For years, across boardrooms and classrooms, power users and homemakers, the BlackBerry Curve has been the quintessential BlackBerry. Verizon Wireless and others have recently debuted the Curve 3G (9330), which refreshes the look and feel of this series while maintaining its familiarity.
This smartphone is available from Verizon for $30 after a $100 mail-in rebate. It's also available from Sprint and T-Mobile.
BUILD & DESIGN
The Curve 3G retains approximately the same dimensions as the previous Curves (8530, 8900, 8300). Compared to other current generation BlackBerrys, the Curve 3G feels remarkably light. This is due in part to the C-S2 battery that has been regularly featured in several BlackBerry models. This means that users upgrading from the 8xxx may be able to continue to use their battery as a spare.
Screen
Staying true to form in terms of being an update of the previous Curve, the screen on the new model is a step up over previous generations, but only just on par with its current generation competitors.
Its contrast and crispness will draw no complaints. However, I do have an odd complaint with the screen brightness - though having a bright screen is usually great, it doesn't dim as much as I'd prefer. If you're a heavy screen-as-flashlight user (but really, who isn't?), you'll be happy here.
Another complaint is the size and brightness of the LED message indicator, which is approximately the size of a ball point pen tip. Not a new complaint for current generation BlackBerrys.
Keyboard
The Curve 8900 was the wild child of the Curve family and boasted the rubbery keys found on other BlackBerry lines (read: 8800, Bold, Torch, Tour). The Curve 3G, on the other hand, remains steeped in family tradition and retains the chicklet style keyboard.
There is nearly no difference between the Curve 3G and previous generation keyboards.
Buttons & Other Controls
Current generation styling rules are in play for the Curve 3G. The Talk, BlackBerry, Return, and End call keys are integrated to appear to be part of the screen rather than the keyboard, there are hints of chrome, and a softer plastic bezel wrapping the phone, from beneath which the convenience keys seem to protrude.
RIM has included media keys (forward, back, play/pause/mute) on top of the phone in place of the mute/lock rocker found on some other models. A welcome addition in my opinion.
The company has integrated its now-standard optical trackpad into the Curve 3G. It works as expected, and horizontal and vertical scroll sensitivity controls work well.
RIM has continued its foray into interesting battery compartment covers with a textured plastic cover that somehow reminds me of carbon fiber. Compared to metal covers found on other models, this cover won't scratch or become excessively hot or cold. It looks good too, well done RIM! Unfortunately it's not the easiest to securely snap back on after removing it.
The Curve 3G uses a micro-USB charger, and also includes a 3.5 mm headset jack.
PERFORMANCE
The BlackBerry Curve 3G is debuting with BlackBerry OS 5, rather than the newly introduced OS 6.0. OS 5.0 is definitely an improvement on previous generations, but it feels outdated compared to the newer version.
A system software upgrade for this device is expected to be released next year, which will bring in a greatly improved web browser, better email apps, and other enhancements.
Like its forefathers, the Curve 3G offers generally reliable performance, but it is guaranteed not to wow anyone. Though infrequent, I did notice some bouts of sluggishness when doing routine tasks, which is alarming -- especially when I think about the OS 6.0 upgrade.
Wireless and Call Quality
The Curve 3G offers WiFi (a/b/g), Bluetooth, and Verizon's flavor of 3G. Connectivity is predictably BlackBerry -- reliable and without any drama.
Still, this phone excels in call quality. CDMA based calls seem to be clearer and offer less static than their GSM counterparts. The Curve 3G offered clear calling from the network side, and sound performance from the built-in speakers. Both handset and speakerphone volume and sound quality are more than adequate.
Standard BlackBerry Applications
The standard BlackBerry productivity and entertainment apps are preloaded onto the Curve 9330. Highlights among these include the Documents To Go suite for working with Microsoft Office files, and games such as BrickBreaker, Word Mole and others.
Additionally Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking apps are now standard issue.
If you want more, you can turn to BlackBerry App World, an on-device service for finding and buying third-party software.
Messaging
Email has always been one of BlackBerry's strengths, and the Curve continues this well. It supports both consumer email services as well as enterprise messaging systems.
It also comes with BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, GoogleTalk, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, and MSN preloaded, giving you plenty of options for instant messaging.
Browser
The area where the Curve 3G suffers most from its lack of BlackBerry OS 6.0 is the browser. The same tired browser that has frustrated users for years continues its reign with this model.
Any speed advantages Verizon's 3G network offer are negated by the browser. The browser renders mobile versions of pages fine, but doesn't do so with any appreciable speed advantages because these pages are so small.
Verizon Specific Applications
Verizon has never been shy about loading up its phones with useful applications, and also bloatware. This trend hasn't changed.
The only worthwhile apps are Visual Voicemail, and Bing Mobile. Other bundled apps include City ID, VCAST Music, V Case Song ID, Vzw Tones, and V Cast Video.
Being a Verizon BlackBerry, this Curve gets BlackBerry Maps (not usually offered on AT&T BlackBerrys). An interesting tweak for the Curve 3G is that Bing is the sole in-browser search provider.
Camera
The camera on this device underwhelms in every way. The disappointment of the mere 2.0 megapixel camera is surpassed only by the lack of flash and focus.
You'd be better off carrying a disposable camera in your pocket than using this one.
Battery Life
As welcome as the new features are, the Curve 3G's battery life suffers due to the addition of Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities. You won't fear about leaving the charger behind for the day, but the allure of previous generations' potential for days-without-charging under moderate use is gone.
The decrease in battery life seems less pronounced than the difference between GSM based phones when moving from "2G" to 3G.
CONCLUSION
The BlackBerry Curve 3G not flashy or revolutionary, and doesn't include top-of-the-line features, but it is a great refresher of a classic. The Curve has always been the smartphone equivalent of the Toyota Camry -- reliable, durable, cheap, but decidedly boring.
The styling updates are welcome, as is the addition of Wi-Fi and 3G. The lack of BlackBerry OS 6.0 and camera flash are significant detractors. The BlackBerry Curve 9330 strikes me as more of a fit for corporate user who can upgrade their previous generation Curve. It's unclear why a personal consumer would purchase this rather than say the Tour.
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