BlackBerry Curve 8520 Specs Features Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of BlackBerry Curve 8520

The BlackBerry Curve 8520, released in August 2009, is a smartphone that was designed and manufactured by Research In Motion (RIM), now known as BlackBerry Limited. This device aimed to bring a cost-effective yet functional smartphone experience to users who desired essential features without the high price tag of other models in the market at that time.

Build and Design

The design of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 is noted for its compact and lightweight form. With dimensions of 109 x 60 x 13.9 mm and weighing only 106 grams, it is a device that fits comfortably in the hand and is portable without being cumbersome. It features a rubberized edge for better grip, enhancing its durability and user comfort. The phone includes a full QWERTY keyboard, which is characteristic of BlackBerry phones, providing users with an efficient typing experience suitable for email and messaging.

Display

The Curve 8520 sports a 2.46-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. While this might seem modest by modern standards, at the time of its release, it was adequate for handling tasks such as reading emails, browsing through contacts, and navigating menus.

Camera

On the rear, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 includes a 2 MP camera capable of capturing images with decent quality for casual use. It also supports video recording at 320p, which, during its time, was widely accepted for basic video capture. However, it is important to note the absence of a front-facing camera, as the device was not targeting video call functionality.

Performance and Software

The Curve 8520 is powered by a 512 MHz processor and runs on BlackBerry OS 5.0. While not the most powerful specs, they were sufficient for handling daily tasks such as sending and receiving emails, browsing the web, and using various BlackBerry apps.
The OS was tailored for users who needed efficient connectivity and secured messaging capabilities—a hallmark of BlackBerry's offering to business professionals.

Storage and Memory

Internally, the Curve 8520 provides 256MB of storage with an option to expand via the dedicated microSDHC card slot, giving users flexibility up to 32GB additional storage space. This allows users to store a reasonable amount of media and documents.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports GSM technology and 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900). It includes Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) for wireless data access, and Bluetooth 2.0, facilitating hands-free use and file sharing. The lack of GPS might be a downside for users seeking navigation applications.

Battery Life

BlackBerry Curve 8520 is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery. It offers a standby time of up to 408 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. Such battery life was satisfactory for daily use, given the phone’s functionalities and screen size, ensuring users remained connected throughout the day.

Audio and Media

In terms of audio features, the BlackBerry Curve comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing various headsets to be connected. It includes a loudspeaker for notifications and media playback. Audio tests revealed satisfactory noise and crosstalk levels, affirming the device’s capability in delivering a clear and stable audio output.

Market Impact and Usage

At the time of its release, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 was a popular choice among users who valued functionality over flashy features. Its price point made it accessible, and its robust build earned it a reliable reputation. It found particular favor among business professionals who appreciated BlackBerry’s secure and efficient network and messaging services.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 stands as a testament to BlackBerry's commitment to providing functional and reliable devices to a broad audience. While it may seem outdated by today's smartphone standards, it fulfilled its role by offering essential features for communication and connectivity during its time.