mObscure

I recently took a good look at the recently released BlackBerry Curve 3G and compared it to the older 8520 model to see how different it was.

The first thing to notice is the addition of some chrome effect trim around the edge of the newer model. This does, in my opinion look nicer than its all black predecessor, however, I have to wonder how long this will last for. I am pretty sure that in time some well worn black patches will begin to appear on it, hopefully I will be proved wrong about that.

The other asthetic to have changed is the battery cover which is now rubberized and has a high grip pattern moulded into it. This really changes the way the phone feels for the better and is certainly a lot easier to keep hold of!

Technically the big change is the addition of 3G which was noticably lacking in the 8520. This makes a huge difference to performance if you are using the internet on the move, and is probably the reason that most people would upgrade to this phone, from an 8520.

The 3G uses BlackBerrys OS6 which promised faster performance, improved user experience and a better browser, all of which are delivered, but I have to say I had espected more. I would not describe the browser as being “brand new” as some had suggested. The interface is exactly the same as the old one, and altghough faster I find it awkward to check which URL you are on, and the fact that hitting the back button first zooms you back (if you have zoomed into a page) before actually taking you back a page. To go back its a click of the function key, scroll down to find “back”… its not very usable in my opinion.

Messaging looks nicer and there are a lot of other tweaks, but nothing particularly noticeable.

I really like the Curve 3G, for all the reasons I liked the 8520, those being great keyboard, quality, reliability, comfortable size, all features the 3G retains. The 3G is the only feature I would actually pay to upgrade for. I love the new grippy feel, but there is no denying that this phone is in most other respects identical or very very close to its predecessor.

Great phone, but no surprises.