Released in different eras of mobile technology, the BlackBerry Curve 9360 and the HTC Sensation XL represent fundamentally different approaches to smartphone design. The Curve 9360, a stalwart of the BlackBerry world, prioritizes secure communication and physical input, while the Sensation XL aimed to deliver a multimedia-rich Android experience. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, revealing which device best suits modern needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the HTC Sensation XL is the more practical choice. Its Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 chipset and 40-hour endurance rating offer a significantly better performance and usability experience than the aging BlackBerry Curve 9360, despite the latter's iconic keyboard.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, August | 2011, October. Released 2011, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 109 x 60 x 11 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.43 in) | 132.5 x 70.7 x 9.9 mm (5.22 x 2.78 x 0.39 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 99 g (3.49 oz) | 162.5 g (5.75 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~199 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.44 inches, 18.4 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 62.9 cm2 (~67.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | S-LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 800MHz | 1.5 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 205 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 7.0 | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Sense UI 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 512MB 512MB RAM | 16GB 768MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | Beats headset |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UMA (carrier-dependent) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLAC player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min (advertised) |
| Music play | Up to 25 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) | Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 460 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) | Up to 11 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1600 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Pink | White |
| Models | - | RMX2155 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.42 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.22 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 389.00 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 144.98 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.9dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB |
Noise -85.2dB / Crosstalk -75.1dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 40h
|
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1054:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1085:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 70dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 292828(v8)
GeekBench: 1681 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
BlackBerry Curve 9360
- Iconic QWERTY keyboard for fast typing
- Strong focus on security and privacy
- Compact and lightweight design
- Outdated processor and limited performance
- Limited app compatibility
- Small display size
HTC Sensation XL
- Faster processor and smoother performance
- Larger display for multimedia consumption
- Versatile Android operating system
- Larger and heavier design
- Android OS may require more security management
- Battery life, while good, is dependent on usage
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a nominal contrast ratio of approximately 1085:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Sensation XL’s larger display size is a significant advantage for media viewing. While neither specification details screen resolution or panel technology, the Sensation XL’s focus on multimedia suggests a more vibrant and detailed display experience. The Curve 9360’s smaller screen is optimized for text readability, benefiting from the contrast ratio, but lacks the immersive quality of the HTC.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the HTC Sensation XL likely provides a more refined experience. The context data doesn’t specify sensor sizes or megapixels, but the inclusion of video recording suggests a more versatile camera system on the Sensation XL. The Curve 9360’s camera is likely limited to basic photo capture, suitable for quick snapshots but lacking the features and quality of a modern smartphone camera. The Sensation XL’s chipset also includes image processing capabilities that would enhance photo and video quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The BlackBerry Curve 9360’s 800MHz CPU is dwarfed by the HTC Sensation XL’s 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2. This difference translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding applications on the HTC. The Snapdragon S2, while dated by today’s standards, represents a leap in processing power over the Curve 9360’s processor, making it the clear winner for users who value responsiveness and speed. The Sensation XL’s RAM options (6GB or 8GB) further enhance its multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The HTC Sensation XL boasts a 40-hour endurance rating, a significant advantage over the BlackBerry Curve 9360, for which battery life data is unavailable. The Sensation XL’s 30W wired charging (50% in 26 minutes, 100% in 65 minutes) is also a major convenience, allowing for quick top-ups. While the Curve 9360’s battery life may be adequate for basic use, the Sensation XL’s superior endurance and fast charging make it the better choice for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the BlackBerry Curve 9360 if you absolutely require a physical QWERTY keyboard for extensive messaging and prioritize data security above all else, understanding its limitations in modern app compatibility and performance. Buy the HTC Sensation XL if you prefer a larger touchscreen for multimedia consumption, demand a more versatile operating system with access to a wider range of apps, and value faster processing speeds and longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC Sensation XL still usable in 2024 with modern apps?
While the Snapdragon S2 is dated, the HTC Sensation XL can run many older Android apps. However, newer, more demanding applications may experience performance issues or be incompatible. The Android OS, even in its older version on this device, offers more flexibility than the BlackBerry OS in terms of app availability.
❓ How secure is the BlackBerry Curve 9360 compared to modern smartphones?
The BlackBerry Curve 9360 was renowned for its security features, particularly its encrypted communication. However, modern smartphones have evolved significantly in security, offering features like biometric authentication, regular security updates, and app sandboxing. While the Curve 9360 remains relatively secure for its time, it lacks the comprehensive security measures of contemporary devices.
❓ Can I easily find replacement batteries for either of these phones?
Finding replacement batteries for both phones is becoming increasingly difficult. However, aftermarket options are available for the HTC Sensation XL, while finding a reliable replacement for the BlackBerry Curve 9360 may be more challenging due to its age and discontinued production.
