BlackBerry Curve 9350 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview

The BlackBerry Curve 9350, released in September 2011, stands as a hallmark in the legacy of BlackBerry devices. Emphasizing practicality and communication, it was tailored to suit the needs of business professionals and frequent email users. Though now discontinued, the device held a significant presence in the market due to its distinctive features and reliable performance.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Curve 9350 carries the classic BlackBerry design with its compact dimensions of 109 x 60 x 11 mm, and a lightweight at just 99 grams. It fits comfortably in the hand and can be easily managed with one hand, which was a significant advantage for users who valued portability. The front of the device is dominated by a QWERTY keyboard, a staple feature for BlackBerry phones, providing an excellent typing experience for fast and efficient communication.

Display

Equipped with a 2.44-inch TFT display, the BlackBerry Curve 9350 offers a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels (~246 ppi density). Although modest compared to modern smartphones, the display delivers clear and sharp visuals, sufficient for daily tasks such as reading emails, handling texts, and navigating menus. Its compact size and 4:3 aspect ratio make it ideal for single-handed use, maintaining a screen-to-body ratio of about 28.2%.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Curve 9350 is powered by an 800 MHz processor and runs on BlackBerry OS 7.0. This setup ensures smooth performance for the device’s intended applications. Multitasking is supported by 512MB of RAM, which, while limited by today’s standards, was adequate for maintaining the efficient operation of BlackBerry's suite of business and communication apps.

Camera

The phone features a 5 MP rear camera accompanied by an LED flash, providing decent image quality for snapshots and documentation on-the-go. Capable of capturing video at 480p, it is suitable for quick video recordings. While it lacks a front-facing camera, the primary camera performance aligns with the device's focus on communication rather than multimedia.

Storage

With 512MB of internal storage, space is limited for extensive app installations or media storage. However, the presence of a microSDHC card slot allows users to expand storage, ensuring they can carry essential files, music, or photos as needed.

Networking and Connectivity

The BlackBerry Curve 9350 supports multiple network technologies including CDMA and EVDO, facilitating reliable connectivity and communication. With speeds up to EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, it enables efficient web browsing and online activities. The device’s connectivity is further enhanced by Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for audio devices, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, offering up to 348 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. Music enthusiasts can enjoy up to 45 hours of continuous music playback, highlighting the device's stamina for prolonged usage sessions without frequent recharges.

Additional Features

Additional features include integrated GPS with A-GPS for navigation, NFC for convenient data exchanges, and a 3.5mm audio jack to connect with various headsets and audio devices. Despite the lack of advanced sensors or radio, the HTML browser and practical build ensure a reliable user experience.

Market Position and Legacy

Initially priced around 50 EUR, the BlackBerry Curve 9350 was accessible to a wide range of consumers, particularly appealing to those who prioritize functionality over entertainment. Available in Black and Violet, it offered a classic aesthetic choice. While the phone is now discontinued, its impact, especially within business circles and among productivity-minded users, cannot be understated. It encapsulates the essence of what BlackBerry was known for – efficiency, reliability, and communication.