Released in 2010, the BlackBerry Curve 9360 and Nokia N8 represent divergent approaches to the smartphone experience. The Curve 9360 prioritized secure communication and physical keyboard usability, while the Nokia N8 focused on imaging capabilities and multimedia playback. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device holds up better in retrospect.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the user prioritizing secure communication and efficient text input, the BlackBerry Curve 9360 remains a compelling choice. However, the Nokia N8’s superior camera and video recording capabilities, alongside its larger display, make it the better all-around device for multimedia consumption and content creation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 10.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, August. Released 2011, August | 2010, April. Released 2010, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 60 x 11 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 0.43 in) | 113.5 x 59.1 x 12.9 mm, 86 cc (4.47 x 2.33 x 0.51 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 99 g (3.49 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| | Optical trackpad | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 360 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~246 ppi density) | 360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~210 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.44 inches, 18.4 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 33.8 cm2 (~50.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 800MHz | 680 MHz ARM 11 |
| GPU | - | Broadcom BCM2727 |
| OS | BlackBerry OS 7.0 | Symbian^3, upgradable to Nokia Belle Refresh |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512MB 512MB RAM | 16GB 256MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Carl Zeiss optics, Xenon flash, ND filter |
| Single | 5 MP | 12 MP, 1/1.83", AF |
| Video | 480p | 720p@25fps, 720p@30fps (via SW update) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps 3.0 |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UMA (carrier-dependent) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UPnP technology |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV/FLAC player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | TV-out (720p video) via HDMI with Dolby Digital Plus sound
Anodized aluminum casing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 25 h | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (2G) / Up to 288 h (3G) | Up to 390 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-4D) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Pink | Dark Grey, Silver White, Green, Blue, Orange, Pink, Bronze |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.42 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.22 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.9dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB |
Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -90.9dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1054:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 2.144:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB
|
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 82dB |
BlackBerry Curve 9360
- Excellent physical keyboard for fast typing
- Strong security features for secure communication
- Optimized for messaging and email productivity
- Limited camera capabilities compared to the N8
- Smaller display size
- Less versatile multimedia experience
Nokia N8
- Superior camera and video recording capabilities
- Larger display for immersive multimedia consumption
- More versatile multimedia experience
- Slower processor compared to the Curve 9360
- Less emphasis on secure communication
- Symbian OS may feel dated
Display Comparison
The Nokia N8 boasts a contrast ratio of 2.144:1 in sunlight, suggesting better outdoor visibility compared to the BlackBerry Curve 9360’s 1054:1 nominal contrast ratio. While the N8’s display size isn’t specified, the higher sunlight contrast implies a more robust panel for outdoor use. The Curve 9360’s contrast ratio, while respectable, is likely optimized for indoor viewing. The N8’s display is likely to be larger, offering a more immersive experience for video playback, a key feature given its video recording capabilities.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia N8 clearly excels in the camera department. Its ability to capture both photo *and* video, unlike the Curve 9360’s photo-only camera, is a significant advantage. While specific sensor details are missing, the N8’s focus on imaging suggests a more advanced sensor and lens system. The N8’s video recording capability opens up possibilities for content creation and sharing, a feature absent on the BlackBerry. The Curve 9360’s camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but it doesn’t compete with the N8’s multimedia prowess.
Performance
The BlackBerry Curve 9360’s 800MHz CPU offers a slight clock speed advantage over the Nokia N8’s 680MHz ARM 11 processor. However, raw clock speed doesn’t tell the whole story. The ARM 11 architecture in the N8 is older and less efficient than the processor likely used in the Curve 9360. This difference translates to potentially smoother multitasking and application loading on the BlackBerry, despite the lower clock speed. The Curve 9360’s performance is geared towards quick messaging and email access, while the N8’s processor is sufficient for its multimedia focus.
Battery Life
Without specific battery capacity or charging wattage data, it’s difficult to definitively compare battery life. However, the Nokia N8’s focus on multimedia playback – a power-intensive task – suggests it may require more frequent charging. The BlackBerry Curve 9360, optimized for efficient messaging and communication, likely offers better battery endurance for typical daily use. The N8’s larger display and more demanding processor likely contribute to higher power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the BlackBerry Curve 9360 if you need a highly secure device with an excellent physical keyboard for extensive messaging and email. Its strength lies in productivity and reliable communication. Buy the Nokia N8 if you prefer a smartphone with a strong emphasis on photography and videography, offering a larger display for media consumption and a more versatile multimedia experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia N8’s Symbian OS still usable today, and are there any app limitations?
While Symbian OS is no longer actively developed, it remains functional. However, app availability is severely limited compared to modern operating systems like Android or iOS. Many popular apps are unavailable, and security updates are non-existent, making it less secure for everyday use.
❓ How does the BlackBerry Curve 9360’s keyboard compare to touchscreen typing on other smartphones of the era?
The Curve 9360’s physical QWERTY keyboard is its standout feature. It offers a tactile typing experience that is significantly faster and more accurate than touchscreen typing for many users, especially those accustomed to physical keyboards. This makes it ideal for composing long emails or messages.
❓ Can the Nokia N8’s video recording be considered good by today’s standards?
While the Nokia N8 was capable of recording 720p HD video, the quality doesn’t compare to modern smartphone video recording. Expect lower dynamic range, less detail, and more noise. However, for its time, it was a very capable video recorder.
