The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is just half an inch shorter than the BlackBerry Torch 9850. Otherwise both the phones are twin brothers with different names. This new phone is artistically designed with some great features. Although BlackBerry has not officially announced this phone, a lot of hype has been generated around the release of these brand-new BlackBerry after leaked images of the devices emerged on the internet. RIM, the Canadian mobile maker is expected to release the BlackBerry Curve 9380 and the BlackBerry Bold 9790 at the BlackBerry Devcon, which is going to take place next week.
What’s new?
There is apparently nothing ‘new’ in the BlackBerry Curve 9380, according to reports. The features are almost the same as the earlier BlackBerry Torch 9860/50, if not less, with capacitive touch screen, 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB internal memory and the new BlackBerry OS 7. The target consumer group is of those who screen the budget of the device more than the features. The phone is expected to cost very less compared to the BlackBerry Torch 9860/50. So with these new devices, including the BlackBerry Bold 9790 and the Curve 9380, BlackBerry is looking at expanding its consumer base to youngsters.
What’s been refreshed?
BlackBerry 7 OS has not been seen in many of the Curve series. Only the recently launched Curve 9360 has it. So it is great for the new device to come with the updated OS which has really been the prized possession of BlackBerry. The BlackBerry 7 OS has some mind-blowing features and is a fantastic operating system.
Furthermore BlackBerry messenger comes in the latest updated version built into the device which is another good news for BlackBerry lovers. The BlackBerry messenger is a free messaging service only built for a BlackBerry platform. It was a trend-setting concept and is currently the best in business among the numerous VoiP messaging services across various platforms, including the Apple iOS 5 or the different other applications in the android market.
What’s good?
The phone is very likely to have a 5 MP camera which was great in the other BlackBerry devices of both the Torch and Bold series. So we can expect another extraordinary camera possibly having 720 p HD video recording. The 1.2 GHz processor has not been compromised on, and RIM brings the same high speed processor to this low cost phone.
What’s not so good?
The 360 x 480 display resolution is something that is a disappointment, but RIM had to cut down on some spec, if they had to slash down the price. Not that 360 x 480 pixels resolution is bad, but a phone with a screen size of 3.2 inches did deserve a better resolution, especially when it is produced by a maker like BlackBerry.
The applications for BlackBerry have always had a very less number of developers. BlackBerry has often been criticized for their comparatively low grade App world.
Price and availability
The phone is expected to be available for $99 with a two-year contract. If you are not looking for a contract, then it may cost anywhere about $399 without a contract. The device will most probably be available by December end. The exact date will be known to us by next week when BlackBerry is officially going to announce the new devices at Devcon in Canada.
Wrap up
For all those who want to own a BlackBerry Torch 9850/60, but could not afford it, this phone is just for them. It is like a Christmas gift from RIM. The price of this device is expected to be very less than that of Torch 9850, which costs $549. So we think it is great device.
On a rating scale of 10. We think the BlackBerry 9380 scores 8/10.