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BlackBerry 8530 Curve review

6.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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BlackBerry 8530 Curve
BlackBerry 8530 Curve
BlackBerry 8530 Curve
BlackBerry 8530 Curve
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6.2/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry 8530 Curve currently has an Informr score of 6.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Blackberry 8530 offers newcomers to the world of RIM an entry-level device that doesn’t feel entry-level at all.

If you’ve decided to upgrade to a smartphone then the BlackBerry 8530 may well persuade you to take the plunge. In addition to the heavily sculptured, contoured QWERTY keyboard, 320 x 240 pixel display and solid build materials, the BlackBerry 8530 offers the next step in trackball evolution: the trackpad.

The original BlackBerries featured an effective trackwheel, located on the right side of the device, which allowed you to scroll through the then super-modern icons and select an application. Eventually RIM moved to a much more powerful trackball, located in the center of the device, and offering better tactile response and increased directional functionality.

Now RIM has introduced the trackpad, which retains the location and functions of the trackball, but eliminates problems that came with the trackball, such as dust, dirt, and other impediments affecting the smooth operation of the interface.

In addition to the new trackpad, you get Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G speeds. Throw in a powerful 528MHz processor, expandable memory, a full suite of native applications to get you started, a 2MP camera, video record, MP3 player, etc., and you have a powerful device that can help you work and play with the best of them.

There are many reasons for the cult of fans and brand loyalty that has built up around RIM’s line of BlackBerry smartphones, and if you want in on the secret the BlackBerry 8530 is a great way to start.


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
528 MHz
Processor
Processor
528 MHz
2.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.5"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
1150 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PhoneArena
PhoneArena

In keeping with tradition the Curve 8530 is a very solid performer when it comes to call quality.  Callers rated us as an 8.5/10, saying that we sounded very clear but that they could tell we were on a cell phone.  On our end they sounded good as well, although a bit quiet.  Callers s...

- PhoneArena Team, PhoneArena
BGR
BGR

We’re really torn about the Curve 8530. On one hand we think it’s a great little smartphone that will please a large number of people at the somewhat decent price of $99.99 on a 2-year. The only problem is that you can get something like the BlackBerry Tour 9630 with a better keypad, dis...

- Michael Bettiol, BGR
CrackBerry
CrackBerry

Compared to the previous Verizon Curve, it has a faster CPU, has more flash memory, it has Wi-Fi, it can do simultaneous voice and data, it has the optical trackpad and an updated look and feel.

- Kevin Michaluk, CrackBerry


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry 8530 Curve user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the 8530 Curve with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your 8530 Curve has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
2.5"

The BlackBerry 8530 Curve's screen size is 2.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
528 MHz

There is a 528 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
2+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 2+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD (up to 16 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1150mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1150 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 10.5 days standby time, 270 minutes.

8530 Curve Specs

Overview
Release Date November 5, 2009
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor 528 MHz
Internal Storage No
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.26 W/kg
Body: 0.66 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. 0
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 16 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
QVGA (320 x 240 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 2.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1150 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 270 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Smoky Violet, Black, Royal Purple, Silver, Oyster
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.9 x 6.0 x 1.4 cm (4.3 x 2.4 x 0.6 in)
Weight 105 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, MSN, Yahoo
ROM: 256MB
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact:
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, Blackberry Connect
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, AMR, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA
Viewable document types: PDF
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry Aries
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry 8530 Curve Reviews
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