OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£400RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:TI OMAP 4430

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

6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

35%

4.8

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.4, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 70% of tablets
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

22%

3.7

Performance

20%

5.1

Display

16%

5.3

Camera

14%

3.3

Battery

12%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.8

Software

5%

6.1

Design

3%

6.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.4.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £400
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 WiMAX (1GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

22%

3.7

Performance

20%

5.1

Display

16%

5.3

Camera

14%

3.3

Battery

12%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.8

Software

5%

6.1

Design

3%

6.9

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
7.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

7.1
RAM capacity
1 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 1 GB of RAM, which is less than 78% of tablets and equal to 19.1% of tablets.
Process node
45 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 45 nm process, which is larger than 94.9% of tablets and equal to 4.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 16 GB of internal storage, which is less than 78.8% of tablets and equal to 14.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
TI OMAP 4430
This tablet runs on TI OMAP 4430, which is less advanced than 68.4% of tablets and equal to 2.1% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
1024×600
This tablet has a 1024×600 screen, which is less sharp than 92.8% of tablets and equal to 6.2% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
TFT LCD
This tablet uses a TFT LCD display type. 89.9% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
170 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 170 ppi, which is lower than 76.5% of tablets and equal to 4.7% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is more durable than 45.4% of tablets and the same as 32.8% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 5 MP resolution, which is lower than 63.7% of tablets and equal to 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
3 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 3 MP resolution, which is lower than 51.6% of tablets and equal to 0.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
?
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,300 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 5,300 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 61.8% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
9 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 9 W, which is slower than 94.3% of tablets and equal to 0.8% of tablets.
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 8 hours, which is shorter than that of 72.2% of tablets and equal to that of 11.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
BlackBerry
This tablet uses the BlackBerry operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 99.5%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
425 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 425 g, which is lighter than 72.3% of tablets and equal to 0.6% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 2, which is more than 55.1% of tablets and equal to 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
?
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more

BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 100 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (500 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    500 nits vs 400 nits
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's front camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (TI OMAP 4430 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    TI OMAP 4,430 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 13.3% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (425 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    425 g vs 490 g
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
  • 45.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (130 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    130 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (TI OMAP 4430 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    TI OMAP 4,430 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 100 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (500 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    500 nits vs 400 nits
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's front camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
  • 13.3% lighter
    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
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (130 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    130 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (TFT LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    TFT LCD vs IPS LCD
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Less advanced operating system
    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
    This tablet has less RAM 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
    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
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200).
    1,024×600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 7% worse value for money
    BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.06 vs 7.6).
    7.06 vs 7.55
  • 53.9% more expensive
    BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£400 vs £260).
    £400 vs £260
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM 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
    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
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (45 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    45 nm vs 14 nm
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (PowerVR SGX540 vs Mali-G51).
    PowerVR SGX540 vs Mali-G51
  • 75% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 1,066 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 53.2% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (304 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    304 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 57% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (6.4 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    6.4 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 8 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2011 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    April 2011
    2011 vs 2019
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (TFT LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    TFT LCD vs IPS LCD
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200).
    1,024×600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 3.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 23.1% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (170 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    170 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • 3 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No burst mode
    This tablet does not support burst mode, the average tablet does. 60.6% of tablets support burst mode.
  • No panorama mode
    This tablet does not support panorama mode, while the average tablet does. 78.6% of tablets support panorama mode.
  • No backside-illuminated sensor
    This tablet does not have a BSI sensor, while the average tablet does. 52.6% of tablets have a BSI sensor.
  • 2 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    3 MP vs 5 MP
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (8 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 10 hours
  • 50% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (9 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    9 W vs 18 W
  • 19.7% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (5,300 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    5,300 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Less advanced operating system
    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
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average of independent expert reviews and videos, graded by us; missing reviews count as 7/10.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how independent test sites and video reviewers rate the product in real use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX
    the average tablet
    BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) does not support multi-user mode, while the average tablet does. 73.8% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No offline voice recognition
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.4% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • 2 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (10 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    10 mm vs 8 mm

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB)

  • High-resolution 7-inch display with excellent pixel density and color reproduction
  • Superior stereo speakers providing a best-in-class audio experience
  • Smooth multitasking and gesture-based navigation
  • Desktop-class web browser with robust Adobe Flash support
  • High-quality 3MP front and 5MP rear cameras capable of 1080p video
  • Solid, professional build quality and compact, portable form factor

What customers don't like about BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB)

  • Lack of native email, calendar, and contacts apps at launch, requiring a BlackBerry phone for tethering
  • Limited selection of third-party applications in the BlackBerry App World
  • Browser instability and frequent crashes when multiple tabs are open
  • Extremely small and difficult-to-press power button
  • Lack of essential features like video chat software despite having dual cameras
  • Inconsistent battery life, particularly when using Flash or heavy multitasking

Verdict

The RIM BlackBerry PlayBook WiMax is an ultra-portable 7-inch tablet featuring a 1024x600 multi-touch display and a dual-core 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP4430 processor paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Running on the QNX-based BlackBerry Tablet OS, it is distinguished by its professional-grade multitasking capabilities, 1080p HD video recording via its 5MP rear and 3MP front cameras, and high-speed WiMax and Wi-Fi connectivity. Main pros include its premium build quality, loud front-facing stereo speakers, responsive gesture-based interface, and full Adobe Flash support in the browser. However, notable cons include a severe lack of native third-party apps, a difficult-to-press power button, and the initial requirement to bridge with a BlackBerry smartphone for native email and calendar functionality.

Compare BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) with other tablets

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX (1GB + 16GB) and other tablets

No results found