Blackberry Z10 review: Specs of the current BB10 powered flagship, the Blackberry Z10, include a 4.2-inch LCD screen, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB internal storage with micro SD support, and a very solid design. The unit, which is applauded for its multitasking functions, is instrumental in the (very slow) comeback of the former tech leader.

The Blackberry Z10 has a rear-facing 8 MP shooter, which can also record 1080P video. It has a front-facing 2 MP camera, which can also do a 720P video capture.

The unit is praised for its clean and solid hardware design as well as for its surprisingly good keyboard. A review from The Verge noted that, “it’s a better smartphone than I expected from RIM at this stage in the game.” Another review indicated that the BB10 powered smartphone is a “true multitasking system.”

The Blackberry Z10’s performance is snappy and responsive. There are very few hiccups when zipping around from one app to another, jumping in and out of messages, and managing content on the device.

A key downside with the Z10, however, is its battery life. In a test by The Verge, the device could not make it through an entire workday without requiring a recharge or battery swap.

“If I took the phone off of the charger around eight or nine in the morning, by six or seven at night the phone was completely dead,” writes Joshua Topolsky who reviewed the unit.

“It wasn't an everyday occurrence — some days I made it into the evening with no trouble — but it happened enough that it gives me cause for concern.”

The Blackberry 10.2.1 update gave users an improved device and battery monitor that gives essential details on battery usage, the impact of installed apps on battery life and memory usage and storage.

A quick search shows that the Blackberry Z10 is available unlocked from $399 to $415. AT&T offers the device for free on a service agreement.