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BlackBerry Torch 2 review

7.1/10 AVG.
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BlackBerry Torch 2
BlackBerry Torch 2
BlackBerry Torch 2
BlackBerry Torch 2
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7.1/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Torch 2 currently has an Informr score of 7.1 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 BlackBerry Torch 2 is a handsome looking smartphone. The most noticeable change from the original Torch is the more attractive checkered, gun-metal finish that wraps the device. The touchscreen, at 640x480 pixel resolution, is naturally responsive and boasts impressive color vibrancy.

There is no change to the 5 megapixel camera from the original Torch, but the enhanced video capability is welcomed, with continuous autofocus and the ability to record in 1280 x 720p HD. The screen teams up nicely with the slide mechanism, which is both sturdy and relatively smooth. One easy push with the thumb on the phone's body reveals the standard QWERTY keyboard which is still housed within.

Most of the key changes have been made under the cover, and that's a good thing in terms of performance. It has a generous 8 MB of internal memory, which can be further expanded by using an internal SD card. A more robust BlackBerry Protect now comes pre-installed in the new OS 7, and can be set to back up your content as frequently as required. As with the Torch, it's still got Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, proximity and ambient light sensors. It has also been speculated that the phone will soon have a new BB ID, which will allow you to locate your phone should you misplace it.

Overall, the BlackBerry Torch 2 is a more robust phone than earlier versions, and it is pretty much on a par with its counterparts. Although it was expected that this version would be slimmed down, that's not the case - but that doesn't take away from its improved performance. All in all, a good phone, that will ignite a lot of interest from BlackBerry supporters.

Need to Know: BlackBerry Torch 2

1. Enhanced Music Player, with intelligent artist search. (The Good)

2. Powered by the latest BlackBerry software and hardware. (The Good)

3. Pre-loaded compass has a number of glitches. (The Bad)

4. Ho-hum battery life. (The Bad)


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1270 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


BlackBerryRocks
BlackBerryRocks

The BlackBerry Torch 9810, which is the successor to the Torch 9800, comes with an improved screen, faster processor and the very latest version of the BlackBerry OS. This is not a huge step up from the original BlackBerry Torch, but HD video capture, the updates in BlackBerry OS and the sharper dis...

- Thea Neuman, BlackBerryRocks
TechTree
TechTree

The 9860 delivers a refreshing UI with the BlackBerry 7 OS. Its 1.2 GHz CPU is more than enough to pull off a good multimedia performance. On the other hand, the lack of scratch-resistant glass, useless GPS, and BIS dependency is annoying. However, the biggest downer is its Rs 30,000+ price tag. All...

- Chandrakant Isi, TechTree
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

The BlackBerry Torch 9810 feels like an incremental step for RIM. The previous handset had obvious problems, some of which are addressed here, but we also feel that the 9810 is the phone the 9800 should have been. That sets this handset behind the times a little and that's certainly not helped by a...

- Chris Hall, Pocket-lint
Techsmart
Techsmart

While the Torch 9810 is virtually indistinguishable from the outgoing model, its under the hood improvements, such as the improved display resolution, more internal storage space and a speedier CPU, makes for a much shinier Torch that can blind touch-and-type rivals like the Nokia E6.

- Hanleigh Daniels, Techsmart
Recombu
Recombu

It feels like we’re going over old ground, but the BlackBerry Torch 9810 remains a great phone for the fundamentals and email. If that’s what you’re looking for, in a solid, sturdy design, the Torch 9810 is a great choice. Between this and the Bold 9900, it may not be as stylish, but many will like...

- Mat Smith, Recombu


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Torch 2 user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Torch 2 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Torch 2 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
3.2"

The BlackBerry Torch 2's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 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
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1270mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1270 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 13 days standby time, 390 minutes.

Torch 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 11, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8655 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 768 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.44 W/kg
Body: 0.94 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, 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 Yes
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), 24 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features User-selectable font size
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1270 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 390 minutes
Standby Time Up to 13 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors White, Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.1 x 6.2 x 14.6 cm (4.4 x 2.4 x 5.8 in)
Weight 161 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 QWERTY, Touchscreen
Navigation Type Optical pad, Touchscreen
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: Yes
Any Key Answer: 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
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC, AMR, WMA, WAV, 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
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Yes
Apps: Yes
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry 9810
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Torch 2 Reviews
Where to buy BlackBerry Torch 2
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