BlackBerry Curve 9370 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of BlackBerry Curve 9370

The BlackBerry Curve 9370, announced in August 2011 and released the following month, was one of the devices in the Curve series targeting a user base looking for affordability without sacrificing core functionalities. Even though it has since been discontinued, it remains a noteworthy device in the historical lineup of BlackBerry phones due to its specialized features and the era it represents in mobile technology.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry Curve 9370 has a sleek design, with dimensions of 109 x 60 x 11 mm and a weight of 99 grams. Its compact and lightweight design made it highly portable. The use of a Mini-SIM was standard for the time. Its form factor included a physical QWERTY keyboard, which was a signature element of BlackBerry devices, providing a tactile typing experience that many users favored over virtual keyboards of touchscreen devices.

Display

This device features a 2.44-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels, giving it a pixel density of approximately 246 ppi. While the display size might seem small by today's standards, it was sufficient for browsing and reading emails on the go at the time. The screen was bright and clear, which made viewing images and text relatively straightforward.

Operating System and Performance

Running on BlackBerry OS 7.0, the Curve 9370 was equipped with a single-core 800 MHz processor. While this might seem underwhelming compared to today's multi-core processors, it was suitable for efficiently running the BlackBerry OS and applications designed for this platform. The OS was optimized to handle basic functions well, such as email, messaging, and internet browsing.

Memory and Storage

The BlackBerry Curve 9370 came with 512MB of RAM and 1GB of internal storage. This could be expanded using a microSDHC card, providing users with additional space if required for storing more data and applications. The combination of memory and storage was adequate for the intended usage, focusing more on productivity than multimedia applications.

Camera Capabilities

On the back, the Curve 9370 was equipped with a 5 MP camera featuring an LED flash. The camera was capable of recording video at 480p, which was typical for smartphones at the time. While it didn’t offer high-definition video recording or front-facing selfie cameras, its camera was competent for capturing quick photos and moments to share with others.

Connectivity and Communications

The device supported GSM/CDMA/EVDO networks, making it versatile for both local and international usage. It connected to the internet via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and included Bluetooth 2.1 and A2DP for wireless audio streaming. GPS and A-GPS support ensured that users could take advantage of location-based services, a feature increasingly important for smartphone users. Importantly, the Curve 9370 included Near Field Communication (NFC), a technology that was emerging at the time for simple wireless transactions and data exchanges.

Audio Features

For audio, the Curve 9370 had a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio listening and modern audiophile needs. The device allowed users to enjoy music on the go, with a music playback time of up to 45 hours, which complimented the working professional in need of relaxation through music.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery. It offered up to 348 hours of standby time, up to 5 hours and 30 minutes of talk time, making it reliable for a full day of typical use without needing a recharge. The removable battery was also a practical feature, allowing users to carry a spare battery if extended use was needed without access to charging facilities.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Curve 9370 serves as a historical piece in the evolution of mobile technology. It catered to business professionals and those accustomed to BlackBerry’s distinctive form and functionality. With features such as a full QWERTY keyboard, NFC, and robust productivity apps, it stood as a relevant choice for those not requiring the bells and whistles of more advanced consumer-oriented smartphones. Though it is a device from a decade past, its design philosophy and functional elements continue to impact smartphone design considerations today.