BlackBerry 6720 Ultimate Guide to Features Prices Pros & Cons

Overview

The BlackBerry 6720 was a revolutionary device when launched in Q2 of 2003. Known for its iconic QWERTY keyboard and robust email functionalities, it was a significant tool for professionals and businesses. This era marked a transition in mobile technology from basic cell phones to more feature-rich devices that could assist in business operations.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry 6720 sported a classic design with dimensions of 121 x 77 x 18 mm and a weight of 138 grams. This made it relatively portable, yet substantial enough to feel like a powerful tool. The device featured a QWERTY keyboard, which was a signature feature of BlackBerry devices, allowing users to type emails and messages with ease and efficiency. The build quality was solid, resonating with its target audience that favored durability.

Display

The display of the BlackBerry 6720 measured 3.0 inches with a resolution of 160 x 160 pixels. Although the monochrome display was simple compared to today's standards, it was adequate for displaying emails, text, and essential information clearly. The focus was on functionality rather than multimedia, a decision reflective of its business-oriented user base.

Hardware and Performance

Powered by BlackBerry's proprietary operating system and equipped with a modest 16MB of internal storage coupled with 1MB of RAM, the device was designed for efficiency over power. There was no card slot available for memory expansion, ensuring all data had to be managed within the confines of its internal capacity. Tasks such as email and basic productivity apps ran smoothly given the technological limitations of the time.

Network and Connectivity

The BlackBerry 6720 operated on GSM technology supporting 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800), making it suitable for global roaming in many regions. Despite its sparse reliance on modern connectivity options like Bluetooth, WLAN, or a 3.5mm audio jack, it featured a proprietary USB connection for synchronization with PCs. This was typical in an era before high-speed mobile data became widespread.

Battery Life

The removable Li-Ion battery provided up to 240 hours of standby time and up to 4 hours of talk time, which was efficient for its time. Users could depend on the device throughout a workday without frequent recharges, a crucial factor for business professionals on the move.

Software and Features

Running on BlackBerry OS, the 6720 was primarily designed with business applications in mind. The device offered robust security, a hallmark of BlackBerry's success in the corporate world. While not equipped with cameras, GPS, or multimedia capabilities, it excelled in providing secure email access, PIM functions, and web browsing using its HTML browser. These features catered almost exclusively to professional users.

Legacy and Impact

The BlackBerry 6720, although discontinued, holds historical importance as a precursor to the smart devices we see today. Its emphasis on email functionality and portable communication blazed a trail for the development of mobile technology centered around connectivity and productivity. The device's existence encouraged the mobile phone industry to innovate and cater to the needs of an increasingly connected world. Its influence can still be seen in modern smartphones' focus on ubiquitous email access and mobile productivity.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry 6720 is fondly remembered by many as a trusted companion for business and personal communications. While technology has rapidly evolved, leading to the advanced smartphones of today, the BlackBerry 6720 remains a milestone in mobile technology history. It exemplifies a period where focus was on function and utility, shaping the digital landscape for future innovations.