GB which is smaller than the storage of 78.5% of tablets and equal to that of 15% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
?
Chipset
TI OMAP 4430
Chipset
TI OMAP 4430
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This tablet uses the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, which is less advanced than the chipsets in 68.4% of tablets and equal to those in 2.1% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
1024×600
Screen resolution
1024×600
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
This tablet has a screen resolution of 1024×600 which is lower than that of 92.8% of tablets and equal to that of 6.2% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Refresh rate
60 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
Display type
IPS LCD
â–² Better than 17% of models
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
170 ppi
Pixel density
170 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 170 ppi which is lower than that of 76.5% of tablets and equal to that of 4.8% of tablets.
Display glass type
Chemically Strengthened Glass
Display glass type
Chemically Strengthened Glass
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This tablet uses Chemically Strengthened Glass display glass which is weaker than that on 65.1% of tablets and equal to that on 13% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
Category Benchmark
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a main camera resolution of 5 MP which is lower than that of 63.6% of tablets and equal to that of 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
3 MP
Front camera megapixels
3 MP
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 3 MP which is lower than in 51.5% of tablets and equal to that in 0.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
?
Optical zoom
N/A
Show more
Battery capacity
5,300 mAh
Battery capacity
5,300 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 5,300 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 61.5% of tablets and equal to those in 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
24 W
Charging speed
24 W
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 24 W which is faster than in 69% of tablets and equal to speeds in 1.4% of tablets.
Battery life
7 hours
Battery life
7 hours
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 7 hours, which is shorter than that of 85.4% of tablets and equal to that of 5.5% of tablets.
video playback
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
yes
Fast charging
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This tablet supports fast charging. 50.4% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
no
LTE support
no
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This tablet does not support LTE. 63.3% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Category Benchmark
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 17% of models
This tablet supports GPS. 17.3% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
5G connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 11% of models
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
NFC
no
â–¼ Worse than 11% of models
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
BlackBerry
Operating system
BlackBerry
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
This tablet uses the BlackBerry operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 99.5%.
Update support duration
medium
Update support duration
medium
â–² Better than 47% of models
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.3% of tablets and equal to that of 32.6% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
Direct OS updates
yes
â–² Better than 20% of models
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
On-device AI
no
â–¼ Worse than 28% of models
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
App tracking protection
no
â–¼ Worse than 28% of models
This tablet does not include app tracking protection. 28.3% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
IP rating
not rated
â–¼ Worse than 16% of models
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
425 g
Weight
425 g
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 425 g which is lighter than 72.3% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.6% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
Backlit keyboard
no
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.8% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
Keyboard accessory
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
aptX Adaptive
no
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
no
Dolby Atmos support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
N. of speakers
2
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
FM radio
no
â–¼ Worse than 19% of models
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • Supports fast charging
    Fast charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This tablet supports fast charging, the average tablet does not. 49.7% of tablets feature fast charging.
  • 91 nits higher typical brightness
    Typical brightness
    491 nits
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <300 nits – >600 nits
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (491 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    491 nits vs 400 nits
  • 1 more microphone/s
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable chipset
    Chipset
    TI OMAP 4430
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This tablet uses the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    TI OMAP 4,430 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 73 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    474 nits
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <320 nits – >750 nits
    This tablet has a higher peak brightness than the average tablet (474 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    474 nits vs 401 nits
  • 13.3% lighter
    Weight
    425 g
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <315 g – >730 g
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (425 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    425 g vs 490 g
  • 33.3% faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    24 W
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <10 W – >60 W
    This tablet supports faster charging than the average tablet (24 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    24 W vs 18 W
  • 45.3 mm narrower
    Width
    130.0 mm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <123.8 mm – >274 mm
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (130 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    130.0 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • More capable chipset
    Chipset
    TI OMAP 4430
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This tablet uses the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    TI OMAP 4,430 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 91 nits higher typical brightness
    Typical brightness
    491 nits
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <300 nits – >600 nits
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (491 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    491 nits vs 400 nits
  • 73 nits higher peak brightness
    Peak brightness
    474 nits
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <320 nits – >750 nits
    This tablet has a higher peak brightness than the average tablet (474 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    474 nits vs 401 nits
  • Supports fast charging
    Fast charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This tablet supports fast charging, the average tablet does not. 49.7% of tablets feature fast charging.
  • 33.3% faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    24 W
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <10 W – >60 W
    This tablet supports faster charging than the average tablet (24 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    24 W vs 18 W
  • 13.3% lighter
    Weight
    425 g
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <315 g – >730 g
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (425 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    425 g vs 490 g
  • 45.3 mm narrower
    Width
    130.0 mm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <123.8 mm – >274 mm
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (130 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    130.0 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 70 mm shorter
    Width
    130 mm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <123.8 mm – >274 mm
    This tablet is shorter than the average tablet (130 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200.0 mm tall.
    130 mm vs 200.0 mm
  • 1 more microphone/s
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    BlackBerry
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (BlackBerry vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    BlackBerry vs Android
  • 3 GB less RAM
    RAM capacity
    1 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 50% lower CPU speed
    CPU speed
    1 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.2 GHz – >3.2 GHz
