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BlackBerry Bold 9790 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and Features

Release Date
2011, December
Camera
5MP
Battery
1230mAh
Screen
2.45"
Storage
8GB , microSDHC
Ram
768MB RAM
Operating System
BlackBerry OS 7.0

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 exemplifies a classic design that BlackBerry was renowned for, featuring a QWERTY keyboard that offers tactile feedback for typing enthusiasts. Measuring 110 x 60 x 11.4 mm and weighing just 107 g, the device is compact and easy to handle with one hand. The keyboard is accompanied by a capacitive touchscreen that provides a hybrid means of interaction, capturing the essence of productivity BlackBerry aimed to deliver.

Display

The device sports a 2.45-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels, giving it a pixel density of around 245 PPI. While small by today's standards, the screen's clarity is adequate for its size, offering respectable contrast with a ratio of 1043:1 (nominal). Although compact, the screen serves its purpose well for email, messaging, and basic applications.

Performance

Powered by the Marvel Tavor MG1 1.0 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. Coupled with 768MB of RAM, the device is capable of handling multitasking and running the BlackBerry OS 7.0 efficiently. While not designed for high-end gaming or demanding applications, the Bold 9790 holds its own in terms of practical productivity.

Storage

With 8GB of internal storage, the 9790 provides ample space for essential apps and data. Additionally, it includes a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing for expandable storage. This feature ensures that users have the flexibility to store additional media files or documents as needed.

Camera

The 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash is well-suited for casual photography. It captures images with reasonable clarity, and the 480p video recording capability is adequate for standard video needs. While the camera specifications are modest, they align with the priorities typical of a business-oriented device.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 offers up to 432 hours of standby time on 2G and up to 408 hours on 3G networks. Users can enjoy talk times of up to 5 hours and 20 minutes on 3G and music playback of up to 33 hours. Although the battery capacity may seem limited by modern standards, its efficiency is commendable, given the hardware and usage scenarios of the time.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Bold 9790 covers the essentials with GSM/HSPA technology, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS, and microUSB 2.0. NFC is available depending on the carrier. However, it lacks a radio feature which was becoming common in phones at the time.

Operating System and Software

Running on BlackBerry OS 7.0, the device offers a host of productivity applications and security features that BlackBerry was famed for. The interface is designed for quick navigation and efficient communication. Despite the OS now being outdated, at its time, it provided secure email solutions and essential business functionalities, appealing to business professionals.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 is a testament to BlackBerry's legacy in crafting devices centered around communication and productivity. With a robust build, practical features, and a focus on business needs, it attracts users who valued secure email access, a physical keyboard, and reliable performance over the multimedia-centric capabilities of modern smartphones. Despite being discontinued, its impact and appeal remain notable in the evolution of smartphones.

Key Features of BlackBerry Bold 9790

  • Compact and Lightweight: Weighs only 107 g with dimensions of 110 x 60 x 11.4 mm.
  • QWERTY Keyboard: Easy typing with a physical QWERTY keyboard.
  • Display: 2.45-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels and ~245 ppi density.
  • Processor: Powered by a Marvel Tavor MG1 1.0 GHz CPU.
  • Storage: 8GB internal storage and 768MB RAM, expandable via microSDHC slot.
  • Photography: 5 MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash; video capability at 480p.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS, and NFC (carrier dependent).
  • Battery Life: Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery providing up to 432 hours standby on 2G and 408 hours on 3G.
  • Operating System: Runs on BlackBerry OS 7.0.
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack and loudspeaker available.

Disadvantages of BlackBerry Bold 9790

  • Discontinued model, meaning no longer supported with updates or repairs.
  • Screen size is relatively small at 2.45 inches, which may not be ideal for media consumption or browsing.
  • Resolution limited to 480 x 360 pixels, providing lower screen clarity and sharpness compared to modern devices.
  • Operating system is BlackBerry OS 7.0, which is outdated and may not support newer applications and functionalities.
  • Limited processing power with 1.0 GHz CPU, making it inadequate for handling modern applications smoothly.
  • No front-facing camera, reducing options for selfies and video calls.
  • Rear camera only capable of recording video at 480p, which is low by current standards.
  • Bluetooth version 2.1 is outdated, lacking support for newer Bluetooth features and energy efficiency.
  • No FM radio feature, which can be found in many other devices of its time.
  • Battery life endurance is rated at 35 hours, which might not satisfy heavy phone users.
  • Lack of advanced sensors that are common in smartphones today, such as gyroscope or proximity sensors.
  • NFC support is carrier dependent, meaning it might not be available for all users.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800
Speed HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2011, November. Released 2011, December
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 110 x 60 x 11.4 mm (4.33 x 2.36 x 0.45 in)
Weight 107 g (3.77 oz)
Keyboard QWERTY
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT
Size 2.45 inches, 18.6 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~245 ppi density)
Platform
OS BlackBerry OS 7.0
CPU Marvel Tavor MG1 1.0 GHz
Memory
Card slot microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal 8GB 768MB RAM
Main Camera
Single 5 MP, AF
Features LED flash
Video 480p
Selfie camera
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band
Bluetooth 2.1, A2DP, EDR
Positioning GPS, A-GPS
NFC Carrier dependent
Radio No
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery (JM-1)
Stand-by Up to 432 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 5 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 20 min (3G)
Music play Up to 33 h
Misc
Colors Black, White
SAR 1.35 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 1.56 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
Price About 130 EUR
Tests
Display Contrast ratio: 1043:1 (nominal)
Camera Photo
Loudspeaker Voice 61dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 63dB
Audio quality Noise -89.4dB / Crosstalk -32.7dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 35h

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