BlackBerry Z10 review: One of BlackBerry's 2013 flagship models features a 4.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, 16 GB internal storage (expandable up to 64 GB), 2 GB RAM, and 8 MP camera, all powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960 dual-core processor that clocks at 1.5GHz-not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it's a start.

Since the continuous rise of smartphone giants such as Samsung and Apple, BlackBerry has been trying to keep afloat. And last 2013, the BlackBerry Z10 with the new BB 10 OS was one of the company's "make or break" phones. So did it deliver? Well, it didn't really "break" the company, but it didn't quite make a dent in the market either.

Although the design looks well thought off, it is undeniable that the Z10 resembles the iPhone 5, except for the part that the Apple model has an all-glass front, unlike the BlackBerry model.

With a dimension of 5.12 x 2.58 x 0.35 inches and a weight of 137.5 grams, the Z10 is one of the thinnest models in the company's line up. Meanwhile, its plastic back has a thick, rubberized, dimpled coating, giving the mobile a fairly good grip. However, this also lessens the Z10's premium look.

In terms of display, its 4.2-inch display has a resolution of 768 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of 355 ppi. Because it lacks the QWERTY keyboard, trackpad and some physical buttons, the Z10 has more room for your fingers compared to the cramped BlackBerry 9900. Also, the screen is decent enough for crisp web and multimedia viewing.

Performance-wise, its 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 dual-core processor is at par with many smartphones in its range. It is quite snappy and responsive when it comes to web surfing and other daily tasks. However, engadget commented, "The Z10 takes more than a minute to boot up after the battery is removed and it sometimes took up to 30 seconds just to shut itself down."

One of the biggest leaps of this smartphone is the OS, the BB10. Coming from its predecessor, the BB7, the software is more on gesture-based. Still, because it is no Android or iOS, the BB10 has a narrower selection of apps for you to choose from.

The 8 MP rear and 2 MP front camera are decent shooters. Although the camera is not as fast as the iPhone 5, it is still quick to focus and to shoot.

Overall, the BlackBerry Z10 delivers a sound performance, clear screen, and decent body and camera. However, it is still not enough to make you want to run to the store and grab it. It lacks a certain punch that will make BlackBerry rise from the competition.