RIM (Research in Motion) BlackBerry Torch (9800) Review

FiveFwd's assessment of the Blackberry Torch 9800 revealed it to be a great option if you're a Blackberry fan wanting the best of both worlds, namely a touchscreen smartphone and a QWERTY keyboard. They loved its outstanding build-quality and said that its keypad was comfortable and a joy to use, though they had some misgivings about its slower operating system and larger size.

"Business Buy"

Expert Reviews reckon this is the best Blackberry so far, with its wonderful display and new and improved operating system. The keyboard is a bit smaller than on alternative Blackberry models and yet the Torch is a heavier device because of it, but it is the perfect choice for business users thanks to the secure email.

Value for money: 7 out of 10 points

Smartphone Daily point out three new design features with the Blackberry Torch 9800. Firstly, it has a very responsive and decent sized touchscreen. Secondly, it is a slider and contains a very small and fiddly qwerty keyboard which they didn't really like. Lastly, it introduces version 6 of the Blackberry OS, which is not hugely different but has a few nice additions.

"The Businessman"

"... The Torch comes with a 3.2in touchscreen, but Blackberry has wisely retained its famous got-to-email-office-now QWERTY keyboard in a neat sliding design. The operating system has undergone a huge revamp, but still offers one of the most effective ways to stay on top of email and your business empire in general. ..."

Value for money: "average" (3 out of 6 stars)

PC Pro weren't too excited about the BlackBerry Torch, saying that although the operating system upgrade is a fantastic and welcome change that keeps it in tune with the times, the hardware disappoints in both performance and build quality. Battery life is good and the camera has been improved, but the reviewer concluded that they would rather wait for the new BlackBerry Bold.

Value for money: 6 out of 10 points

TrustedReviews were rather critical of the BlackBerry Torch due to its unsatisfying mix of new and old concepts, since in some aspects it manages to keep up with the latest smartphone trends, but in others it stays anchored in the past, resulting in a hybrid that won't entirely satisfy business users nor Android/iPhone/Palm devotees.

In many ways the Torch doesn't stray far from the clasic Blackberry tradition, with the excellent keyboard, connectivity and security features RIM is known for, but it also brings some innovation with its touchscreen, sliding form factor and useful new features like universal search. PC Advisor did point out, though, that it's rather bulky, and that it can be confusing to use.

For ZDNet, the BlackBerry Torch not only will help keep existing users in RIM's camp thanks to its combination of keyboard and touchscreen, but it might win new accolades to the cause too thanks to the new and responsive BlackBerry 6 operating system. It also has the best camera ever seen on a BlackBerry device, making this RIM's most mainstream-friendly offering to date without compromising on security or features.

The Inquirer remarks that the Blackberry Torch is a significant improvement on the companies past touchscreen efforts, offering much improved browsing and social networking functionality, but they don't imagine iPhone or Android users will be convinced to switch over. They commend the dual option of touchscreen and slide out Qwerty keyboard and the security options for business users, but point out the poor resolution of the screen, lack of availability of apps and the weight and bulkiness of the handset.

The Torch is the first device from RIM that is touchscreen with a slide-out keypad and is a huge improvement on previous efforts at touchscreen. The mobile browsing and social networking improvements to the torch will mean most Blackberry users will love it, but Apple and Android touchscreen fans may take more convincing. It has an inferior app store and the screen is low resolution, plus it is heavy and a little clunky. However, business users will find the security improved and it has swipe functionality.

The blackberry Torch 9800 has a responsive touchscreen which Know Your Mobile say is the first success RIM has had with touchscreen devices. It also has a QWERTY keyboard and is running on the Blackberry OS operating system, which is delightful and makes it a top device. The downside is that the top row of keys on the keypad are a bit tight and the design is chunky.

The usual Blackberry quirks are still apparent, which for Blackberry users who are used to them is fine, but Pocket-lint believe there is not a lot that will attract new users. The screen and processor are a bit behind the times and more like you'd have expected last year, therefore it can't compete with the competition. It offers a better user experience than the Bold but the keyboard is no match and as a touchscreen, it is far behind the market leaders.

What Mobile believe the Blackberry Torch 9800 is the one of the most accomplished handsets on the market, offering a wide selection of functions including the best social networking features an advanced camera. The new OS 6 offers many enhancements, but is not different enough to disaffect the existing users. But the reviewer was not enthusiastic about the devices design.

"Pros: Simple, smart new operating system and browser. Long battery life. Best-in-class universal search.
Cons: Bulky form factor. Underpowered processor lacks gusto. Comparative dearth of apps."

The Blackberry Torch 9800 from RIM has a usable web browser, pinch to zoom gestures and the usual Blackberry keyboard all of which Electric Pig loves. Unfortunately the screen is excessively grainy and the antiquated Blackberry OS is still there. Many previous faults have been repaired yet no new innovations were introduced. Blackberry 6 OS will be exciting for other phones.