RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G for T-Mobile Review

Introduction:

Call it a long time coming or something, but we're finally seeing a T-Mobile branded RIM BlackBerry Curve smartphone that's sporting the good old 3G flare – something that's already giving way to 4G networks. Nevertheless, the BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 is here with some minor specs boost under the hood while retaining the exact design of the previous Curve 8520. Priced decently at $79.99 on-contract, will this new Curve have enough goodies to make it a standout winner soon after seeing the latest version of the platform unveiled?

The package contains:

• BlackBerry Curve 3G
• microUSB Cable
• Wall Charger
• Stereo Headset
• BlackBerry User Tools CD
• Start Guide
• Tips & Tricks

Design:

Call it either a good or bad thing, but the Curve 3G is nearly an exact replica from head to toe with the Curve 8520. The faux-pas metallic lavender colored bezel attempts to add some charm to the handset, but you can gauge that it isn't the finest materials since the overall feel of the handset is plastic in nature. However, there's a sense of ruggedness since the sides and rear have that rubbery feel to them – making it resistant to some of the daily wear and tear we can bestow upon it. While holding it in the hand, it feels extremely light weight (3.7 oz) and normal sized. Regardless, it would've been nice to see some kind of redesign  especially after seeing this one for the better part of the last year.



You can compare the RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Surprisingly, RIM opted to utilize a smaller 2.4” TFT display with QVGA resolution (320 x 240) while still resorting to having support for the same 65k colors. Granted though it does provide for better pixel density, but it doesn't change the fact that isn't any sharper looking. At the same time, colors look slightly washed out and doesn't radiate the vibrant colors found with other higher-end models. Viewing angles are pretty decent, and when it's placed on the maximum brightness setting, it can still be viewable outdoors in direct sunlight.



As we mentioned, the Curve 3G is a near replica of the Curve 8520 – so that means we're once again presented with the same placement of buttons. Below the display, we find the usual set of buttons with the optical track-pad found squarely in the middle. We like the responsive feel of it when navigating around the platform, but all of the buttons have a decent tactile response when pressed; even the track-pad. On the left edge, we find the 3.5mm headset jack, microUSB port, and left convenience key. While on the right side, we get access to the volume rocker and right convenience key – both of which have that rugged feel to them. However, we still like the fact that the media controls are once again found on the top side of the handset along with the speakerphone. The unchanged 2-megapixel camera is found at the upper left corner on the rear. Finally, removing the back cover is a pretty simple process requiring you to yank it off, but once that's done, you'll have access to the microSD card slot, battery, and SIM card slot.


Again, we're greeted to the good old fashioned QWERTY keyboard that's been the staple on the last few Curve devices. Although buttons can be regarded as tiny, especially for those with larger sized fingers, they're raised to provide some distinction from one another. Moreover, they offer the same tactile response we're accustomed to experiencing with this keyboard. Thankfully, it only requires a few times to get situated with it as we began to speed type without any hiccups.