Nostalgia for BlackBerry devices is strong, and two popular models, the Classic and the Bold 9900, often spark debate. Both offer a physical keyboard and a taste of BlackBerry's golden age, but which one delivers a better experience today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BlackBerry Bold 9900 edges out the Classic due to its touchscreen, camera, and slightly more modern processor. While the Classic's keyboard is beloved, the Bold's versatility and features make it the stronger overall choice for those seeking a functional vintage BlackBerry.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | 4, 13 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, February. Released 2015, March | 2011, May. Released 2011, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 72.4 x 10.2 mm (5.16 x 2.85 x 0.40 in) | 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm (4.53 x 2.60 x 0.41 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~291 ppi density) | 640 x 480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 39.5 cm2 (~41.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | 1.2 GHz QC 8655 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 10.3.1 | BlackBerry OS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, BlackBerry Maps |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Proximity, compass |
| | MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+/FlAC player
DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 384 h (3G) | Up to 307 h (2G) / Up to 307 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (3G) | Up to 6 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Removable Li-Ion 1230 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.41 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -86.3dB / Crosstalk -81.2dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1304:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 71dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 76dB |
BlackBerry Classic Non Camera
- Excellent physical keyboard
- Classic BlackBerry design
- Simple and focused OS
- No camera
- Limited app support
- Outdated processor
- No touchscreen
BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900
- Touchscreen display
- Integrated camera
- Physical keyboard
- Slightly better performance
- Aging hardware
- Limited app support
- Battery life concerns
- Can be difficult to find in good condition
Display Comparison
The Bold 9900 boasts a touchscreen alongside its physical keyboard, offering a more versatile interaction. The Classic relies solely on its keyboard and a smaller, non-touchscreen display. Both have a nominal contrast ratio of 1304:1, but the Bold's touchscreen provides a richer visual experience.
Camera Comparison
The Bold 9900 has a distinct advantage with its integrated camera, allowing for photos and videos. The Classic, as its name suggests, lacks a camera entirely. This is a significant difference for users who value mobile photography.
Performance
The Bold 9900's 1.2 GHz QC 8655 processor provides a slight performance advantage over the Classic's 1.5 GHz Krait. While both phones are showing their age, the Bold generally feels a bit snappier in everyday use. App compatibility and OS limitations will impact both devices.
Battery Life
Battery life on both devices is heavily dependent on usage and condition. The Bold 9900, with its slightly more efficient processor and smaller screen, *potentially* offers slightly better battery life, but both will require frequent charging by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The BlackBerry Classic Non Camera is ideal for die-hard keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize typing comfort and a classic BlackBerry aesthetic above all else. The BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 is better suited for users who want a touchscreen, camera capabilities, and a slightly more modern feature set within a vintage BlackBerry package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are apps readily available for these BlackBerry devices?
App availability is limited. Both devices run older versions of BlackBerry OS, which doesn't support modern app stores. You may find some legacy apps, but don't expect a wide selection.
❓ Can I use these phones with a modern cellular network?
These phones use older cellular technologies (likely 3G). They may not work on current 4G or 5G networks, depending on your carrier and region. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally available.