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 3 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    7 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (7 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    7 hours vs 10 hours
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1024×600
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This tablet has a lower screen resolution than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet has a resolution of 1920×1200.
    1024×600 vs 1920×1200
  • 3.21x larger process node
    Process node
    45 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
    This tablet uses a larger process node than the average tablet (45 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    45 nm vs 14 nm
  • No LTE support
    LTE support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This tablet does not support LTE, the average tablet does. 63.2% of tablets support LTE.
  • 19.3% worse value for money
    Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (5.95 vs 7.1).
    5.95 vs 7.1
  • 4.81x less popular
    Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) is less popular than the average tablet (1 vs 4.8).
    1 vs 4.81
  • 69.2% more expensive
    Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£440 vs £260).
    £440 vs £260
  • 3 GB less RAM
    RAM capacity
    1 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 50% lower CPU speed
    CPU speed
    1 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <1.2 GHz – >3.2 GHz
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 3.21x larger process node
    Process node
    45 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
    This tablet uses a larger process node than the average tablet (45 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    45 nm vs 14 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    CPU threads
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    2 vs 6
  • Worse GPU
    GPU model
    PowerVR SGX540
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This tablet uses the PowerVR SGX540 GPU, while the average tablet uses the stronger Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    PowerVR SGX540 vs Mali-G51
  • 75% less storage
    Internal storage
    16 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 1,066 MHz slower RAM speed
    RAM speed
    800 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <800 MHz – >6.4k MHz
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (800 MHz vs 1866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1866 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    big.LITTLE Architecture
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 53.2% slower GPU clock
    GPU frequency
    304 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <311 MHz – >1.1k MHz
    This tablet has a lower GPU frequency than the average tablet (304 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet has GPU frequency of 650 MHz.
    304 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Older DDR memory version
    DDR memory version
    DDR2
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This tablet uses an older DDR memory version than the average tablet (DDR2 vs LPDDR3). The average tablet uses DDR version LPDDR3.
    DDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1024×600
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This tablet has a lower screen resolution than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet has a resolution of 1920×1200.
    1024×600 vs 1920×1200
  • 3.1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    7 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <7 inches – >12 inches
    This tablet has a lower screen size than the average tablet (7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 24.1% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    170 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
    This tablet has a lower pixel density than the average tablet (170 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    170 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • Less durable display glass
    Display glass type
    Chemically Strengthened Glass
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This tablet uses weaker display glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 51 ppi lower screen sharpness
    Screen sharpness
    170 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
    This tablet has a lower screen sharpness than the average tablet (170 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    170 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus in video
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • 3 MP lower main camera megapixels
    Main camera megapixels
    5 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
    This tablet has a lower-resolution main camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a 8 MP main camera.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • No manual exposure control
    Manual exposure
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This tablet does not offer manual exposure control, the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets have manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    HDR photo mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.6% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No manual white balance
    Manual white balance
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • No burst mode
    Serial shot / Burst mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This tablet does not support burst mode, the average tablet does. 60.5% of tablets support burst mode.
  • 2 MP lower front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    3 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    3 MP vs 5 MP
  • No timelapse video
    Timelapse video
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets include timelapse modes.
  • 3 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    7 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (7 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    7 hours vs 10 hours
  • 19.5% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    5,300 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
    This tablet has a lower battery capacity than the average tablet (5300 mAh vs 6580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6580 mAh.
    5,300 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • No LTE support
    LTE support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This tablet does not support LTE, the average tablet does. 63.2% of tablets support LTE.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    2.1
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (2.1 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    2.1 vs 5.0
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This tablet uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average tablet uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No cellular module
    Cellular module
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This tablet does not have a cellular module, the average tablet does. 59.3% of tablets include a cellular module.
  • No face recognition
    Face recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No Ethernet support
    Ethernet support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.3% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    BlackBerry
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (BlackBerry vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    BlackBerry vs Android
  • No split-screen
    Split-screen support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.4% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    Picture-in-picture
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    Camera/mic privacy
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This tablet lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average tablet includes them. 56.2% of tablets offer these toggles.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Blackberry Playbook
    the average tablet
    Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average tablet does. 73.6% of tablets allow multiple user profiles.
  • No full-page screenshots
    Full-page screenshots
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No widgets
    Widgets support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This tablet does not support widgets, the average tablet does. 93.5% of tablets support widgets.
  • No dark mode
    Dark mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This tablet does not support dark mode, the average tablet does. 57.2% of tablets have dark mode.
  • No offline voice recognition
    Offline voice recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.1% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • 2 mm thicker
    Thickness
    10 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <6.1 mm – >11.5 mm
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (10 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8.0 mm thick.
    10 mm vs 8.0 mm
  • 8 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This tablet is an older model than the average tablet (2011 vs 2019).
    April 2011
    2011 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

