Meet BlackBerry's new messaging master (pictures)

The new BlackBerry Q10 successfully merges legendary BlackBerry keyboards of old with BB10's fancy abilities. The question remains, will you covet one over today's hottest Android and iOS mobile gadgets?

Brian Bennett

April 24, 2013 9:29 a.m. PT

Leer en español

1 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

A bolder BlackBerry

With a full 35-key physical keyboard, the new BlackBerry Q10 is ready for messaging action. It also runs BlackBerry's freshest OS, BB 10.1, which adds lots of keyboard tweaks and software fixes.

2 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

Compact and comfortable to hold

Shorter and more compact than today's big-screened giants, the BlackBerry Q10 is small enough to grip with one hand.

3 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

A keyboard worthy of BlackBerry

The BlackBerry Q10's keyboard is comfortable, well designed, and the largest on a BlackBerry yet.

4 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

This back is strengthened glass

BlackBerry says the back battery cover of the Q10 is crafted from specially treated glass fiber that's stronger than plastic. Also on back is the phone's 8MP camera and LED flash.

5 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

Thin but compact

You can't quite call the BlackBerry Q10 thin, but it is compact. On the phone's right edge sits a thin volume rocker and play-pause button.

6 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

Ports placed on the left

On the BlackBerry Q10's left side are Micro-USB and Micro-HDMI ports.

7 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

Sound booms from the bottom

Placed on the BlackBerry Q10's bottom edge is a large speaker that lends plenty of volume to the speakerphone.

8 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

Power and headphones up top

Typical of most smartphones, the BlackBerry Q10 has both a power key and 3.5mm headphone jack on its top edge.

9 of 11

Sarah Tew/CNET

A closer look at the camera

Here's an up-close look at the BlackBerry Q10's 8MP camera and LED flash. Notice the stainless-steel stripe that runs along the back of the handset that adds an extra touch of elegance.