Ben Uzor Jr
Undoubtedly, the BlackBerry Curve 9320 may not be the
BlackBerry Smartphone that is hitting the headlines at the moment due to it
been a low end, budget-friendly device but that doesn’t mean it will not be
popular. In fact, in the United Kingdom, tech buffs say it is quite possible
that the 9320 may be 2012’s best selling Smartphone. For quite some time, RIM
has claimed the title of most handsets sold in Nigeria. With the youth of today
all carrying a BlackBerry, the Curve 9320 is the perfect successor to the Curve
8520 and 9300 that have proved so popular. Though, the device has not been
formally launched into the Nigerian market, smartphone enthusiasts argue that
the Curve 9320 is RIM’s bid to win first time smartphone users with smartphone
basics, decent battery life and integrated BBM for social feeds.
The Curve 9320 wants to be as successful with the youth
market as previous models proved to be a few years ago off the back of
celebrity endorsements, clever marketing and Gossip Girl product placement. While
BlackBerry has been busy pumping out impressive touchscreen handsets such as
the BlackBerry Bold 9780 and BlackBerry Bold 9900, it’s keen to make sure it
doesn’t alienate those who would be drawn in by its cheaper - yet just as
cheerful - Curve range. And the BlackBerry Curve 9320 - just like the
BlackBerry Curve 9360 - fits that mould well. The Curve 9320 looks like a Curve
of old. It’s sleek, with both black and brushed metal tones and has a curved
back, which really fits in the hand well - almost as though it’s been molded
with that in mind. It was one of the first things I noticed when I took it out
of its packaging. At 109 x 60 x 12.7mm and 103g, it’s a bit thicker than the
Curve 9360 and 4g heavier and certainly feels rounder and chunkier. The precise
edges are all gone.
Build
The trademark BlackBerry design won’t surprise anyone.
There’s a neat, classic and responsive keyboard at the heart of the smartphone,
given as much presence as the 2.44 inch screen. Minor changes include the
sensible migration of the headphone socket to the top of the body rather than
the side and a BBM button on the left hand side of the body for fast access to
the service which remains the key USP of all RIM products. Compared to other
BlackBerry smartphones, the BlackBerry 9320 feels chunky yet lightweight.
Measurements clock in at 109 x 60 x 13.9mm and it tips the scales at just 103g.
Overall, the BlackBerry Curve 9320 mimics the business centric, plastic feel of
older models and doesn’t look stylish or high-tech but is designed purely for
function.
Features
Despite the budget price tag, this is the first BlackBerry
to arrive with BlackBerry 7.1 which allows BBM to integrate with other apps
like Facebook. Preceding the revolution that RIM is promising with BlackBerry
10, it’s a minor overhaul but important and a welcome addition that gives the
BlackBerry 9320 kudos for upgrading BBM fans. The 3.2 megapixel camera is
average but does feature a flash which isn’t guaranteed at the price point.
Inside, a 1450mAh battery is a welcome bonus and the MicroSD slot means adding
a cheap MicroSD card (up to 32GB) is a no-brainer upgrade for music fans.
The FM (RDS) Radio works well and while basic, it’s a great
bonus over many rivals which rely on patchy 3G for radio use. The homescreen is
pre-loaded with useful apps too: Facebook, Twitter, Virgin Trains as well as a
basic but functional map app and less important OK and ESPN apps. Connectivity
options are good, with HSDPA 3G skills alongside A2DP Bluetooth.
Screen
At 2.44 inches and 320 x 240 pixels, the BlackBerry Curve
isn’t going to win any awards for screen quality as rivals offer either a much
bigger screen or a higher resolution screen. That said, the screen is clear and
bright but lacks detail on many websites. Custom apps fare much better and mean
that they’ll naturally be used more frequently than the browser because while
menus and apps are clear, the screen simply struggles to present complex sites.
Performance
The 3 megapixel camera is functional rather than fun and the
web browser is just about usable but, in 2012, looks terribly dated against
touchscreen smartphones with big displays and fast Android browsers. It’s a
major sticking point and navigating many websites now feels like using your
feet to pilot a car. The overall experience for apps, texting and emails is
very fast with little lag, however and BBM naturally works better than before.
If you rule out browser use, the BlackBerry Curve 9320 is a decent keyboard
driven smartphone but the pure power of rivals like the Huawei Ascend G300 and
LG Optimus L3 blow it out of the water.
Games and intensive media apps on rival Android smartphones
will embarrass the BlackBerry Curve 9320 at every turn and in a serious,
productivity sense, the Nokia Lumia 710 offers competitive Windows Phone
functions and a higher spec. Call quality has always been solid on BlackBerry
smartphones and it’s great here, offering very clear audio for the caller and
receiver.
Battery
The 1450 mAh battery gives a couple of days of intensive use
and, for many, this will be a major plus over rivals and high-end options.
Verdict
RIM no longer produces smartphones that compete with the
desirability of Apple products and the younger market which once craved BBM is
now rapidly migrating to cheap yet stylish Android smartphones and iPhones which
now boast iMessage, a more than capable BBM rival. The BlackBerry Curve 9320 is
average in almost every way but will still appeal to BlackBerry fans and anyone
after a best in class keyboard and upgraded BBM. As a smartphone, it’s actually
one of the simplest ones out there.
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