G
goughlui.com
11/08/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Blackberry Playbook - Gough's Tech Zone
T
techradar.com
30/07/2012
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook review - TechRadar
T
theguardian.com
16/06/2011
Summary of the review
Review: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook: welcome to Soviet App - The Guardian
T
trustedreviews.com
20/05/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Review - Trusted Reviews
T
techspot.com
28/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Review > Usability, Data/Messaging - TechSpot
T
techist.com
27/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Review | Techist
C
cnet.com
14/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook review - CNET
C
crackberry.com
13/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Review Would you like more historical technical specifications or software update reviews for this specific model?
W
wired.com
13/04/2011
Summary of the review
Review: RIM BlackBerry Playbook - WIRED
T
techlicious.com
19/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Review - How Does it Stack up? - Techlicious
U
uk.pcmag.com
10/07/2012
Summary of the review
RIM BlackBerry PlayBook - Review 2012 - PCMag UK
T
theverge.com
13/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook review - The Verge
S
slashgear.com
14/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Review Roundup
B
businessinsider.com
19/04/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook Full Review
P
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook
H
hardwareluxx.de
10/12/2011
Summary of the review
Test: BlackBerry PlayBook - mehr als ein Spielzeug
(Translated)Show original
C
cio.de
24/06/2011
Summary of the review
Was der iPad-Konkurrent kann: Blackberry Playbook im Test
(Translated)Show original
S
spiegel.de
11/05/2011
Summary of the review
Blackberry Playbook: Solo bringt es nur den halben Spaß
(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
14/10/2011
Summary of the review
RIM Blackberry PlayBook - Tablets im Test
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
11/07/2011
Summary of the review
Review: BlackBerry PlayBook
(Translated)Show original
C
chip.de
15/06/2011
Summary of the review
RIM BlackBerry Playbook Test
(Translated)Show original
P
pcmasters.de
11/07/2011
Summary of the review
Blackberry Playbook im Test - Business- oder Alltags-Gerät? Benötigst du spezifische technische Daten oder Informationen zum aktuellen Software-Suppor...
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbase.de
24/09/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry Playbook im Test: Nicht Android. Nicht iOS.
(Translated)Show original
A
android-user.de
12/09/2023
Summary of the review
Kurztest: BlackBerry PlayBook Would you like to see more technical specifications or comparisons with other 7-inch tablets from that era?
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
28/03/2012
Summary of the review
Test: BlackBerry Playbook 2.0, mise à jour salvatrice Would you like to find more technical comparisons between the PlayBook and its contemporary riva...
(Translated)Show original
M
melty.fr
23/06/2011
Summary of the review
Test du BlackBerry Playbook (2/4) - Melty
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
09/08/2013
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook - CNET France
(Translated)Show original
B
begeek.fr
25/07/2011
Summary of the review
Test BlackBerry PlayBook sur Begeek.fr
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
27/05/2011
Summary of the review
Test RIM BlackBerry Playbook
(Translated)Show original
J
journaldugeek.com
09/05/2011
Summary of the review
Test: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook
(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
15/06/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook : la première tablette de RIM
(Translated)Show original
R
resenando.com
15/06/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook: a prueba
(Translated)Show original
M
madboxpc.com
04/11/2011
Summary of the review
Review BlackBerry PlayBook
(Translated)Show original
X
xataka.com
09/05/2011
Summary of the review
Seis razones para amar la Blackberry Playbook
(Translated)Show original
X
xataka.com
07/01/2011
Summary of the review
Blackberry Playbook – Prueba en CES 2011
(Translated)Show original
Z
zonamovilidad.es
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
Prueba BlackBerry PlayBook. El puente entre el móvil y el tablet
(Translated)Show original
V
video.corriere.it
10/05/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry Playbook: la prova in anteprima - Corriere TV
(Translated)Show original
T
tvtech.it
15/06/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry Playbook: eccolo in Italia - TVtech
(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
31/03/2012
Summary of the review
Ecco il vero Playbook - Tom's Hardware
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
08/01/2011
Summary of the review
CES: Hands-on BlackBerry PlayBook, het alternatief - Review
(Translated)Show original
T
techzine.nl
18/07/2011
Summary of the review
Review: BlackBerry PlayBook
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
01/06/2011
Summary of the review
BlackBerry PlayBook: alleen voor de liefhebber - Review
(Translated)Show original
T
techzine.nl
18/07/2011
Summary of the review
Review: BlackBerry PlayBook - Pagina 2 van 6 Would you like me to find more technical specifications or a summary of the Dutch consensus on this table...
(Translated)Show original
F
fwdmagazine.be
23/04/2012
Summary of the review
Review: Blackberry PlayBook - FWD Magazine
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB)

