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BlackBerry 8520 Curve review

6.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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BlackBerry 8520 Curve
BlackBerry 8520 Curve
BlackBerry 8520 Curve
BlackBerry 8520 Curve
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6.9/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry 8520 Curve currently has an Informr score of 6.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 19 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
512 MHz
Processor
Processor
512 MHz
2.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.6"
2+ MP
Camera
Camera
2+ MP
1150 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Digital Versus
Digital Versus

If you don't need an entirely touchscreen phone, but do want a great physical keyboard, good battery life and a chance to try a BlackBerry without breaking the bank, then the Curve 8520 is a great choice. The design isn't that exciting, and surfing the web without 3G can sometimes be painful. The ph...

- Florence Legrand , Digital Versus
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

If you’re not too concerned about surfing the web and want something reliable, this Curve 8520 should be something to consider. You can hold up to 16GB of memory with a microSD card and can play all the music you want. Sound quality is decent, but nothing to write home about. In addition, as a...

- Ian Hardy , Mobile Syrup
What Mobile
What Mobile

BlackBerry’s latest email/smartphone device is an affordable model featuring an optical trackpad to replace the traditional rollerball, along with a QVGA resolution display and 2-megapixel camera. The top of the phone now has three multimedia keys for play/pause, fast forward and rewind, for use wit...

- What Mobile, What Mobile
CrackBerry
CrackBerry

Overall I'm impressed with the Curve 8520. At this point I can't say I would use it daily due to my needs (and wants), but as I said previously I only wish it were around a few years back when I could have put it to the test. For me the deal breaker is jumping back to the lower resolution screen. Th...

- Adam Zeis, CrackBerry
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

The BlackBerry Curve 8520, from Research In Motion, turns out to be both an excellent smartphone and a pretty darn good deal, as well. But with a price point only 13% below that of the Curve 8900, which features an autofocus camera and a high-resolution display, its hard to say if its as good of a d...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry 8520 Curve user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the 8520 Curve with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your 8520 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
2.6"

The BlackBerry 8520 Curve's screen size is 2.6 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
512 MHz

There is a 512 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
512 MB

Internal memory is 512 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 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 17 days standby time.

8520 Curve Specs

Overview
Release Date July 27, 2009
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor 512 MHz
Internal Storage 512 MB
RAM 128 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.22 W/kg
Body: 0.83 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Headset, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE
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
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 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
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 2.6 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 Unknown
Standby Time Up to 17 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Frost Blue, White, Lavender, Fuchsia Red
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 106 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 Optical 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, 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
Games: Downloadable
Apps: -
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry Gemini

BlakcBerry OS 5.0.0.822 update is available
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry 8520 Curve Reviews
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