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BlackBerry Bold review

8.2/10 AVG.
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BlackBerry Bold
BlackBerry Bold
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8.2/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Bold currently has an Informr score of 8.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 21 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Blackberry Bold, or Blackberry 9000, is the most hyped and anticipated Blackberry ever. The Bold is RIM’s attempt to merge an evolved Curve into something exciting and new and targeted for general and professional use or, as it is now called, the prosumer market.

The Bold is a powerful and compelling device which offers a dynamic, 480 x 320 high resolution screen, a full Qwerty keypad, and an amazing 624MHz processor, all combining to deliver a first class user experience.

In designing the Bold, all aspects of the user experience were examined in relation to the design and overall ergonomics. For example, Blackberry aficionados adore the ever-present Qwerty keypad. It is a staple and trademark among the entire Blackberry line. In the case of the Bold, much effort was made to design keys that exhibit fretting and ridgeline on each key. These sculpted keys make typing easier and more enjoyable and show the considerable thought behind this fine new device.

And of course RIM has provided an OS upgrade to 4.6, which is leaner and meaner than prior versions.

The Bold also presents a thoughtful revision of the user interface. For example, getting rid of an application no longer requires you to go into the advanced options menu and scroll and so forth. Now with just two clicks the application is gone. There are many such touches as the Bold is largely a re-imagined device in so many ways.

The Bold comes with a 2.0MP camera with video, Bluetooth 2.0, 2.0 USB support, comprehensive audio and video support for a large variety of profiles, WiFi, expandable memory via microSD, and many more features and revisions.


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
624 MHz
Processor
Processor
624 MHz
2.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.6"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
1500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

Even without being the latest or greatest of RIM devices, the Bold 9000 is clearly the pinnacle of what BlackBerry stands for.

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
Softpedia
Softpedia

BlackBerry Bold 9000 is one of the most appealing smartphones coming from RIM in terms of design. Even though it's not one of the smallest devices, the Bold (like its name says) is definitely one of those phones that have the 'wow factor'. Better seen as a business device, I would recommend the Bold...

- Cosmin Vasile, Softpedia
CrackBerry
CrackBerry

The BlackBerry 9000 has a familiar form factor. Within the BlackBerry family, I’d argue it most closely resembles the BlackBerry 8800 Series – both in terms of physical dimensions and general appearance, with the 9000 delivering an overall sleeker and more modern package. Outside of the...

- Kevin Michaluk, CrackBerry
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

While it's larger size and slightly increased bulk might keep the new BlackBerry Bold 9000 from appealing to everybody, it is clear that this is the best QWERTY equipped BlackBerry device on offer. It has stunning good looks, a knock-out feature set, and an all new BlackBerry OS that looks as good a...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn
Engadget
Engadget

In the final analysis, is this the BlackBerry that's going to win over a whole new generation of users from competing platforms? No, we don't think it is -- it's a really evolutionary device, and the Storm probably has a better shot in that arena. Is this the best QWERTY BlackBerry every made, thoug...

- Chris Ziegler, Engadget


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Bold 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
2.6"

The BlackBerry Bold's screen size is 2.6 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
624 MHz

There is a Intel XScale 624 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
859 MB

Internal memory is 859 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1500 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 9 days standby time.

BlackBerry Bold Specs

Overview
Release Date May 12, 2008
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor Intel XScale 624 MHz
Internal Storage 859 MB
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.56 W/kg
Body: 0.37 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Car Charger, Carrying case, Data Cable, Headset, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
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 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 a/b/g
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
Yes
Additional Rear Camera Info
Geotagging, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, WMV, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
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 2.6 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 9 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black with chrome accents, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.4 x 6.6 x 1.5 cm (4.5 x 2.6 x 0.6 in)
Weight 136 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 Trackball
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, AIM, Yahoo, Windows Live
ROM: 128MB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Any Key Answer: 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: MIDI, MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA Pro, WMA
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, WMV, DivX, XviD
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Timer, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry 9000

Blackberry OS 5.0.0.771 update is available.
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Bold Reviews
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