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BlackBerry Torch 9860 review

6.7/10 AVG.
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BlackBerry Torch 9860
BlackBerry Torch 9860
BlackBerry Torch 9860
BlackBerry Torch 9860
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6.7/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Torch 9860 currently has an Informr score of 6.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 12 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The slender design of the Blackberry Torch 9860 makes it a great fit for anyone who wants a phone that is big enough to hold firmly in the hand but doesn’t feel bulky. The full, sharp screen is also a great feature. However, the keypad tends to be a turn-off for texting buffs. Overall, the phone is great, especially if you love media, but it does leave a few things to be desired.

The first thing you will notice is how different the device looks. RIM devices tend to have a number of defining features that make them easily identifiable. However, the BlackBerry Torch 9860 seems to be an exception to this rule. In fact, the BlackBerry logo and raised trackpad at the bottom of the screen are the only things that will remind you that this device is from RIM.

Most of the front part of the BlackBerry Torch 9860 is taken up by the 3.7-inch multitouch display that offers 16 million colors and a native resolution of 480x800 pixels. Its other features include a 5-megapixel camera with image capture and video recording capabilities, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, 4GB of internal storage, microUSB connectivity, and support for microSD/SDHC cards up to 32GB.

The BlackBerry Torch 9860 does not have a built-in hardware keyboard, which makes it quite difficult to use for messaging. If you do a lot of emailing or texting, you may want to consider a model with a full QWERTY keyboard instead. Overall, the build quality is solid, although the keys put on the sides for convenience are rather thin and can be easily missed during key presses.

This BlackBerry is great for people who want a versatile Web and multimedia device with a full display and a smooth finish. RIMfans who love the full keypad and general shape of most Blackberry devices may take a while to warm up to it, but it is fun to use. It is also great for anyone who wants to combine multiple functions with user-friendly features.

Need To Know: Blackberry Torch 9860

1. Works on a wide range of 2G and 3G networks globally. (The Good)

2. Comes with a fairly accurate voice-activated Universal Search function. (The Good)

3. You may have difficulties when using speakerphone during calls. (The Bad)

4. Speaker placement tends to get in the way of sound quality during phone calls. An easy fix involves resting the phone on a flat surface or simply using earphones. (The Bad)


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
3.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.7"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1230 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

The BlackBerry Torch 9860 eschews the QWERTY keypad of previous BlackBerry generations. Instead, it has a 3.7in touchscreen placed above a set of push buttons and an optical trackpad. It’s unclear if the move to a touchscreen is meant to attract new customers or move loyal customers over to to...

- Andrew Unsworth, Expert Reviews
Know Your Mobile
Know Your Mobile

There’s not much else to say about this handset really. The 5-megapixel camera is pretty bad, snapping noisy images that lack detail and clarity, as is the 720p video playback. Connectivity is all there, bar support for HSPA+, and there’s a lot to like about BlackBerry OS 7, providing yo...

- Richard Goodwin, Know Your Mobile
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

Blackberry have managed to create another stunning device in its own way. It’s not really an Android or iPhone killer but I still love the device. The whole form factor that makes the Torch 9860 very different to other handsets, with so many key features and specifications it makes this device worth...

- Coolsmartphone News, Coolsmartphone
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

Compared to the competition, it's hard to know exactly who the BlackBerry 9860 is going to appeal to. For your average man on the street, mid-range Android handsets beat it for price and features (if not build), and have a much better stocked app store. And it certainly doesn't have the might to...

- Edward Chester, TrustedReviews
tech2
tech2

With a price tag of Rs. 26,500 for a totally touchscreen BlackBerry that’s way better than anything the Storm series was able to offer, the Torch 9860 does seem like a good option. However, it does have chinks in its armour and one tends to expect a little more from a 1.2GHz processor. It’s a decent...

- Shayne Rana, tech2


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Torch 9860 user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Torch 9860 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Torch 9860 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
3.7"

The BlackBerry Torch 9860's screen size is 3.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1230mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1230 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 14 days standby time, 408 minutes.

Torch 9860 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 16, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 768 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.9 W/kg
Body: 0.66 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSDPA 14.4, HSUPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, WMV, ASF, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (UFB)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Multi-touch
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1230 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 408 minutes
Standby Time Up to 14 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.0 x 6.2 x 1.1 cm (4.7 x 2.4 x 0.4 in)
Weight 135 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Optical pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Blackberry
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: SureType
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Other fields
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, QCP, M4A, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, WMV, ASF, AVI
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Viewable document types:
Games: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry Monza
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Torch 9860 Reviews
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