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 Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£410RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:TI OMAP 4430

BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 30 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

35%

5.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.3

Reviews score

10%

9.4

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 75% of tablets
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

▼Worse than 87%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

22%

4.7

Performance

20%

4.8

Display

16%

5.4

Camera

14%

5.4

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

4.8

Software

5%

6.2

Design

3%

5.7

Audio

▼Worse than 78%
5.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.3/ 10
✕
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 83% of models

5.3

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (30)
24 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 83%
?

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~ £410
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB)

Based on 24 · 6

Reviewers praise smooth multitasking, great audio and video, and intuitive gestures, but criticise the thin app selection and phone-dependent email.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB)

Based on 102 owners sharing their experience in online comments

68%positive13%mixed19%negative

Owners praise its smooth, portable browsing and value, while limited apps and aging software cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the app store is small, with few apps and games, and popular apps such as Netflix, Skype and Angry Birds are missing or costly.17
  • Some owners report the tablet suddenly shut off and would not turn on again, with the charging light blinking red, or a USB port broke.12
  • Owners report update and setup failures, such as Wi-Fi dropping during the first update or an error saying it could not connect to the update server.8
  • Owners say the 7-inch screen is too small for everyday use, especially for people with larger hands.5
  • Owners struggle to install or restore apps after a reset, since only the browser and camera remain and no file manager is available.5
  • Owners say the built-in browser is old and slow to load modern web pages, and some sites do not work properly.4
  • Owners find touch gestures awkward to navigate apps, and the Bridge mail app is hard to use and does not reconnect automatically.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

22%

4.7

Performance

20%

4.8

Display

16%

5.4

Camera

14%

5.4

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

4.8

Software

5%

6.2

Design

3%

5.7

Audio

5.3
Reviews score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

6.9
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
32 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which is less than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 17.9% 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
What reviewers say
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
LCD
This tablet uses a LCD display type. 83.1% 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
What reviewers say
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
What reviewers say
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
24 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 24 W, which is faster than 69% of tablets and equal to 1.4% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 43.2% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% 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
yes
This tablet includes NFC. 89.3% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
no
This tablet does not support direct OS updates. 79.8% 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
What reviewers say
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
What reviewers say
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
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Includes NFC
    This tablet includes NFC, while the average tablet does not. 10.8% of tablets include NFC.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 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
  • 73 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (474 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    474 nits vs 401 nits
  • 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
  • 33.3% faster charging
    This tablet charges faster than the average tablet (24 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    24 W vs 18 W
  • 25.3% higher sentiment score
    9.4 vs 7.5
  • 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
  • 73 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (474 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    474 nits vs 401 nits
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • 33.3% faster charging
    This tablet charges faster than the average tablet (24 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    24 W vs 18 W
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Includes NFC
    This tablet includes NFC, while the average tablet does not. 10.8% of tablets include NFC.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 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
  • 70 mm shorter
    This tablet is shorter than the average tablet (130 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200 mm tall.
    130 mm vs 200 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 24.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (30)
    24 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 7.0
  • 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
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 24.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (30)
    24 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 7.0
  • 8.7% worse value for money
    BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (6.95 vs 7.6).
    6.95 vs 7.55
  • 57.7% more expensive
    BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£410 vs £260).
    £410 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 50% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 49.7% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (7.5 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    7.5 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 7 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2012 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2019
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • 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
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • No Ethernet support
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.5% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • 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 direct OS updates
    This tablet does not support direct OS updates, while the average tablet does. 79.7% of tablets offer this.
  • 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi
    the average tablet
    BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB) 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 voice commands
    This tablet does not support voice commands, while the average tablet does. 96.3% of tablets offer this.
  • No widgets
    This tablet does not support widgets, the average tablet does. 93.6% of tablets support widgets.
  • 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

