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BlackBerry Motion
BlackBerry Motion
BlackBerry Motion
BlackBerry Motion
...


7.7/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Motion currently has an Informr score of 7.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 27 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

While it might be the best smartphone that BlackBerry has released so far, the price of the phone outweighs the features on offer for many. Business users and privacy-minded buyers might appreciate the added security features, but they come at a premium price.

What's good

  • Bright display
  • Solid, sturdy design
  • IP67 water and dust resistance
  • Massive battery
  • microSD card support

What's bad

  • Lackluster performance
  • So-so camera
  • Overall value

Once a leader in innovation, the smartphone era hasn’t been kind to BlackBerry. While they’ve made the jump to Android, they have yet to release a solid hit that received widespread acclaim. Their latest release, the Blackberry Motion, offers a more traditional approach to smartphones with a dash of Blackberry’s attention to security and productivity.

With one look at the phone, it’s easy to see its Blackberry roots. 

The square, minimalist design looks like any of hundreds of Android phones already available—though this isn’t a bad thing inherently. The brushed metal chassis lends a reassuring bit of heft while the rubberized backing gives plenty of grip. It’s also IP67 dust and water resistance rated.

Still, many reviewers noted the squared edges made the phone uncomfortable in the hand and pocket.

Around front, things improve. The 5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD received decent marks on color reproduction and clarity. It’s also a very bright phone if you use your phone on the go. 

However, many reviewers question the large bottom bezel. While it holds the fingerprint scanner, it takes up far more space than many felt was required, further adding to the size of the phone. 

Despite the phone’s higher price tag, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor and 4GB of RAM. Performance was described by many as adequate. While it’s solid enough for daily tasks, such as email, web browsing and the occasional movie or music stream, it doesn’t really have the chops for high-end gaming. However, the 4GB of RAM helps to keep multitasking fluid and ensure snappy load times.

The phone ships with Android 7.1.2 with a promise of 8.0 Oreo. However, there’s also Blackberry’s DTEK app and frequent security updates to help keep things secure.

One of the most criticized aspects of the phone is its cameras. Both the 12MP rear camera and 8MP front-facing lens were less than ideal in all but the best of lighting. Photos were described as soft—with inconsistent colors and contrast. But the biggest issue is that phone’s price puts it in a class of phones with very competent shooters. If you’re looking to take the occasional snapshot or chat with friends, it’ll do… but it’s no replacement for even a basic point and shoot camera.

In contrast, one of the most praised features of the phone is its 4,000mAh battery. While a similar cell in the latest flagship phones wouldn’t be out of the ordinary, paired with the mid-tier internals of the Motion, it’s good for multiple days of average use on a single charge. When it’s time to top up—or if you need a quick charge to get through the day—QuickCharge 3.0 support and USB Type-C make recharging a snappy affair.

Overall, the biggest concern most reviewers had with the phone is its price. It’s in the mid-tier when it comes to specs, but pushing a price closer to high-end devices. From a pure value perspective that makes it a tough sell for many. Mobile Syrup notes, “BlackBerry 10 never truly panned out, but it’s nice knowing that BlackBerry—in some form or iteration—has finally succeeded at putting out a meaningful smartphone.” Tom’s Guide is more critical, saying, “If you're a business customer, you'll likely appreciate the Motion… For everyone else, though, this BlackBerry is yet another very specialized phone with a very discerning user in mind.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
12+ MP, f/2
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/2
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Neowin
Neowin

The BlackBerry Motion is a solid handset that offers just enough to make things interesting. The design is different, the build is solid, the software has the firm's touches on it to make it stand out from the crowd. These are all great things but what most will question, before even getting to expe...

- Timi Cantisano, Neowin
The Verge
The Verge

I'm not sure why anyone would opt for the BlackBerry Motion. It lacks BlackBerry’s defining characteristic and is outclassed by the many other Android phones available in its price range

- Dan Seifert, The Verge
Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide

BlackBerry's latest Android smartphone opts for a bigger screen instead of a physical keyboard, but brings the same focus on productivity and security.

- Adam Ismail, Tom's Guide
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

BlackBerry 10 never truly panned out, but it’s nice knowing that BlackBerry — in some form or iteration — has finally succeeded at putting out a meaningful smartphone.

- Sameer Chhabra, Mobile Syrup
GSMArena
GSMArena

This is a respectable phone with decent specs, a reliable software experience with regular security updates, and a reputable name in smartphones with a Chinese phone maker backing it up.

- GSMArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Motion user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Motion with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Motion has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The BlackBerry Motion's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 Octa core 2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/2 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32 GB

Internal memory is 32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 1431 minutes, 810 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

BlackBerry Motion Specs

Overview
Release Date November 10, 2017
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 7.1 Nougat

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 Octa core 2 GHz
Internal Storage 32 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.16 W/kg
Body: 0.82 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/2
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
F2.2 aperture
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 401 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Dragontrail glass
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 901 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 810 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1431 minutes
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.6 x 7.5 x 0.8 cm (6.1 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 167 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 67
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Motion Reviews
Where to buy BlackBerry Motion
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