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Verdict
With many mid-range Androids, take the logo off and you’d be hard-pressed to figure out the manufacturer. The Motion, however, is BlackBerry through and through.
From its business-like design to the security-conscious software, the brand DNA makes its presence known. Whether that’s a good thing depends on your reasons for considering the phone.
Overall, it’s a solid mid-ranger offering a fair package for the price. There are no significant low points, just some uninspiring choices, and many of those won’t affect you much in day-to-day use. Yes, it’s nice to have a QHD screen, but when it’s not sitting next to a higher-end smartphone, you probably won’t keep noticing.
The software included on the Motion is a refreshing change from many manufacturer additions in that some of it genuinely enhances the experience - the Productivity Tab and keyboard are notable high points - and it’s great to see BlackBerry adapting to market trends for things like waterproofing, dual-sim and quick charging.
Where the BlackBerry Motion really stands out, though, is stamina. It comfortably outlasts most of its competitors, and while not everyone will love the chunkier, heavier handset that results from that focus, there’s no denying it looks smart enough to take into any meeting.
All work and no play makes the BlackBerry Motion a decent effort from TCL.
Who's this for?
The BlackBerry Motion is a strong choice as a work phone. It’ll last through conference calls, commutes and copious emails from colleagues without blinking.
As a personal phone, though, it would only really appeal to people who never switch off - especially those who are really private.
Should you buy it?
If you’re in the market for something that won’t keep you tethered to the nearest power point and you’re not fussed about beautiful photos or the latest hardware, this could be the droid you’re looking for.
It doesn’t represent particularly good value and it probably won’t set your world on fire, but when it’s still going after two solid days of use, will you care?
There's plenty of similarly priced competition, such as the phones below, which may be a better fit for you.
Nokia 8
If looks, screen and camera quality are important to you, the sleek Nokia 8 with its dual sensors and QHD display might be a better choice - unless you’re in the US. It’s currently only available in the UK and Australia, at £399/AU$690.
- Read our Nokia 8 review
LG G6
LG’s slightly older all-rounder offers an edge on the Motion in some areas: a gorgeous 18:9 QHD screen, excellent camera, and wireless charging (in some countries). It also offers good battery life - though the Motion has it beat on that front.
- Read our LG G6 review
OnePlus 5T
OnePlus’s latest is a little pricier, but for that you get a bigger AMOLED screen, higher-spec cameras with dual lenses on the back, and either 1.5x or fully double the RAM with more than twice the storage. It’s worth the extra cash.
- Read our OnePlus 5T review
First reviewed: November 2017