  • Excellent hardware build quality with a solid, professional-looking design
  • Smooth and intuitive multitasking using the QNX-based operating system
  • Vibrant 7-inch display with high resolution and good viewing angles for its time
  • High-quality stereo speakers that provide clear and loud audio
  • Responsive touch-sensitive bezels that enable useful gesture controls
  • Powerful cameras (5MP rear, 3MP front) capable of 1080p video recording
  • Includes a built-in HDMI output for easy connection to larger displays

What we don't like about Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 16GB)

  • Severe lack of third-party apps in the BlackBerry World app store
  • No native email, calendar, or contact apps available at launch
  • Heavy reliance on a BlackBerry smartphone via 'BlackBerry Bridge' for full functionality
  • Small and difficult-to-press power button located on the top edge
  • No microSD card slot for expanding the internal storage
  • Notorious charging issues where the device may fail to boot if the battery is completely drained
  • Browser and system stability issues, particularly when running Adobe Flash content

Verdict

The BlackBerry PlayBook (16GB) is a compact 7-inch tablet featuring a 1024 x 600 WSVGA display, a 1GHz dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP4430 processor, and 1GB of RAM. It runs on the QNX-based BlackBerry Tablet OS, which is specifically designed for high-performance multitasking and fluid gesture-based navigation. Key hardware highlights include dual high-definition cameras (5MP rear and 3MP front) capable of 1080p video recording, front-facing stereo speakers, and a micro-HDMI port for 1080p output. Its main pros are its professional-grade build, smooth multitasking capabilities, and a web browser with native Adobe Flash support. However, it suffers from significant cons, including a lack of native standalone apps for email and calendar at launch (initially requiring a 'Bridge' connection to a BlackBerry smartphone), a limited third-party app ecosystem, and the absence of expandable storage via microSD.

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