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BlackBerry Curve 8900 review

7.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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BlackBerry Curve 8900
BlackBerry Curve 8900
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7.5/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 currently has an Informr score of 7.5 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 Curve 8900 is a powerhouse smartphone that can handle almost any task. Along with its legendary RIM Push email, which delivers mail to your phone as it is sent, the 8900 also boasts Wi-Fi support, built-in GPS, a 3.2MP camera, Bluetooth, speakerphone and much more.

With an updated OS, email is now more user-friendly than ever, eliminating the need to purchase a separate email reader, as mail is represented in all its HTML glory.

The 8900 Curve is sleek, fast and modern. RIM has taken so much of what is right in their BlackBerry product mix and poured it on strong with this sturdy and capable device.

With a nod to its non-corporate fans, the Curve offers up an enhanced Media Player and improved trackball navigation.

The backlit QWERTY keyboard consists of 35 contoured keys, and is clearly designed with speed and ease in mind.

The 2.44 inch, 480 x 360 high resolution display is crystal clear, presenting crisp images and well-defined color differentiation.

If you are looking to upgrade to a smartphone, you would do well to consider the BlackBerry 8900 Curve.

Pros: Powerful, capable, fast. Trackball interface a competent alternative to “touchscreen”. Deep feature set. Quality build materials.

Cons: Some deeper functions remain a bit cryptic for the lay user, but still within reach.

Verdict: The BlackBerry 8900 Curve can mix it up with any smartphone on the market.


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
512 MHz
Processor
Processor
512 MHz
2.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.4"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1400 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

The sharp and compact BlackBerry Curve 8900 spells business and oozes with class

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

When everything is added up, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is one of the best smartphones on the market. The 8300 series was great, but the 8900 series is even better. With GPS, an autofocus camera, good web browsing, and WiFi/UMA support, the only thing that appears to be missing is 3G. We can live wit...

- Michael Oryl, MobileBurn
Engadget
Engadget

Along with the Pearl, the Curve series represents the kinder, gentler side of BlackBerry; it's the side that appeals to consumers without sacrificing power, and from time to time, it's the side that's even been known to show some sex appeal. The Curve 8900 really takes that sex appeal to the next le...

- Chris Ziegler, Engadget
Wired
Wired

Barack Obama would love to get his executive mitts on the new BlackBerry Curve. Just like our new prez, RIM's latest smartphone is full of change. But unlike Mr. Obama, not all the change is promising. RIM claims the Curve 8900 is the "thinnest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry Smartphone" to date...

- Maren Jinnett , Wired
TechCrunch
TechCrunch

Overall, the 8900 is a fine BlackBerry and probably the best phone available for T-Mobile. Yes, I know the G1 is fantastic and all, but I still think the hardware isn’t where it should be. It’s big and clunky. The Sidekick still has a place in my heart, but MS/Danger really need to pull...

- Peter Ha, TechCrunch


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Curve 8900 user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Curve 8900 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Curve 8900 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
2.4"

The BlackBerry Curve 8900's screen size is 2.4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
512 MHz

There is a Intel XScale 512 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ 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
1400mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1400 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 19 days standby time.

Curve 8900 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 13, 2008
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor Intel XScale 512 MHz
Internal Storage No
RAM No
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.01 W/kg
Body: 0.59 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, 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
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 No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
2x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Image stabilization
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, 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 2.4 inches
Secondary Display No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1400 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 19 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Colors Black, Titanium
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 110 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, MSN, Yahoo
ROM: 256MB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
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, Blackberry Connect
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WMA
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, 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, Stop Watch, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): BlackBerry Javelin
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Curve 8900 Reviews
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