Remember the BlackBerry days? Two iconic devices, the Bold 9780 and the Curve 3G 9300, represent different approaches to the BlackBerry experience. This review dives deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one holds up best today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Bold 9780 edges out the Curve 3G 9300 thanks to its superior build quality, slightly better performance, and more premium feel. However, the Curve 3G 9300 offers a more compact design and potentially better value if you prioritize portability and affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, October. Released 2010, November | 2010, August. Released 2010, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 60 x 14 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.55 in) | 109 x 60 x 13.9 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.55 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 122 g (4.30 oz) | 104 g (3.67 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | Optical trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~163 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.44 inches, 18.4 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.46 inches, 18.7 cm2 (~28.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 624 MHz | - |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 6.0 | BlackBerry 5.0, upgradable to 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256MB 512MB RAM | 256MB RAM, 256MB ROM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | Dedicated music keys |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS; BlackBerry Maps |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UMA | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, UMA (carrier dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | HTML |
| | 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/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLAC player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 29 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 528 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G) | Up to 456 h (2G) / Up to 348 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h (2G) / Up to 6 h (3G) | Up to 4 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Red |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) | 1.07 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) | 1.42 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -89.7dB / Crosstalk -89.4dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 68dB
| - |
BlackBerry Bold 9780
- Premium build quality
- More powerful processor
- Comfortable keyboard
- Slightly better camera
- Larger size
- Lower resolution display compared to Curve
- Can be harder to find in good condition
BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300
- Compact and lightweight
- More affordable
- Easier to carry
- Slightly larger screen
- Slower performance
- Less premium feel
- Keyboard can feel cramped
- Limited camera quality
Display Comparison
The Bold 9780 features a 2.8-inch display, while the Curve 3G 9300 has a 3.2-inch display. While the Curve offers a slightly larger screen, both displays are relatively low resolution by modern standards. The Bold's display often had slightly better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature basic photo cameras. The Bold 9780's camera is generally considered slightly better, but image quality on both is limited by their age and technology. Don't expect high-resolution or impressive low-light performance from either.
Performance
The Bold 9780 boasts a 624 MHz processor, giving it a noticeable performance advantage over the Curve 3G 9300. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the Bold. The Curve's performance can feel sluggish at times, especially with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for both devices in their prime. The Bold 9780 typically offered a day of moderate use, while the Curve 3G 9300 could sometimes stretch to a day and a half. Actual battery life will vary significantly depending on usage and battery health.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Bold 9780 is ideal for users who appreciate a premium design, a comfortable keyboard, and a slightly more powerful processor. The BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 is a good choice for those seeking a smaller, lighter device and a more budget-friendly option, prioritizing portability over top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. They rely on older networks (2G/3G) which are being phased out. You may need to research compatible carriers. App support is also limited.
❓ Which phone is better for messaging?
The Bold 9780's keyboard is generally considered more comfortable and easier to type on, making it a better choice for heavy messaging users.
