BlackBerry Torch 9850 Specs Prices & Insights

Design and Display

The BlackBerry Torch 9850 is a sleek and stylish device with dimensions measuring 120 x 62 x 11.5 mm and a weight of 135 g. These dimensions make it portable and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in hand and pocket. The device features a minimalist design with a predominantly black color scheme that gives it a professional appearance. The use of a mini-SIM slot allows for global connectivity suitable for both professional and personal use.

The smartphone boasts a 3.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, maintaining a decent pixel density of about 252 ppi. This display size and resolution ensure vibrant color reproduction and adequate brightness for outdoor use, enhancing visual experiences while browsing, gaming, or watching videos.

Performance and Hardware

Embedded within the BlackBerry Torch 9850 is the Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 chipset, accompanied by a 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 205 GPU. This combination provides a seamless experience for daily tasks, from browsing the web to managing multiple applications.

The device comes with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card slot. This memory capacity, although limited by today’s standards, was considerably competitive at the time of its release in 2011. It can handle multitasking with basic applications and offers expandable storage options for additional applications and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The BlackBerry Torch 9850 is equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities. It supports LED flash, enabling decent photo capture under low-light conditions. The camera offers video recording at 720p, a standard for the time, capturing memories with reasonable clarity and detail.

While it lacks a front camera, the rear camera provides satisfactory photography options for users focused on documenting their daily life or work activities with high-quality imagery.

Operating System and Software

Running on BlackBerry OS 7, the device provides an improved user interface and enhanced browsing features relative to its predecessors. BlackBerry OS 7 brought several new features to the table, such as Liquid Graphics for smoother graphics performance and a faster web browser. Users benefit from integrated social feeds and access to BlackBerry’s App World, offering various applications curated for both professional and leisure activities.

Connectivity and Sensors

Connectivity options on the BlackBerry Torch 9850 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless audio and data sharing, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

The phone is equipped with GPS and A-GPS for navigation and location-based services, although it lacks a radio feature. Sensors integrated in the device include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, enhancing its interactive and navigational capabilities.

Battery Life

Powering the BlackBerry Torch 9850 is a removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery. This battery is capable of providing up to 320 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. For music enthusiasts, the device supports music playback for up to 50 hours, ensuring prolonged entertainment use without frequent recharges.

Market Release and Availability

Announced in August 2011 and released during the same month, the BlackBerry Torch 9850 was well-received for its modern touchscreen experience combined with BlackBerry’s signature messaging services. Priced at around 130 EUR upon release, it was positioned as a competitive device for mid-tier consumers seeking reliability and professional utility.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry Torch 9850 symbolizes a pivotal moment in BlackBerry’s history as it transitioned towards embracing touchscreen technology within its product range. While discontinued, the device reflects a blend of BlackBerry’s traditional features with modern smartphone functionalities, catering well to professionals and users looking for a reliable device with solid performance capabilities during its era.