Video reviews

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

7.0
MobileSyrup
≈ estimated
08/08/2012
Hands-on review · 4G LTE model, apps and features
Verdict
BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi is not the most popular tablet, but the LTE version shows how much the maker has improved it.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
canadianreviewer.com
≈ estimated
10/08/2012
Hands-on review · 4G-LTE model
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook 4G-LTE is a solid, portable 7-inch tablet that now connects without a phone, though it adds little else and still lacks a hotspot.
6.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
14/04/2011
Expert review · 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a fast, powerful 7-inch tablet that suits BlackBerry fans and business users, but its small screen blunts its best features.
6.1
theverge.com
✓ explicit
13/04/2011
Full review · Sleek 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a sleek, snappy tablet with excellent battery life and stereo sound, but its stiff power button and missing native email limit it.
6.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
13/04/2011
Full review · Media tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a well-built tablet with strong video playback, but its thin app store, unreliable Flash and missing email make it risky to buy now.
7.0
crackberry.com
≈ estimated
13/04/2011
Launch review · 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a promising 7-inch tablet with solid hardware and smooth multitasking, but its unfinished software limits it at launch.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
16/04/2013
Week-long review · 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is fast, simple and well built, but without the promised apps it is only good for web browsing.
6.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
16/06/2011
Launch review · Business tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook suits businesses with Flash video and BlackBerry phone links, but its near-empty app store makes it a poor buy for consumers.
5.0
time.com
≈ estimated
21/04/2011
Hands-on review · Launch-day tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a compact, snappy tablet, but glitchy software, missing email and shaky Flash mean it is better to wait for updates.
6.0
crackberry.com
≈ estimated
20/08/2012
Hands-on review · 4G LTE tablet
Verdict
The 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook is a faster, well-built 7-inch tablet with mobile data, though it has fewer apps than Android and iOS rivals.
9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
14/10/2011
Comparison test · Display and build
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a compact tablet with a bright screen and an innovative system, a credible iPad alternative, but its battery is short and it has no 3G.
6.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
15/06/2011
Hands-on review · Edge gestures
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a well-finished, light 7-inch tablet with smooth Flash and live multitasking, but its edge-gesture navigation takes getting used to.
8.0
begeek.fr
≈ estimated
25/07/2011
Hands-on test · BlackBerry phone companion
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a good Wi-Fi tablet that works best with a BlackBerry phone, making it a strong pick for BlackBerry owners and Android switchers.
8.0
journaldugeek.com
≈ estimated
09/05/2011
Hands-on test · Compact 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a responsive, pleasant 7-inch tablet where the speakers and Bluetooth keyboard support stand out, though storage cannot be expanded.
7.0
melty.fr
≈ estimated
24/06/2011
Review · Portable 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a well-built 7-inch tablet with a good screen and loud sound, though its camera and video chat are only mid-range.
7.0
melty.fr
≈ estimated
23/06/2011
Hands-on test · Daily use
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook runs apps quickly and stably with a responsive keyboard, and could rival the iPad after a few updates.
7.2
01net.com
✓ explicit
06/06/2011
Hands-on test · Media tablet
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook has a bright screen, intuitive gestures and strong speed, but its short battery, fixed storage and thin app store hold it back.
8.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
09/05/2011
Hands-on test · Pre-launch look
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook suits BlackBerry phone owners who want a personal tablet with strong multitasking and a bright screen, but its app range was still thin.
7.0
resenando.com
≈ estimated
15/06/2011
Hands-on test · Everyday use
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is small, light and works well as a big screen for a BlackBerry phone, but it relies on that phone for email and contacts.
7.0
madboxpc.com
≈ estimated
04/11/2011
Full review · Battery and camera
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a portable 7-inch tablet with fast multitasking, clear sound and about 7.5 hours of mixed use, though Bridge features need a BlackBerry phone.
8.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
07/01/2011
Trade show hands-on · Pre-launch preview
Verdict
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a light, fast 7-inch tablet with 1080p video and a multitasking system that looks promising, though it was only tested briefly.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB)

  • High-quality 7-inch display with excellent viewing angles and 1024x600 resolution
  • True multitasking capabilities allow multiple apps to run simultaneously without performance lag
  • Superior stereo speakers provide loud and clear audio compared to many contemporary tablets
  • Robust web browser with strong Adobe Flash integration and desktop-style experience
  • High-definition front (3MP) and rear (5MP) cameras capable of 1080p video recording
  • Smooth and intuitive gesture-based navigation using the touch-sensitive bezel
  • Compact and portable form factor that fits easily into coat pockets

What customers don't like about BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular WiFi (1GB + 32GB)

  • Severe lack of native apps, including the absence of dedicated email, calendar, and contacts at launch
  • Initial heavy dependence on 'BlackBerry Bridge' to access core phone functions like BBM or email via a tethered smartphone
  • Poor selection of third-party applications in the BlackBerry App World
  • Flash usage and 4G LTE connectivity significantly drain the battery life
  • Small power button is often reported as being difficult to press
  • Limited ecosystem support compared to iOS and Android, resulting in fewer updates and services over time

Verdict

The BlackBerry PlayBook Cellular + WiFi (32GB) is a compact 7-inch tablet featuring a 1024 x 600 WSVGA display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM. It offers robust hardware for its size, including a 5MP rear camera and a 3MP front camera—both capable of 1080p HD video recording—alongside stereo speakers and a micro-HDMI port for media output. Main pros include its highly portable, premium build, an intuitive gesture-based QNX operating system with excellent multitasking, and a high-performance web browser that originally supported Adobe Flash. However, significant cons include a historically limited app ecosystem, the lack of a built-in microSD slot for expandable storage, and an initial dependency on a BlackBerry smartphone for native email and calendar functionality.

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