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.

Interface and Features:

Some were probably hoping to see BlackBerry OS 6 make its presence on this handset after seeing the Touch 9800 bring it into the world, but regrettably, we're left with nothing more than OS 5. The last generation platform is more than sufficient in getting things done thanks to the peppy 624MHz processor running under the hood – something that's an upgrade over the Curve 8520's 512MHz CPU. In actual usage, there is nothing different to separate this BlackBerry OS 5 device with others on the market – but it'll require some time investment in learning the platform if you're new to it. Overall, we adore the fact that the Curve 3G is well endowed with the speed factor seeing that launching applications and getting tasks are a breeze for this one.

The homescreen is laid out as you'd expect it to be with some icons, which you can change obviously, that'll offer you quick access to specific apps. Once you get into the main menu, you'll be greeted with that neon looking presentation of the icons which are placed in a grid-like fashion. Needless to say, the BlackBerry menu key will become one friendly tool when you run specific apps.


When launching the contacts app for the first time, we were glad to see it prompt us to enable T-Mobile's Mobile Backup service. It'll basically wirelessly sync contacts which easily lessens the burden on yourself, but then again, you can always download Google Sync as an alternative source. Adding contacts to the handset is your usual fanfare since there are a host of specific pieces of information you can attach with each person.

By far one of the biggest strengths of any BlackBerry device is its never complicated email setup – and the same is true with the Curve 3G. After simply running the “Manage Internet Email” app under the Settings folder, you can pick and choose which clients you want to use. Undoubtedly you'll find all of the generic email clients there, but it is even able to automatically set up our PhoneArena account by only inputting our email address and password. Still, there might be some additional settings required if it's something not familiar. There will be a specific icons in the main menu created for each email account you set up, but you'll find a combined inbox when you run the “Messages” app.



Sending text messages is no different from other BlackBerry handsets as you'll even have the option of including media content like audio, video, and photos. Without a doubt, the Curve 3G is yet another messaging monster since its QWERTY keyboard makes for a fantastic overall experience. Rather than sending text messages, you can instant message friends with its support for clients like AIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and BlackBerry Messenger.



Interestingly enough, the Curve 3G is slim when it comes to preloaded third party applications, however, a quick look into the BlackBerry App World will easily assuage those concerns. Although it still pales in comparison to the level of apps offered by the App Store and Android Market, it should prove to be sufficient in getting some of the most popular apps out there onto the handset.

Camera and Multimedia:

Sadly there are no improvements to be found with the 2-megapixel camera on the Curve 3G as it was unable to accurately reproduce colors correctly in our shots. When snapping shots outdoors with good lighting, colors have a neutral tone to them – but lacked any vibrancy to make them jump out. Even worse, shots indoors in okay to poor lighting came out fuzzy looking with the same mute looking colors. In the end, they're definitely far from pretty, but we were sorely hoping to see an upgrade in this department. 




So you want to take videos on the Curve 3G? Well, you'll probably want to reconsider when you find out it's able to shoot them in QVGA (320x240) resolution and at a capture rate of 15fps. Painstakingly pixelated looking when viewing them on a PC, it didn't help either when there are noticeable jittery movements. Sure it can record videos, but its quality might make you look elsewhere.

Sample video taken with RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G at 320x240 pixels


You're not going to find any problems playing most song files on the handset since it supports audio formats like MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, FLAC, WMA, AMR, OGG. As for the music player, it's the same one in use on other BlackBerry OS 5 smartphones. Its presentation is no different seeing that It'll display things such as the album cover, song information, and on-screen controls. However, we were impressed with the audio quality with the speaker since it's able to muster up strong and audible tones that can be easily heard without sounding overly strained.


Packing a 624MHz processor definitely has its advantage when playing videos on the handset. We were able to load a movie trailer, encoded in MPEG-4 640 x 480 pixels resolution, without any problems as it played fluidly from start to finish. Even though the smaller sized display doesn't make it conducive to watching videos, it's still able to present a decent experience.

Preloaded with the handset is a 2GB microSD card which should be more than adept in dealing with the needs of most users, but it can happily accepts card up to 32GB in capacity if additional storage is required.

Data and Connectivity:

The BlackBerry Curve 3G is an ideal solution for the global trotter with its quad-band GSM (850/900/18000/1900 MHz) and tri-band UMTS (900/1700/2100 MHz) connections. Without a doubt, it is T-Mobile's first Curve handset to support its specific 3G network – which is undoubtedly made known with its name. If that isn't enough for you, it even packs Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11 b/g/n as an alternative wireless source.

After experiencing the Webkit based browser on the Torch 9800, it's somewhat of a setback to once again experience the behind the curve performance with the Curve 3G. Yeah, it easily zips past the Curve 8520 when it comes to loading up web pages thanks to its 3G speeds, but the tiny and faint looking text make it very difficult in reading long passages of text. Fortunately scrolling is pretty smooth as it is able to render things on the fly without much lag, but we have to admit that it's probably more than acceptable by most people – despite not exuding the newer platform and its Webkit based browser.

Performance:

For starters, the earpiece is able to output some really strong and deafening tones which will even make those with faint hearing easily recognize words. Voices on both ends were natural and crystal clear with no evidence of any background noise or static. When using the speakerphone, we are once again presented with some loud tones which is able to produce audible voices. Topping things off for the phenomenal calling performance is the handset's support for UMA calling – which allows you to place and receive phone calls when connected to a Wi-Fi network. It can definitely become handy when you find that your connection to T-Mobile's network is not sufficient.

Averaging around -70 dBm in a high coverage area, we didn't experience any major changes in signal strength during our testing in the greater Philadelphia area.

Some would suspect that 3G speeds would dramatically reduce battery life, but in fact, we find the battery life to be more than acceptable after getting by a full day on heavy usage. We were able to achieve our mark with the handset set to 100 percent brightness and turning on the setting to automatically dim the backlight. While still employing the same 1150 mAh battery in use with the Curve 8520, the Curve 3G is rated for 4.5 hours of talk and 456 hours of standby time.

Conclusion:

First and foremost, you might want to stick with the BlackBerry Curve 8520 and save some money if you're not covered in T-Mobile's 3G goodness. With that in mind, the BlackBerry Curve 3G proves to be a decent attraction when it's priced at $79.99 on-contract – granted though it doesn't innovate in design from the previous iteration. Nevertheless, it packs some minor improvements under the hood to make it a slightly better handset in the greater scheme of things. However, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is far superior in almost every way and should be priced competitively to this seeing that it has been on the market for some time – so ultimately you'll need to factor that into the mix in your search.

RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G Video Review: