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BlackBerry Torch 9800 review

6.7/10 AVG.
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BlackBerry Torch 9800
BlackBerry Torch 9800
BlackBerry Torch 9800
BlackBerry Torch 9800
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6.7/10
Informr score
The BlackBerry Torch 9800 currently has an Informr score of 6.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 19 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

I have an emotional response whenever I write an overview of a new BlackBerry. Part of the reason is because I have been a loyal BlackBerry user for several years, and partly because I have watched as RIM has gone from "Trailblazing" status to playing catch-up to a new market with new benchmarks.

The BlackBerry Torch illustrates my point about playing catch-up because the Torch offers some fantastic features which, unlike the trailblazing days of "Push Email", are more akin to just getting even with what Apple and Android have been offering for some time.

There are four key features offered on the Torch that are excellent, and none of them are new to the market... just to BlackBerry. Here's a brief breakdown of those features:

1. Two-finger Tap: Allows you to select multiple things simultaneously, similar to holding down the "command" key on your home PC.

2. Comprehensive Universal Search: The Torch is able to expand searches to include contacts, apps, bookmarks, emails, etc, based on whatever search string you type.

3. Wireless Sync: This feature allows you to browse your home computer's music on your phone and download it, as long as you are on your home wireless network.

4. Photo Folders: Using geolocation, the Torch is able to sort your photos based on where you took them.

In keeping with the theme of "keeping up", the Torch now offers cover flow, which Apple has had for some time. The Torch has auto-wrapping (which reformats text to fit whatever level you zoom to), which Android already offers, and they offer fully integrated social media, which Microsoft has already done.

Add to all of this RIM's third attempt at a touch screen, this time on a vertical slider which you will either love or hate, and you end up with a fine effort from RIM to, well, bring to market a device that is decidedly "caught up".


BlackBerry
Operating system
Operating system
BlackBerry
624 MHz
Processor
Processor
624 MHz
3.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.2"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1300 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Top Ten Reviews
Top Ten Reviews

We wish the battery life were stronger on this multimedia cell phone, but with the features provided, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 turns business into entertainment. Even though this device doesn’t feature the strongest multimedia features, this is a good effort to turn a business-oriented device into...

- Top Ten Reviews Team, Top Ten Reviews
What Mobile
What Mobile

With a brand new touchscreen operating system, formidable features and a full slide-out keyboard, the BlackBerry Torch is a pocket powerhouse.

- What Mobile, What Mobile
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

The BlackBerry 9800 Torch with BlackBerry OS 6 and the new WebKit browser on board together make for the best BlackBerry yet. BlackBerry OS 6, in particular, pushes the Blackberry platform back into the fray with Apple and Google. But I'm not sure BlackBerry OS 6 has much of a fighting chance....

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
MobileBurn
MobileBurn

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 offers a few firsts for RIM and AT&T. The Torch is RIM's first attempt at a BlackBerry that sports both a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen. It's also the first commercially available BlackBerry that runs the new Blackberry 6 operating system, which offers a ho...

- Todd Haselton, MobileBurn
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

First things first, traditional BlackBerry users will find the Torch 9800 as a worthy device to continue RIM's legacy as it easily maintains all the aspects about BlackBerry with a dash of some new features. RIM's attempt in attracting new users might prove difficult despite boasting a prized fo...

- PhoneArena Team, PhoneArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 user manual here.


BlackBerry backs up the Torch 9800 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Torch 9800 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
3.2"

The BlackBerry Torch 9800's screen size is 3.2 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
624 MHz

There is a 624 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
512 MB

Internal memory is 512 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1300mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1300 mAh battery. BlackBerry's performance ratings are 18 days standby time, 348 minutes.

Torch 9800 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 11, 2010
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare BlackBerry Smartphones

Processor 624 MHz
Internal Storage 512 MB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.13 W/kg
Body: 0.81 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
HSDPA 3.6
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/i/n
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
2x digital
Flash
Yes
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 65k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1300 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 348 minutes
Standby Time Up to 18 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors Charcoal, Pure White, Sunset Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.1 x 6.2 x 1.5 cm (4.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 in)
Weight 161 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY, Touchscreen
Navigation Type Optical pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, IM
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Other fields
Auto Answer: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, WMA Pro, WMA, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, PDF, PPT, RTF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):

4GB memory card included. Upgrade to BlackBerry OS 6 available
Related Links Manual (PDF)
BlackBerry Torch 9800 Reviews
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