The BlackBerry Bold series represents a golden age of physical keyboards and dedicated smartphone experiences. The 9780 and 9650 were both flagship devices, but subtle differences set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Bold 9780 edges out the 9650 thanks to its slightly faster processor and improved camera. While both offer the classic BlackBerry experience, the 9780 provides a marginally better overall performance and feature set for those seeking a vintage smartphone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 2100 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Class 12 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | GSM 850 / 1900 - SIM 2 (optional) |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, October. Released 2010, November | 2010, April. Released 2010, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 60 x 14 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.55 in) | 112 x 62 x 14 mm (4.41 x 2.44 x 0.55 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 122 g (4.30 oz) | 136 g (4.80 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.44 inches, 18.4 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.44 inches, 18.4 cm2 (~26.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 624 MHz | - |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 6.0 | BlackBerry OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 256MB 512MB RAM | 512MB |
| Phonebook | - | 500 entries |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UMA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | HTML |
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| | BlackBerry maps
Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Media player MP3/WMA/AAC+
Video player DivX/WMV/XviD/3gp
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | MP3/MP4/3GP player
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 18 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 528 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G) | Up to 312 h |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h (2G) / Up to 6 h (3G) | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) | 1.35 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) | 1.68 W/kg (head) 0.27 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -89.4dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 68dB
| - |
BlackBerry Bold 9780
- Faster 624 MHz processor
- Slightly better camera quality
- More responsive keyboard feel
- Classic BlackBerry design
- Older technology, limited app support
- Small screen
- No modern features like 4G
BlackBerry Bold 9650
- Classic BlackBerry design
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Potentially lower price
- Physical keyboard
- Slower processor than 9780
- Less impressive camera
- Older technology, limited app support
- Small screen
- No modern features like 4G
Display Comparison
Both the Bold 9780 and 9650 feature 2.4-inch HVGA displays. While the resolution is similar, the 9780's screen often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles, though this is subtle. Both screens are adequate for the time but lack the vibrancy of modern displays.
Camera Comparison
The 9780 includes a 3.2MP camera, while the 9650's camera is generally considered to be a 2.8MP or 3.2MP unit with similar capabilities. The 9780's image processing tends to produce slightly better results, with marginally improved color and detail. Both cameras are limited by their age and lack features like autofocus and flash.
Performance
The 9780 boasts a 624 MHz processor, a step up from the 9650's likely 580 MHz (based on typical Bold 96xx specs). This translates to slightly snappier performance, especially when multitasking or using demanding BlackBerry apps. The 9780 feels noticeably more responsive.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, typically offering a full day of moderate use. Both rely on a 1450 mAh battery. Actual battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns and network conditions.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Bold 9780 is ideal for BlackBerry purists who prioritize a responsive keyboard and a slightly better camera. The 9650 is a good choice for those seeking a reliable, classic BlackBerry experience at a potentially lower price point, understanding it lacks some of the 9780's refinements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are apps still available for these BlackBerry devices?
While the BlackBerry App World is defunct, some legacy apps may still function. However, modern app support is extremely limited. You'll be relying on older BlackBerry OS apps.
❓ Can I connect these phones to the internet?
Both devices support 3G connectivity. Wi-Fi is also available, but speeds will be limited by the older standards supported.
